Autism is a spectrum condition and is often misunderstood in society. Autistic individuals have unique ways of perceiving the world, communicating and interacting socially. While each autistic person is different, we often share common 'traits' such as difficulty with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviours, extreme anxiety and highly focused interests.
Understanding autism requires a nuanced approach. In autism circles many of us prefer not to use the term 'disorder' but use 'difference' instead. I, along with a great number of other autistic people, prefer to use identity first language. What I mean by this is I say 'I am an autistic person', instead of I am a person with autism.' This is a preference for each autistic person and I will always honour whichever you feel more comfortable with. This spectrum encompasses a wide range of strengths and challenges, as it is for everyone not just neurodivergent people, making each individual's experience with autism unique.
For those seeking counselling, finding the right therapist who understands and respects their neurodiversity (ND) is crucial. An autism/ND-affirming therapist recognises and embraces neurodiversity, acknowledging that neurological differences, including autism, are natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders that need to be fixed.
Just because I am autistic and you, the client may be too, doesn't mean that the focus needs to be about your experience of being autistic. It may just help you to know that I have similar experiences and feelings and that I have managed to navigate my way through a neurotypical World without any indication I might be or any help.
So, what can clients expect from an ND-affirming therapist when seeking support for autism?
Understanding and Acceptance: An ND-affirming therapist will approach autism with acceptance and understanding, recognising the strengths and challenges associated with it. They won't view autism as something to be "cured" but rather as a fundamental aspect of a person's identity.
Person-Centered Approach: Therapists affirming neurodiversity prioritise the individual's needs and preferences. They tailor therapy to accommodate the client's unique communication style, sensory sensitivities, and interests, fostering a safe and comfortable environment for growth and self-expression.
Skill Development and Coping Strategies: While therapy won't aim to change the core aspects of autism, it can help individuals develop coping strategies to navigate daily challenges more effectively. An ND-affirming therapist will work collaboratively with clients to identify and develop these skills while respecting their autonomy and agency.
Emotional Support: Living in a world that often misunderstands or stigmatises autism can be emotionally challenging. An ND-affirming therapist provides emotional support, validation, and empathy, helping clients navigate the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and self-acceptance.
Advocacy and Empowerment: Advocacy is an essential aspect of ND-affirming therapy. Therapists empower clients to advocate for themselves, educating them about their rights and helping them navigate systems and social situations that may be challenging.
In my time as a therapist, I have discovered more than half of my clients have come to see me about feelings of extreme anxiety and depression and feelings that they don't quite belong. On our journey together we explore what autism/neurodivergence is and what it 'looks' like. For over 4 decades it didn't occur to me that I might be autistic as I had a fixed idea of what autism looked like until I started researching how it showed up in women and girls.
Autism is a complex and diverse condition that requires a supportive and understanding approach. ND-affirming therapists provide a safe and inclusive space where individuals with autism can explore their identities, develop skills, and thrive on their own terms. By embracing neurodiversity, therapists play a vital role in promoting acceptance, empowerment, and well-being for autistic individuals.
There are some links to other help here and some useful resources below if you are wondering whether you or a loved one may be autistic. You can also contact me for a free, no obligation 20 min chat, to find out whether we would be the right fit for therapy.
RESOURCES (click on links)
Please note: None of these resources are definitive diagnostic tools.
A useful questionnaire to gauge whether you may be on the spectrum. The questions were aimed at males so it may need a little interpreting. https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient
I found this video useful, as a late diagnosed female, to go through the process of answering the questions on the link above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiALXZKzm3g
A fun-designed website with many questionnaires run by an 'Autism Spectrum Duo' (their words). https://embrace-autism.com/
This article helped me to articulate why we are not all on the spectrum as many neurotypicals might say. https://neuroclastic.com/its-a-spectrum-doesnt-mean-what-you-think/
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