Matthew Woodard, M.Ed., BCBA, is the owner and founder of BASICS NW, where he leads with a neuroaffirming approach to supporting children, families, and communities. With over 20 years of experience in education and applied behavior analysis, as well as the experience of becoming an adoptive parent of an autistic child, Matt is dedicated to promoting inclusive practices that honor neurodiversity and empower individuals to thrive on their own terms. His career spans public schools, specialized programs for autistic and neurodivergent learners, residential treatment settings, and higher education, including teaching roles at the University of Washington, Pacific Lutheran University, and Fitchburg State University among others. Matt holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Framingham State University and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism from the University of Massachusetts–Lowell, and he is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst licensed in Washington and Oregon. A frequent presenter and active member of professional and community organizations, Matt advocates for ethical, strengths-based, and person-centered services that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and meaningful outcomes for all.