You’re going to LOVE People’s Arc! Because All We Need is LOVE.

Love comes in many forms, sparking countless questions—What is love? How do we find it? Love is so complex that the Ancient Greeks had eight different words to describe it. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate all expressions of love—not just romantic love. There’s playful love, deep friendships, love for family, and a passion for life itself. Most importantly, remember: You are special. You are worthy of love. You are loved.

 

These words come from Jennifer Cook, autism advocate, Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum US” autism expert, and bestselling author of The Asperkids (Secret) Book of Social Rules and eight other titles. Jennifer joined us for the incredible grand opening of the Northport Performing Arts Center, where she saw firsthand how our inclusive programs are transforming lives.

 

Through music, theater, dance, and digital arts, we are redefining service delivery for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities—empowering people of all abilities. Everyone, regardless of their challenges, has dreams and goals that deserve to be recognized and supported. Our focus is on inclusion, belonging, and, above all, love.

 

At our core, we strive to build relationships and foster a community of opportunity—not just in Northport, but across all our locations. This commitment is what makes our day program truly special—where people always come first!

 

 

Understanding love and relationships through a neurodivergent lens means embracing different ways of self-expression and communication. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Unique love languages:.
Neurodivergent people might express love differently, like through shared activities related to special interests, or detailed written notes, rather than typical verbal affirmations or physical touch. We miss the power of a handwritten note so write a letter to a friend!

Importance of communication:
Open and honest communication is crucial to understand each other’s needs, boundaries, and sensory sensitivities in a neurodiverse relationship. Spending time to just talk without phones and interruptions is huge!

Sensory considerations:
Some neurodivergent individuals might have heightened sensory sensitivities, impacting how they experience physical touch or environments, requiring adjustments in our surroundings.. So pick a quiet place to just have a cup of coffee or share a book.

Strengths and challenges:
While neurodivergent people can experience deep, passionate love, they may also face challenges like social anxiety, difficulty reading social cues, or managing sensory overload in relationships. Remember lets take baby steps and connect through common interests like art or a movie.

Acceptance and support:
A key aspect of loving a neurodivergent person is accepting their unique way of being and providing support during moments of stress or overwhelm. Learning to accept our differences is where it all begins and talking about them is a great start!

🚨 WE ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLING! 🚨 Join our Performing Arts Center in Northport!
You can contact Assistant Director of Admissions Mary Gallichio at MGallicchio@suffahrc.org or call 631-585-0100 ext.1086 to learn more.

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