Here is how to find specialist counselling for autistic adults that works for you.

If you or someone close to you have recently been identified as autistic you might be looking for mental health support to work through all the thoughts and feelings that arise about the past, the present situation and what the future might look like.

Even though there is a lot more known about the variety of autistic experience than ever before, finding the right bespoke help can be tricky. So many voices on autism, so many views…

I personally think the reason there are lots of conflicting opinions and approaches is that there is actually no consensus on what autism is.

The historically-dominant understanding of autism defines it as a disorder, a tragic condition to manage and ideally prevent. The development of this perspective has been mostly led by non-autistic researchers and medics.

Gradually the understanding of autism as a composition of impairments became to be challenged. Autistic voices are now heard in academia, professional practice and of course in everyday conversations. This alternative position proposes autism is a neurological difference that comes with both strengths and weaknesses. It is a life-affirming view.

This is important for finding counselling for autistic adults because you get to choose what perspective to go with.

I ought to acknowledge the hardship in the instances of learning disability combined with autism as there is hardship in living with learning disability and being non-autistic. I am writing about the autistic experience without learning disability.

So what does this mean when looking for counselling for autistic adults?

Since there is no definitive position on autism, I would encourage you to employ your rational faculty and decide what being autistic means to you. This may sound harsh, however, ultimately this is your life, or life of a loved one, don’t let somebody else dictate how to lead it.

What position is more helpful to you, what view encourages positive action? Autism as a grave disorder or autism as a value-neutral neurotype?

I often say to make clients, start with struggles and see limitations, start with strengths and see possibilities. Which do you choose?

When looking for the right autism therapist to support you, make sure their understanding of autism and their values align with yours.

It has been proven many times over that in counselling it is the relationship with the therapist that is the most significant contributing factor in achieving your therapeutic goals. If your counsellor’s outlook is broadly aligned with your view of the world, you are likely to get on better.

Some practical tips for finding specialist counselling for autistic adults:

1. Decide what position on autism best fits your life experience and your hopes for the future

2. Look through autism-focused listings, for example, the National Autistic Society's Autism Services Directory, The Neurodivergent Practitioners Directory)

3. Make a shortlist and have a discussion with the therapists before signing up

4. At your introductory meeting/written exchange ask the counsellor what they believe autism is and go with the person, whose understanding aligns with yours

5. Ask for the therapist’s qualifications, professional registration and whether they have done any specialist training on supporting autistic people

6. Enjoy your counselling sessions!

I hope this has been useful to you.

----------

----------

My name is Lii. I am an autistic counsellor, supporting autistic professionals in navigating all aspects of life. Start with strengths and see possibilities, start with struggles and see limitations. Which do you choose?

In-person in Chalfont St Giles, near Gerrards Cross, or online across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Book your free 15 mins introductory call.

book free call

My calm therapy room in Gerrards Cross