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 in her methods. We prioritise the teaching of flexibility to young people to enable them to handle difficult thoughts and feelings as they emerge. We have a particular interest in working with rigidity, "giving up" behaviour and emotional outbursts. 

​

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. We works using a functional approach so that skills taught in sessions can be transferred to the real world.

 

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

• Recognising and understanding multiple perspectives

• Emotion management

• Developing social skills that feel authentic to the young person

• Recognising different social preferences of neurotypical peers

• Perfectionism

• Giving up

• Managing meltdowns

• Restrictive eating patterns

• Reading emotions

• 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

​

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

​

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