Embracing Neurodiversity: Strengths-Based Approaches for Autism in Clinical Practice

“Neurodiversity” is the fact that there are inherent differences in how human minds perceive and interact with the world. The #neurodiversity paradigm arose in the 1990s but has been increasingly a focus in the mental health space, especially concerning #autistic individuals. That is, this framework rejects the idea of one “normal” or “correct” style of neurocognitive functioning and to stop pathologizing autistic ways of thinking and behaving. The neurodiversity paradigm of #autism argues that problems in living stem, in large part, from the societal exclusion autistic people face. This aligns with research that supports autistic mental health is reflected by acceptance and quality of support given, not necessarily with “symptom” severity. However, much of our understanding and interventions in psychology reflect a medical model of autism spectrum disorder, which is inherently deficit focused, therefore often increasing misunderstanding of autistic clients and barriers to them receiving care. From an ethical lens, practitioners should increase their understanding of neurodiversity in order to increase accessibility for a specific population.

This presentation will focus on neurodiversity-affirming principles for clinical practice and attendees will learn specific skills to bring to evidence-based treatments with autistic children and adults. However, it should be noted that there is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach and autistic clients have their own needs. The goal is to learn fundamental principles and gather tools to implement in the best way for individual clients. 

Learning Statement:
At the conclusion of this presentation attendees should be able to balance professional ethics with neurodiversity affirming principles with working with autistic clients and use neurodiversity affirming skills to support enhanced relationships and treatment outcomes for autistic clients.

Learning Objectives: 
• Describe how neurodiversity affirming principles align with professional ethics
• Conceptualize cases from a neurodiversity paradigm for autism using strengths-based language
• List at least 3 ways to enhance the therapeutic relationship with autistic clients using neurodiversity affirming principles
• Describe at least 3 skills to incorporate into popular evidence-based treatments in therapy with autistic clients 

About the presenter:
Laura Rowley, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist. Laura obtained her doctorate from Wayne State University. She completed her APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Primary Children’s Hospital. Laura is currently the Program Director for the Assessment and Testing Team at Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment. Her expertise in assessment includes assessment of autistic children and adults and treatment of coinciding problems in living.  

UCEBT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. UCEBT maintains responsibility for this program and its content.