Working therapeutically with monotropic attention
ABOUT
Monotropism is a powerful lens for understanding autism, offering a way to see Autistic experience not as a collection of deficits but as a distinct attentional style.
This workshop explores how monotropic minds allocate cognitive resources, why intense interests and flow states are central to Autistic wellbeing, and how everyday environments often clash with this attentional pattern. We’ll unpack concepts such as attention tunnels, flow states, monotropic split, and their role in transitions, overwhelm, and burnout.
Designed for therapists supporting Autistic adults, it offers practical strategies for respecting monotropic needs, reducing cognitive overload, and creating conditions that support focus, autonomy, and recovery. Includes lived experience insights, reflective tools, and psychoeducation to help you move beyond deficit-based narratives toward neurodiversity affirming practice.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the workshop you will be able to:
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Explain the theory of monotropism and its role in shaping Autistic behaviour
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Describe key concepts such as attention tunnels, flow states, and monotropic split
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Understand the link between monotropism and wellbeing, including why intense interests and predictable environments reduce overwhelm
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Identify strategies to support monotropic thinkers, including reframing behaviours and helping clients implement strategies that allow for greater monotropic attentional expression
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
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Clinical insight: Understand how monotropism shapes transitions, overwhelm, and burnout; and why respecting this need is essential for wellbeing.
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Practical strategies: Learn how to reduce cognitive overload, support flow states, and how to honour honour Autistic focus in therapy.
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Reframing tools: Move beyond deficit based narratives by recognising monotropism as a strength and adapting therapeutic models accordingly.
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Lived experience reflections: Includes real world examples and insights from Autistic adults on monotropism and its role in identity and resilience.
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PPT Slides and digital resources (available for purchase): Resources designed to deepen your learning and to support your practice
COSTS
This is a pay what you can workshop. Choose the appropriate ticket according to your employment and financial situation.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Jacqueline Gibb is a neurodivergent counsellor, educator, and supervisor with a Master’s in Counselling and a Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling. She is an ACA Level 4 registered therapist and founder of NeuroDiversity Affirming Training & Supervision (NDATS). Jacqueline delivers training and clinical supervision for allied health professionals, focusing on neurodiversity affirming practice with Autistic and ADHD adults. Her work integrates lived experience, trauma-informed approaches, and current research to help practitioners move beyond deficit based models toward ethical, culturally competent care.
WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS
Please note that you'll need access to the following to participate in this workshop:
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Desktop or laptop computer
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Reliable internet connection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Workshop
- Cancellation with more than 48hrs days notice - refund of 80%
- Cancellation with less than 48hrs notice - no refund available
Resources
- If resources have not yet been dispatched a 100% refund is available
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