Autism

Our clinic is well known for its neuro-affirming approach to working with autism, emphasising a strengths-based approach and appreciation of the authentic individual. Jodie has trained health professionals, teachers and parents around the world, emphasising safety in the therapy room, love of diversity, acceptance and workability. We prioritise the teaching of flexibility to young people to enable them to handle difficult thoughts and feelings as they emerge, but only once fluctuating capacity has been acknowledged and emotional safety achieved. 

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Autistic children usually report feeling very comfortable within the first session- an essential feature of a young person’s ability to effectively engage in therapy and to benefit from it. We use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist young people to manage overwhelming feelings. 

A neuro-affirming approach underpins the following skill development goals of sessions:

• Recognising and understanding fluctuating capacity

• Reflecting on differing communication styles

• Emotion management via appreciation of contexts that impact nervous system functioning

• Developing social skills that feel authentic to the young person

• Recognising different social preferences of neurotypical peers

• Perfectionism

• Restrictive eating patterns

• Handling a different style of learning

• Managing sensory overload

• Recognising masking and its cost

• Using the special interest to advantage

• Managing inattention

• Encouraging the exploration of passions and interests to find like-minded peers

• Appreciation of alternative methods of communication

• Self advocacy

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Jodie, Lize and Rachel seek to liaise with parents, teachers and health professionals as required and with the necessary consent and discretion. They regularly meet with parents to discuss progress and to assist with implementing strategies at home. 

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Parent input is encouraged and is an important part of the therapeutic process.