Catherine McEachern Spotlight: Research, Advocacy, and a Neuro-Affirming Future
Catherine McEachern, better known as “Cat,” is the Research and Professional Training Coordinator at Autism Connections. She has been with ServiceNet for three years, beginning her work as an Intensive Flexible Family Support (IFFS) Coordinator before stepping into her current role.
Autism Connections is an Autism Support Center that supports autistic individuals of all ages and their families throughout western Massachusetts. As part of Autism Connections, the Autism Resource Center researches and supplies different resources for individuals with autism.
That’s where Cat’s role comes in, which is centered on two aspects: professional trainings and research.
Cat holds two degrees: a bachelor’s in psychology with a specialization in developmental disabilities, and a Master of Science in behavioral neuroscience. To her, research is second nature. Her work keeps both her and Autism Connections up to date on the most current information on autism and the resources available for autistic individuals.
“I love data. There’s meaning behind the numbers,” said Cat. “People in my community can directly benefit from this work.”
The other aspect of her work is training and events. She trains professionals on autism, from paraprofessionals and teachers to first responders and mental health clinicians, tailoring the sessions to each specific group. She also helps make Autism Connections events more accessible, including accommodations like sensory tents and tools.
Most recently, Cat worked with River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), conducting a training on autism for their therapeutic mentors.
Depending on specific needs, the trainings may be used toward certifications or accreditations. In the future, Cat is hoping to make the trainings more marketable and eligible for EMS, EMT, and paramedic-specific credits, cutting out extra steps those professionals have to take to become certified.
“I think what sets me apart is that I’m autistic myself, so I use my personal and professional experience to tailor the trainings, to make it a well rounded experience,” said Cat.
In some of her trainings, Cat introduces the concept of a “neuro-affirming framework,” essentially creating a space that allows individuals to be autistic safely, without judgment or consequences.
“Neuro-affirming is not punishing dysregulation; we’re allowing the freedom to be who they are, in a safe way,” said Cat.
Cat’s work and her goals are aligned with one another.
“The point is to be able to make any service that any autistic person or their family goes to be autism-friendly.”
Her background in activism and advocacy ultimately drives Cat toward her goals. She grew up struggling in school because she wasn’t fully diagnosed with autism and didn’t have the right accommodations. Even after receiving an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), there were still hurdles.
“I had AP teachers who didn’t believe I should be in their class because they felt I was cheating or didn’t deserve to be there because I had an IEP. I always felt like I had to overcompensate for my disability and make it seem like I didn’t have one.”
Her mother was her first advocate, and that experience has driven Cat to be a force for positive change and an advocate for others.
“That’s kind of the future that I really want to see, with evidence-based education so that we can make western Mass as accessible as possible.”
