Counselling Autistic Adults is a neurodiversity affirming professional development workshop designed for therapists who want to work more effectively and respectfully with Autistic adults. The workshop reframes autism from a deficit based model to a difference based, Autistic led understanding, using contemporary frameworks such as monotropism, bottom up processing, spiky profiles, and differences in neural connectivity and communication.
The course helps practitioners build cultural competence by understanding autism as not only a neurotype but also a distinct communicative and relational culture. It explores the real world complexity of Autistic experiences, including co-occurring neurodivergences such as ADHD, alexithymia, aphantasia, and misophonia, and how these shape therapy, communication, overwhelm, and safety.
Learn practical, immediately usable counselling strategies including flexible goal setting, scripting, exit planning, adapting modalities to Autistic attention and sensory needs, and applying polyvagal principles in neuro affirming ways. The workshop also covers supporting Autistic adults through the diagnostic journey, including identity formation, grief, underdiagnosis, unmasking, connection with the Autistic community, and burnout cycles.
Presenter:
Jacqueline Gibb
Master’s of Counselling, Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling, Bachelor in Education, Diploma in Community Services; PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor
Disclaimer:
The content of this endorsed CPD course is provided by the external course provider. Attendees are encouraged to approach the material with an open mind and consider diverse perspectives, particularly those from lived experiences related to the topics discussed. For feedback regarding the course, please contact the course provider directly.