Counselling Autistic Adults: The Diagnostic Journey

Name: Counselling Autistic Adults: The Diagnostic Journey
Start: 2027-03-13T12:00:00.000+10:00
End: 2027-03-13T14:00:00.000+10:00
Location: Online Event

Date

Saturday 13 March 2027 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | (UTC+10)

Location

Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser

Hosted by

About

Autistic adults face unique issues and require specific support in both the pre & post diagnosis journey. Many counsellors do not feel confident in counselling 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 or the implications of and around diagnosis.

This is a 2hr live online interactive workshop for counsellors + other allied health professionals, filled with hands on strategies to support Autistic adults in every step of the diagnostic process

Learn how to provide guidance and support to adults seeking an autism diagnosis
Learn about the post-diagnosis phases
Support Autistic adults post-diagnosis

For the pre-diagnosis journey, we will examine which groups tend to have higher levels of underdiagnosis, and what kind of presentations undiagnosed Autistics may have, and why people may seek a diagnosis. We will then look at the diagnostic process, including common issues and concerns that appear and the pros and cons of diagnosis. You will learn practical ways that you can support Autistic adults during this phase.

For the post diagnosis journey, we will look at how you can support Austics with building Autistic identity, grieving in the post diagnosis phase, connecting with neurokin and how they can feel empowered. We will also focus on breaking the burn out-cycle, which is essential for every Autistic adult. We will also cover issues and strategies around unmasking related to the burn-out cycle.

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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the workshop you will be able to:

Describe the complexities around the ability and decisions for Autistic adults to pursue an autism diagnosis
Apply practical strategies when supporting Autistic adults who are undergoing diagnosis
Work with Autistic adult in processing their diagnosis, forming their Autistic identity and forging an authentic and sustainable life

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

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Image of the presenter I am an AuDHD therapist, supervisor, writer & educator, working in Canberra. The focus of my counselling work is working with Autistic/ADHD/AuDHD adults as well as people recovering from trauma. This often involves supporting adults through the late diagnosis process for autism & ADHD, as well as providing support through the post-diagnosis phase. I also provide clinical & professional supervision to other Autistic counsellors or those who work with Autistic adults. I also train and provide consultation to organisations on providing neurodiversity affirming services