... Opportunities Community Individuality Expression Neurodiversity Exploration Fun Connection
We’ve been providing a supportive community environment
for neurodiverse students Since 2013
Our Mission:
EMBRACE is a community striving to be our best selves and centering the lives of autistic individuals. We provide high quality therapy, educational support, and social opportunities for increased access to opportunities, genuine engagement and enjoyment of life.
NOT a traditional school.
NOT a traditional clinic.
NOT a traditional day program.
Our Programs Include
Educational
Program
The education program at Embrace provides individualized instruction in a social context with space to create, process, and build relationships.
Day
Program
The Day Program for adults integrates social interaction, communication, job training, work opportunities, independent living skills, and expanding leisure skills.
Social
Groups
We believe that everyone should have access to resources, social spaces, schools and groups, and to the relationships they choose. We Provide that Safe Environment.
Training &
Consultations
This Program guides caregivers to build positive relationships and understand the systems and supports that could most benefit their children.
Embrace was founded in 2013 in Durham, North Carolina by Jennifer Vrieze along with psychologist Dr. Aurelie Welterlin
Embrace Therapeutic Education Program was developed for autistic individuals to have increased access to learning and social connections. We are a neurodiverse community exploring opportunities together, supporting one another and building sustaining, meaningful lives.
Read What People Who Have Experienced Embrace Have To Say
Sarah has worked with my daughter for many years beginning when she was 3 years old and has been so important to our family. Sarah’s multifaceted approach has helped my daughter make steady progress in her communication across multiple areas of socialization, behavior management and academic skill development.
Rhonda is one of our son's favorite teachers; they have a very special bond, and she has been an amazing support person for him through his age development. Rhonda has learned so much about our son over the years, and has, in turn, taught us about how to best relate to him in challenging/dysregulated situations.
Jordan has an exceptional and innate ability to make his students feel seen and comfortable within the safe environment that the Embrace community provides. This comfort helps alleviate anxiety, allowing learning to progress. Jordan's unwavering positivity and eagerness to help each student thrive in acquiring new skills and navigating everyday life have been invaluable.
Jacob may be one of the most joyful, enthusiastic teachers we have ever known. If you talk to Jacob about mathematics, probability, statistics or philosophy, he starts moving his arms and legs, up and down, because his excitement just can't be contained.
My daughter absolutely loves Jane, and therapy is probably the best part of her day! Jane's work has not only boosted my daughter's confidence but also strengthened our family's ability to communicate and work together more efficiently
One of the most heartwarming aspects for us is how much our son truly enjoys going to Embrace each day. He loves sharing his interests with his teachers and comes home excited, eager to tell us what he’s learned. He especially looks forward to seeing Elijah. The bond he has formed with Elijah is incredible—he talks about him constantly and lovingly calls him “my best friend.”