Autism has long been a stigmatising label. As a stigmatised and pathologized minority group, Autistic children, adolescents, and adults experience minority stress, which contributes to significantly poor physical and mental health outcomes, poorer quality of life and shorter lifespans (Botha and Frost 2020; Hirvikoski et al. 2016; Perry et al. 2022). Autistic people experience higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD and C-PTSD), sleep problems, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, psychiatric hospitalization, and completed suicide (Hedley and Uljarević 2018; Martini et al. 2022). Striving to achieve neuro-normative expectations, neurodivergent adults are less self-compassionate and more self-critical than non-neurodivergent peers (Cai and Brown 2021).

Fortunately, societal attitudes are shifting away from narrow definitions of “normal” to embrace all forms of diversity, including neurodiversity, which opens new possibilities for a positive sense of identity and self-acceptance among Autistic people (Botha, Dibb, and Frost 2022). Even late diagnosis increases self-compassion, self-acceptance, and well-being (Cai et al. 2023). Abandoning the pathology model allows for a more nuanced understanding of Autism as fundamental differences in information processing that lead to a “spiky profile” of strengths and difficulties, which forms an essential context for behaviour in Autistic individuals. Recognising these differences in the therapy room allows the therapist to tailor their approach to accommodate the client’s needs and enhance their effectiveness.

This practical, interactive workshop will equip participants to work with Autistic clients in an effective and affirming way using ACT and self-compassion-based approaches. Opening with a brief review of the fundamentals of neurodiversity-affirming practice, the presenter will quickly move to exploring neurobiological differences in information processing and how these can present in the therapy room. Participants will actively engage with the concepts through group discussion, self-reflection, activities, and games, actively exploring how to deliver therapy that improves well-being, self-compassion, self-acceptance, mental health, and pride in identity.