The Ziggurat Group

03/24/2026

Learn about the Underlying Characteristics Checklist, Second Edition

11/22/2024

Don't miss out on the opportunity to invest in yourself and take your knowledge to the next level! Our best course sale is starting now, so act fast and take advantage of our BOGO Special.

Use coupon code "thankful2024" to claim your discount today! Don't wait until it's too late.

www.zigguratgroup.com

11/10/2024

Drs. Ruth Aspy and Barry Grossman are proud members of the Panel of Professional Advisors for the Autism Society of America. Please use the following link and help support the Autism Society.

Throughout the past six decades, the Autism Society has helped millions of Autistic individuals, their families, and community members. Its current strategic plan focuses on safety programs, employment, health equity, advocacy and justice, affiliate expansion, community awareness, and support resources.

It's Your Time to Make a Difference. We are launching our new Gifts of Acceptance campaign — highlighting diverse, personal, stories from the Autism community to ins...

04/02/2024

The Ziggurat Group is honored to be a voice in the autism community — for over 15 years. Our mission is to increase acceptance and improve the lives of autistic individuals.

We would like to honor this month by sharing important FREE learning resources.

Respecting Neurodiversity and the Personal Experience of Autism in Assessment and Programming

Demystifying Girls and Women on the Spectrum

Strategies to Improve Mental Health Outcomes and Daily Life for Adolescents and Adults on the Spectrum

Kindly,
The Ziggurat Group (AKA Ruth and Barry)
www.zigguratgroup.com



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Image description: Autism Acceptance infinity symbol climbing the steps of the Ziggurat

11/06/2023

Join Us for the Premier Autism Conference!
We're excited to invite you to join us and others for the OCALI online conference. OCALI has been transforming inspiration into action for 17 years, and we can't wait for you to be a part of it. With over 200 sessions and networking opportunities, the OCALICON virtual conference is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experts in the field. Join us for a fun and informative experience that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. We look forward to seeing you there!

www.zigguratgroup.com

05/04/2023

Thanks to our new friend Jillynn Garcia for this beautiful watercolor of the levels of the Ziggurat.

The Ziggurat Model is a neuro-affirming framework for developing positive strategies and supports for autistic individuals.

www.zigguratgroup.com

05/01/2023

We just returned from a 2-day training in Oregon with a great group of educators.

Discussions were inspiring as we explored solutions using the Ziggurat Model to make a difference for autistic students.

www.zigguratmodel.com

02/13/2023

Reinforcement is a sensitive topic. Reinforcement done well respects neurodiversity and increases skills that improve quality of life.

Understanding autism is key to using reinforcement respectfully and ethically. Reinforcement should never be used in a way that encourages unhealthy masking (denying one’s true self) or makes a person dysregulated, uncomfortable, or unsafe.

When using reinforcement, ask yourself, “Is this skill important for this individual and does it respect their neurodiversity?” Used in a KIND way, to work towards a goal that positively impacts that person’s quality of life, it can be constructive. When reinforcement is used strictly to manipulate and control, without regard for neurodiversity, it is unethical and can be traumatic.

Respectful reinforcement is essential for ALL people – regardless of their neurology.

www.zigguratgroup.com

02/09/2023

Check out the launch of our latest FREE course!

Last year, we had the honor of presenting at OCALICON with our friend and expert Kim Clairy, OTR/L. This course is a rebroadcast of our session.

Respecting Neurodiversity and the Personal Experience of Autism in Assessment and Programming

Course description:
A paradigm shift is needed. The field of autism has historically focused on observable behaviors for diagnosis and programming. This has led to failure to recognize autism, especially in those who camouflage well, and to the tendency to design programs that do not target felt needs. A shift towards self-advocacy, with a focus on personal experience, is needed. In order to improve outcomes, professionals must inquire about and acknowledge the personal experiences of autistic individuals and work to minimize the impact of masking on the process. With the perspective of an autistic occupational therapist, this workshop explores the critical importance of these experiences and discusses practical ways for incorporating them in the process.

Learn more today:

www.zigguratgroup.com/courses/respectingneurodiversity

Kim Clairy's blog: www.kimclairy.com

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Image description: Woman with thinking bubbles above her head and in her hands. Caption is title of course: Respecting Neurodiversity and the Personal Experience of Autism in Assessment and Programming

The field of autism has focused on observable behaviors. In order to improve outcomes, professionals must inquire about and acknowledge the personal experiences of autistic individuals and work to minimize the impact of masking on the process.