Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in various ways, impacting social interactions, communication, and behaviour. For many individuals diagnosed with autism, navigating the world can present unique challenges. However, with the right support and understanding and the right environments, individuals with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. In this blog, we'll explore the role of counselling in helping individuals with autism and their families navigate the challenges they may face.

Using the correct terms is where I would like to start – these are some things that took me a while to get my head around initially but now I am there and would like to share with you!

Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds, the infinite variation in neurocognitive

functioning within our species.

The neurodiversity paradigm is a specific perspective on neurodiversity – a perspective or approach that boils down to these fundamental principles:

1.) Neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity.

2.) The idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction, no more valid than the idea that there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture.

3.) The social dynamics that manifest regarding neurodiversity are similar to the social

dynamics that manifest regarding other forms of human diversity (e.g., diversity of ethnicity, gender, or culture). These dynamics include the dynamics of social power inequalities, and also the dynamics by which diversity, when embraced, acts as a source of creative potential.

The Neurodiversity Movement is a social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent.

Neurodivergent - sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” A person whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms in multiple ways – e.g. a person who is Autistic, Dyslexic, ADHD and Epileptic – can be described as multiply neurodivergent.

Neurotypical - often abbreviated as NT, means having a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of “normal.”  Neurotypical is the opposite of neurodivergent.

A group of people is neurodiverse if one or more members of the group differ substantially from other members, in terms of their neurocognitive functioning. Or, to phrase it another way, a neurodiverse group is a group in which multiple neurocognitive styles are represented.

Understanding Autism: Autism is known as spectrum disorder, meaning it can be experienced very differently in each individual. You may have heard the saying ‘Once you have met one autistic person, you have met one autistic person!’, as each autistic person may have a variety of difficulties or day to day challenges or other co-existing conditions. The more common co-occurring conditions include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder or depression. Research shows that people with autistic neurology are at higher risk for some mental health conditions or disorders than people without autism. In addition to this, it is also very common for an autistic person to have experienced some form of trauma in their early teens and that trauma can often come from their schooling years. Whether it's been bullying by other kids, lack of understanding of Autism by teachers or difficulties with relationships at home - these are just some of the reasons for an autistic person experiencing trauma. Understanding and accepting these differences is crucial in providing effective support for Autistic individuals. If an autistic person has a supportive environment at home, at work, school or university then generally speaking they can reach their goals successfully. If they have the right knowledge, self-belief and acceptance in place, this can make a huge difference in being able to live the life they want.

Challenges Faced by Individuals with Autism: Individuals with autism often encounter challenges in various aspects of their lives. Social situations can be overwhelming and confusing, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Communication difficulties may make it challenging to express thoughts and emotions, leading to frustration and misunderstandings. Additionally, sensory sensitivities can make everyday experiences, such as loud noises or bright lights, overwhelming and distressing. Hence the right environment being in place is incredibly important.

The Role of Counselling: Counselling can play a significant role in supporting individuals with autism and their families in overcoming these challenges. Here are some ways in which counselling can make a difference:

1.      Social anxiety: Counselling sessions can help that person to reframe their thoughts around attending social events, help the person to decide what events are important for them to attend and which ones might not be, help to build friendships, and to find support groups.

2.      Understanding emotions: It's important for anyone to understand how they feel. Sometimes figuring out how you feel can be a challenge. Thus, working on knowing how you feel and where you might feel that in your body can be very helpful in navigating day-to-day life.

3.      Emotional Regulation: Many individuals with autism can struggle with regulating their emotions, which can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns. Counselling can provide techniques and coping mechanisms to help individuals identify triggers and manage their emotions in healthy ways.

4.      Building Self-Esteem: Counselling can help an autistic person develop a positive self-image, build self-confidence, recognise their strengths and accomplishments, accept who they are and feel more confident in themselves.

5.      University or Work Support: Finding out the areas in which an autistic person may struggle, means they can then ask for the appropriate and specific help. For example at University the individual can be assigned a buddy, have essays checked and be given free access to mindfulness/meditation apps etc

6.      Adjustment Planning: As individuals with autism transition into adulthood, counselling can help them navigate this process and prepare for moving out of the parental home and living independently for the first time.  Finding employment, exploring opportunities of volunteering or further education are other areas in which Counselling could help. Counsellors can provide guidance and support in setting goals, developing life skills, and accessing resources within the community.

 Coming to ABC as an autistic client – what to expect

Aside from all of the above…….. which is quite a significant list! Firstly, I ask my clients what they would like from counselling and then work with that. It's their sessions after all, so we work on what they want, I might offer ideas /areas which might be useful but at the end of the day it's up to them. I often offer coping mechanisms to help with situations that overwhelm them or help them navigate relationships or balance their ‘spoons’ of energy or simply help them work towards goals (Autism related or not!). Some goals may be personal, for example; self-confidence, self-care, boundaries or focusing on understanding their emotions.

I might also work with a client to support them through the diagnostic process and thereafter. I can simply be a safe space to offload or just offer regular check-ins to see how a client is responding to any new medication.

Often loneliness is a topic Autistic clients bring up in the counselling room. They would like to focus on working towards making new friends, or as we call it in the counselling world, “finding your tribe!”  Sometimes I can recommend local support groups, online groups or just different ways to make friends. Finding your tribe can be crucial for an Autistic person to help them feel less alone, and less different and also see how well autistic people can communicate amongst themselves without any challenges. Some of my autistic clients have shared with me that ‘it's like being in a different culture’ when they communicate with neurotypicals but feels like they are in their own culture when it comes to communicating with other autistic people.

Promoting self-compassion and self-belief are also essential in the counselling process. Having a true understanding of what self-compassion is and then how to apply it to oneself can make key differences in someone's life. Often clients are full of empathy for others and are incredibly thoughtful and kind but sadly don’t apply these characteristics to themselves.

Lastly, if I had a client who thought they were autistic, didn’t want a diagnosis, but wanted to work with the challenges they face as an autistic person then that is fine with me too.  I would still be happy to work with the client on that basis. I don’t need proof that my clients are autistic, no one knows them better than themselves, so I work with what they believe and bring to the session.

Counselling can be a valuable resource for an autistic person. ABC especially can offer support, guidance, and practical strategies for navigating day-to-day challenges.  By working on self-confidence, self-care and self-compassion these three things can make monumental changes to an autistic person's life (to anyone’s life for that matter!). Counselling can ideally empower autistic individuals to reach their personal goals and be where they want to be in life. With support systems in place, the right environments in place and society changing and improving their attitudes towards neurodivergence, autistic people can harness their strengths and live happy and successful lives.