Free guide for DSP trainers
A practical crosswalk for teams who support autistic adults: each of the nine tenets, a few everyday practices, and a 15-minute scenario a trainer can run.
Special Learning · November 10, 2026 · An independent guide; NADSP has not reviewed or endorsed it.
In June 2026, NADSP released a revised Code of Ethics with nine tenets. NADSP worked with the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration, through focus groups and validation sessions that included DSPs, frontline supervisors and people with lived disability experience [1][2]. This crosswalk takes each tenet into a new DSP's first weeks of shifts with an autistic adult. For each one it gives a few everyday practices and a 15-minute activity a trainer can run.
Two things hold throughout. First, the person is the expert on their own life. Second, support for any one person follows that person's own plan and the clinician or team who wrote it. The practices below are ways to learn and honor that plan, never substitutes for it.
To run a session, read the tenet aloud from your copy of the Code (NADSP offers a printable copy through a download form on its site [1]), then use the scenario. All names are fictional.
The nine tenets: Advocacy, Confidentiality and Privacy, Justice, Fairness, Equity, and Inclusion, Person-Centered Supports, Physical and Emotional Well-Being, Professionalism, Accountability and Growth, Relationships and Social Roles, Respect, Self-Determination and Choice.
Tenet 1 of 9
At a clinic visit, the receptionist asks the DSP, not Sam, about Sam's symptoms. Sam uses a text-to-speech app. What do you do in the moment? How do you hand the conversation back to Sam? How would you find out what Sam wants next time?
Tenet 2 of 9
A coworker posts in the staff group chat: "Heads up, Jordan had a rough night," followed by details. What did the next shift actually need to know, and through which channel? NADSP notes a DSP can act unethically without breaking HIPAA [4]. Where is that line here?
Tenet 3 of 9
A day program cancels a concert outing for "the whole autism group" because concerts are loud. Who decided, and who was asked? What might each person choose, such as ear defenders, a quiet seat or a plan for leaving early? Is this JEFI?
Tenet 4 of 9
Alex prefers dim lights and a knock and a pause before anyone comes into the room. The previous staff member "always just went in." Where do you find Alex's preferences? What do you do when habit and preference differ? How do you check with Alex?
Tenet 5 of 9
Morgan's usual staff member is out and the shower routine has moved. Morgan is pacing and covering their ears. What does Morgan's plan say? What could you offer? What goes in the shift note?
Tenet 6 of 9
A DSP realizes she handed Chris the wrong schedule card, and Chris missed his art class. No one else noticed. What do you do now? Who do you tell, and how do you tell Chris? What makes it less likely next time?
Tenet 7 of 9
Dana wants to invite a coworker to her birthday but isn't sure how. How do you support her without taking over? Later, if Dana wants to step back from a friendship, how would you support that choice?
Tenet 8 of 9
Two staff members talk about Riley in the kitchen while Riley sits at the table, calling his hand-flapping "his thing." What did Riley hear? How would you repair it? Who could help you understand what flapping means for Riley, starting with Riley?
Tenet 9 of 9
Taylor wants to take the bus to the grocery store alone for the first time. Whose decision is it? What information would help Taylor decide? How does the team support Taylor's choice?
Tell us which scenarios worked with your new staff and which tenet you want more help with. Please leave out names and private health information about the people your staff support.
The Code is NADSP’s copyrighted text; this guide names its tenets and links to it rather than reproducing it. Read November 10, 2026.