Autism can be seen in many ways as a type of culture, with different ways of communicating, relating and doing life.  Many counsellors do not feel confident in working with Autistic adults or adapting their counselling practices to suit the needs of Autistic adults.  This is an underserviced population in the counselling space, with a lot of focus existing on the needs of Autistic children and/or with a very deficit approach.  This has led to Autistic adults experiencing ineffective or even harmful treatments.  Additionally, many Autistic adults are put into the position of providing education to their mental health professionals about autism. This is a 2hr live online interactive workshop for counsellors + other allied health professionals, filled with hands on strategies to make your counselling culturally competent and neurodiversity affirming.

• Learn about co-neurodivergences, gender and sexuality can present in Autistics
• Neurodiversity-affirming ways of using polyvagal theory affirming
• Develop cultural competence for Autistic adults

In this training, you will learn about common co-neurodivergences that may impact on the counselling process and interact with autism.  These include neurodivergences such as ADHD, alexithymia, aphantasia, misophonia and others, as well as different presentations of gender and sexuality.   We will look at how to apply polyvagal theory and how masking can be conceptualised as an automatic threat response. You will also learn how to develop a plan for unmasking safely that takes into account the needs of the individual.   Lastly, we will look at Autism as being a culture and examine common communication differences between Autistics and allistics, including examining the double empathy problem. We will look at how counsellors can use different ways to communicate, as well as other adaptions that they can make to practice in a culturally competent way. WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR  This training has been designed with counsellors and psychotherapists in mind.  But anyone who regularly works with Autistic adults or uses counselling skills as part of their profession will benefit from this training. FEATURES OF PRESENTATION  This is an interactive and hands on online workshop where you will gain knowledge, and practical advice and strategies to work with Autistic adults in a safe and effective way.  Combining in depth theory with experiential work and providing ample examples this online workshop will help you learn skills for creating more neurodiversity affirming practices to suit Autistic adults.

• Engaging & evidence-based content
• Hands on activities designed to deepen your learning experience
• Lots of practical examples and strategies

I place a cap on the maximum number of attendees. This means that you have the time and space to ask questions and keeps the workshop interactive.  This is not a lecture with hundreds of attendees.  It means that I can tailor content according to the interests of the group. COST I have tried to keep the costs low by keeping extras to a minimum.  You can add on extras as suited to your budget.  All prices are inclusive of GST. Live Workshop $150 Please enter the code ACA2025 at the checkout to get the special ACA member price of $100 for the workshop. Optional extras You can select these optional extras during checkout. Online resources – $10 – 100+ page resource pack delivered to you digitally to download – Includes a copy of the slides & worksheets referenced in the presentation Hard copy of resources – $60 – 100+ resource pack printed in colour in a folder, shipped to your address – A free bonus sensory pack Group supervision (1.5hrs) – $75 – Run by a neurodivergent & qualified supervisor – Limited to 6 attendees – PACFA or ACA membership mandatory for attendance – Groups will run with 2 or more attendees – No refunds available for group supervision – Runs after the workshop: May 17th 12-1:30pm – A separate Zoom link will be sent to you on the day of the workshop SCHOLARSHIPS Full and part scholarships are available.  For more information or to apply please see: https://www.ndats.com.au/scholarships CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION A link will be provided to attendees at the end of the workshop to complete an online assessment.  After this, you will be able to download a certificate of completion.