The Power of Counselling for Autistic Individuals: A Guide to Understanding and Support
The Power of Counselling for Autistic Individuals: A Guide to Understanding and Support
In the journey of life, we all face unique challenges that shape our experiences and how we interact with the world. For autistic individuals, these challenges can be particularly complex, often requiring specialised support to navigate. Counselling is one such support mechanism that can make a profound difference in the lives of autistic clients. By fostering understanding, providing coping strategies, and creating a safe space for expression, counselling helps autistic individuals feel better about themselves and feel more confident in a society that isn’t always that accommodating for neurodivergent individuals.
I like to think I am an advocate for my neurodivergent clients, I'm passionate about the topic of Autism and I'm on a continual learning journey on neurodivergence. I have read many a book on the topic (Love - Nicky Collins - Through autistic eyes), been on numerous courses including a 6-month Training course by Ausome, and I am part of a regular informal discussion group made up of both neurotypical and neurodivergent Counsellors.
Aberdeen Bespoke Counselling I feel proud to say lives up to its name of being a ‘Bespoke’ counselling service. Even though I have seen and been a part of a great number of Autistic clients counselling journeys, I see each client as a unique individual and always ask what they would like from our sessions together (as everyone is different). That said there are some common themes I often work on with my clients.
1. Understanding Autism and the Role of Counselling
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes information. The spectrum nature of autism means that its impact can vary widely from one individual to another. While some autistic individuals may have difficulties with social interactions and communication, others might struggle with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, or repetitive behaviours. The percentages of co-existing conditions with Autism is sadly quite high. So around 80% can have anxiety, 60% depression, 40% PTSD and 30% OCD are just some of the statistics. Because of these statistics it can mean Autistics are more likely to have been misdiagnosed or just diagnosed with anxiety, and Autism is completely overlooked.
Counselling, in this context, is most definitely not about "fixing" or changing the individual but about them understanding their unique experiences and why for example life might seem easier for others. I work collaboratively with my clients to enhance their quality of life. I aim to help my clients understand themselves and their autistic self, find healthy coping mechanisms, balance their energy levels, avoid burnout, avoid being taken advantage of and start to like and believe in themselves again (if they don’t already!). As a counsellor who specialises in autism I can help identify specific challenges and strengths, provide tailored strategies that resonate with the client's needs.
2. Exploring Autism and Diagnosis with the client
As a Counsellor I do not diagnose my clients (I can often tell if it's likely they may be Neurodivergent but I don’t diagnose). What I can do is explore why they feel they might be autistic, what symptoms resonate with them, explore the likely challenges an autistic person might face and provide some tools / basic analysis to tell if it's likely they are autistic and if a diagnosis might be worthwhile. We can explore what a diagnosis would mean to them, I can share what that diagnosis process might look like and help a client prepare for it. I can support them through the diagnosis process (which can be challenging in a variety of different ways) and at the end of the process advise subsequent steps which may be appropriate. There can often a huge lack of support following the diagnosis. Clients may receive the diagnosis and then what? It might be you should ask for the support you deserve at School, University or work, or in coming to terms with the diagnosis or even just how to share that diagnosis with your loved ones. If you go privately I can also help you prepare for your appointment with the psychiatrist or psychologist and even help you fill in those lovely forms they give you. (The mind boggles, when form filling is often a neurodivergent's idea of hell!).
3. Developing Coping Strategies
One of the primary benefits of counselling for autistic individuals is the development of healthy coping strategies to manage the challenges they face. This can include techniques for:
Managing Anxiety: Many autistic individuals experience heightened levels of anxiety, often triggered by sensory overload, changes in routine, or social interactions. I can work with clients to develop anxiety-reducing strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or using structured routines to create a sense of predictability.
Improving confidence in Social Skills: Social interactions can be particularly challenging/anxiety-provoking for those on the autism spectrum. Therapeutic techniques such as building confidence, improving assertive skills, and understanding themselves and others more, can lessen the stress of social interactions and hopefully reduce feelings of isolation.
Handling Sensory Sensitivities/overloads: Autistic individuals often have heightened sensitivities to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory stimuli. I can help clients identify triggers and develop personalised strategies, such as using noise-cancelling headphones or creating / asking for sensory-friendly environments.
4. Building Self-Awareness and Acceptance
Counselling provides a safe space where autistic clients can explore their feelings, experiences, and identity. This process of self-exploration is crucial for building self-awareness and acceptance. For many autistic individuals, understanding their own needs, strengths, and challenges is a powerful step towards self-advocacy and independence and ABC has some fantastic tools to help achieve this.
I can play a key role in guiding clients through this journey, helping them recognise that being autistic is an integral part of who they are. This acceptance can help reduce any internalised stigma and build a positive self-image, empowering clients to embrace their wonderful and unique selves.
5. Enhancing Communication with Loved Ones or Professional Ones
Effective communication between autistic individuals and their families/friends/colleagues is essential for mutual understanding and support. Counselling sessions can facilitate this communication by providing the right tools and techniques. This might involve: discussing various scenarios and how to deal with them, sharing helpful YouTube videos, working through CBT worksheets, listening to podcasts, and working towards some of the clients’ individual goals (just to name a few!). Being able to communicate well in your environment is important in order to ensure needs are met as an autistic person, appropriate boundaries are set, ensure you are not taken advantage of and avoid any kind of burnout or overwhelm.
6. Supporting Transitions and Life Changes
Life transitions, such as starting school, changing jobs, or moving to a new environment, can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. I can also help provide the necessary support during these times, helping clients anticipate changes and develop strategies to cope with new situations. This support can significantly reduce the anxiety and stress associated with transitions, making them smoother and more manageable.
7. Empowering Clients through Advocacy
Finally, counselling can empower autistic individuals by equipping them with self-advocacy skills. Learning to express their needs, set boundaries, and advocate for their rights is crucial for navigating a world that is often not designed with neurodiverse individuals in mind. I can guide my clients in building these skills, helping them to take control of their lives and assert their autonomy.
The above are some of the popular things autistic clients often want to work on, but I know that everyone is different and each counselling journey is different. I work with clients towards their goals and what they would like to get out of counselling. Whether that is just telling their story, exploring their trauma (childhood or adulthood), learning new coping mechanisms, learning about self-care and self-compassion or working towards specific goals of their own.
Conclusion
Counselling offers autistic individuals a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of life with understanding, resilience, and a great deal of self-compassion. By addressing specific challenges, building on strengths, and fostering acceptance, counselling can help autistic clients lead more empowered, happier and less stressful lives. Whether it's managing anxiety, improving communication, processing past or present traumas or supporting life transitions, the impact of counselling can be transformative, providing the tools and support needed to get to where they would like to be in their lives. I hope after reading this blog that I might just have helped convince you ABC will most definitely be the right choice and the right decision for you to you become a happier and more competent person.
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