Client-centred neuro-affirming care is becoming increasingly recognised as the best-practice approach for working with neurodivergent clients. In this presentation, we will review the National Autism Strategy 2025–2031. A document that marks a historic shift in how Australia recognises and supports autistic people. It moves beyond a deficit‑based model toward a rights‑focused, strengths‑based framework with autistic leadership at its core. We will also describe the key elements of Neurodiversity Affirming Psychology Practice for autistic adults, outlined in the Australian-led research by Flowers and colleagues (2025).
Bringing direct clinician experience to the presentation, we will provide examples of practical applications of both the National Strategy recommendations and the Neurodiversity Affirming framework in clinical practice. This will include recommendations for a strengths-based neuropsychology diagnostic approach, post diagnosis adjustment and supports, and working effectively in a group therapy setting with autistic adults with mental health conditions.
Insights will also be provided from a qualitative analysis of phenomenological practices of two clinicians who undertook reflective practices changes to improve their knowledge about autism and taking a strengths-based approach to their practice. Discussion of the neuropsychologists’ experiences of moving from their traditional deficit-oriented training to embrace the neurodiversity paradigm, including the continual learning and iterative steps this involved.
Finally, strategies will be provided to assist clinical services and teams to develop neuro-affirming supportive workplaces. This will include strategies to support neurodivergent clinicians and reduce neurotypical bias in clinical hiring practices.