Autism & Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
As our understanding of autism spectrum disorder and other forms of neurodivergence evolves, we must move beyond deficit-based models to create truly affirming spaces. Autistic clients often carry deep wounds from years of being misunderstood or forced to mask their authentic selves, making validation and accommodation essential. These articles explore topics including autistic burnout, neurodivergent couples therapy, and what effective support looks like for clients across the lifespan. Learn from Kory Andreas, Casey Ehrlich, Tasha Oswald, Mona Delahooke, and others reshaping neurodivergent-affirming care.
On the surface, autistic burnout may present like depression in neurotypical clients, but treatment is considerably different. Read more
Dr. Ramani Durvasula and Kory Andreas discuss why autism and narcissism are often misconstrued in intimate relationships. Read more
Misinformation about autism harms families, undermines progress, and diverts attention away from evidence-based practices that prevent neurodivergent burnout. Read more
For many Autistic people, the trauma they carry is a result of society treating them like broken neurotypicals. Neuro-affirming care begins with providing... Read more
Neuro-affirming intakes need to begin with doing no harm. Read more
Couples therapy was designed for neurotypical people—yet we know that neurodivergence is everywhere. How can we better identify, help, and support... Read more
When it comes to teens who’ve found belonging and understanding in the autism community, our job is more about validating than diagnosing. Read more
Increasing numbers of young people are wanting the validation of an autism diagnosis, even when assessments reveal they don’t meet the criteria. Read more
The strongest couples are the ones who are open to help—the ones who can surround themselves with allies, inviting others into the trenches with them. Read more
Is there an alternative to applied behavioral analysis for children on the spectrum? Read more
Four simple ingredients will become bread, whether you do everything right or not. The result may not be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. Read more
A nine-year-old boy with severe behavioral challenges suddenly throws a full plate of food onto the school cafeteria floor. The consequence? His... Read more
A controversial method makes talk therapy possible for people who don’t talk. Read more
By Christina Emanuel - Ryan’s reputation arrived before he did: brilliant, oppositional, angry, a general pain in the butt, and autistic. Over the years, he... Read more
An young woman with autism celebrates a very special night. Read more
Author Steve Silberman discusses what it means to view autistic people as individuals seeing the world in a different way, rather than just a checklist of... Read more
Adults with Asperger's syndrome often behave as if they were confused actors walking onto a stage and being the only ones who don't know the lines or the plot... Read more
When a child is diagnosed with an autism disorder, everything in a family changes. Good-enough parenting must give way to the demands of uber-parenting: always... Read more
By redefining Autism's five core deficits as opportunities to practice and develop skills, you can help your child make their own choices, coregulate, and... Read more
Constant Uncertainty about who's a friend and who's a foe, the mundane chaos of the classroom, rules that always seem to be changing—an ordinary day at... Read more
To go through life with Asperger's as an adult is like walking onto a stage and being the only actor who doesn't know the lines or plot. But as the condition... Read more
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