How to be a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
This video discusses Neurodiversity-inclusive therapy practices, with an emphasis on autism and sensory processing differences. The subtopics of this video are:
1.) Why there is an urgent need for more Neurodiversity-informed clinicians
2.) The importance of helping patients explore an autistic or neurodivergent identity: barriers to diagnosis, diagnostic disparities, and how to avoid accidentally invalidating/re-traumatizing autistic patients.
3.) Understanding issues that disproportionately affect autistic individuals, such as abuse and substance dependency.
4. ) How to create a sensory friendly, secure environment and how to bridge the "double empathy gap" which can often occur when non-autistic therapists work with autistic clients
5.) How to embrace stimming and intense interests in a way that promotes better healing and mental health.
Reference:
Modified suicide and depression screenings for autistic individuals