Values & Approach

Core Values

Human-Centered Care

We see the whole person — not just the diagnosis. Every decision, interaction, and resource is guided by what’s best for the individual and their family, honoring dignity, autonomy, and lived experience.

Neuro-Affirming Practice

We celebrate neurodiversity and honor each person’s communication styles, sensory needs, and strengths. Our approach uplifts autonomy, reduces stigma, and promotes environments where every nervous system is respected.

Collaboration Over Silos

We believe no one should navigate autism alone. CAE connects families and providers so information flows, barriers dissolve, and care becomes a shared effort rather than an isolated one.

Compassion With a Backbone

We lead with empathy while holding firm boundaries that protect families, providers, and our mission. This is kindness paired with clarity — support that is warm, direct, and trusted.

Integrity in Action

We follow through, show up, and do what we say. Our work is grounded in honesty, transparency, and consistent, ethical decision-making — even when no one is watching.

Belonging

We create a space where every family and provider feels seen, valued, and connected. CAE is a community where people don’t just participate — they feel like they’re home.

FAQs

  • We created CAE to offer families and providers a trusted, connected, and values-driven ecosystem so no one has to navigate autism alone.

  • Badge providers complete a vetting call where we review their approach, ask values-based questions, review services offered and confirm alignment with CAE’s core values.

  • No. Only providers with a CAE Badge have completed our vetting process.

  • No. Providers cannot pay to be listed, and CAE does not receive any kickbacks or referral fees.

  • The Vetted badge signals to families that you're neuroaffirming, credentialed, and someone we're confident referring. It's not just a checkbox — it's a trust signal that helps families feel safe choosing you, especially when they're overwhelmed and don't know where to start.

    Our vetting process has evolved as CAE has grown. Providers who joined in 2025 were vetted through our original relationship-based intake system — consistent forms, personal referrals, and in most cases a direct 1:1 call with Nikki. Providers joining in 2026 go through our formalized CAE vetting process, which includes an intake form plus a one-on-one call with our team. Both paths lead to the same badge — because the standard has always been high. The process just caught up with the vision.

  • No, members may attend only one event per category each month (one Mash-Up and one Provider-Led Training). Additional events may be offered separately.

  • The directory updates automatically anytime a new provider is added or a listing is revised.

  • CAE is supported through family navigation services, provider memberships, community events, and sponsorship; not through referral fees or paid directory listings.

  • No. CAE provides guidance, resources, and community support, but clinical and medical decisions should always be made with licensed professionals.

  • Most providers can write off their CAE membership as a professional or business expense; please confirm with your tax professional.

  • Memberships may be canceled with a 30-day notice. Event fees are nonrefundable unless otherwise specified.

  • No. Individual providers employed within larger organizations are welcome to enroll at the Solo or Practice membership levels.

  • The Organization tier is intended for business owners, directors, and executive decision-makers seeking company-wide visibility, multi-provider access, and strategic partnership opportunities.

Disclaimer & Transparency:

At The Collective Autism Experience, transparency is central to how we build our provider directory — and how we show up for the families who trust us.

Our Vetting Process

Our vetting process has evolved as CAE has grown. Providers who joined in 2025 were vetted through our original relationship-based intake system — consistent forms, personal referrals, and in most cases a direct 1:1 call with our founder. Providers joining in 2026 go through our formalized CAE vetting process, which includes a structured intake form and a one-on-one call with our team. Both paths lead to the same badge — because the standard has always been high. The process just caught up with the vision.

The CAE Badge

Only providers who display the CAE Badge have been personally spoken to and vetted by our team, or have an established collaborative relationship with CAE. To earn this badge, providers must demonstrate alignment with our core values: Integrity in Action, Human-Centered Care, Collaboration Over Silos, Neuro-Affirming Practice, and Belonging + Community. Badge status is not permanent — CAE reserves the right to remove any provider from the directory if concerns are raised or values are found to be misaligned.

No Pay-to-Play. Ever.

CAE does not receive monetary kickbacks, referral fees, or incentives from any provider. No one pays to be listed, and no one can pay to be recommended. Directory inclusion and badge status are earned, not purchased. Provider memberships support CAE's operational costs and community programming — they have no bearing on referral decisions or family-facing recommendations.

Limitations of Our Recommendations

While we take our vetting process seriously, CAE cannot guarantee the experience any individual family will have with a provider. We encourage families to ask questions, trust their instincts, and let us know if a concern arises. Your feedback directly informs how we maintain the integrity of our directory.

We share this openly because your trust is the foundation of everything we build.

Confidentiality:

We maintain strict confidentiality of all information shared, including personal, educational, and medical records. Documentation and discussions are protected in accordance with applicable law.
If communication with outside providers is requested, a signed Release of Information form will be required.

Waitlists & Provider Availability:

CAE has no control over the availability, scheduling, or waitlists of outside providers, schools, or programs. Inclusion in our directory or recommendations does not guarantee openings, timelines, insurance acceptance, or quality of services. CAE's role is limited to making recommendations and facilitating connections — we are not responsible for any outcomes, experiences, or interactions that occur once a family is connected with a provider. All scheduling, intake processes, service agreements, and ongoing service relationships are solely between the family and the selected provider.