Therapeutic Considerations for Autistic Clients (1 CE)
Neurodiversity-affirming care has emerged as an important framework for supporting autistic clients in mental health settings. Research and lived-experience literature have highlighted ways in which historically dominant approaches to autism have contributed to stigma, masking, minority stress, and other negative outcomes. This course reviews current research related to neurodiversity-affirming care for autistic adults and examines distinctions between traditional models of care and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
In addition to reviewing the evidence base, this course explores practical clinical strategies that may be incorporated into psychotherapy with autistic clients. Topics include strengths-based formulation, collaborative treatment planning, identity-affirming interventions, accommodations for sensory and communication differences, and strategies for addressing shame, masking, and autistic burnout. Participants will evaluate the evidence supporting these approaches and consider how neurodiversity-affirming principles may inform treatment planning and therapeutic decision-making with autistic clients.
This course consists of a 45-minute recorded lecture and a 15-minute post-lecture learning activity and provides 1 continuing education credit.