autism-aware therapy

Autism-aware counselling in the UK can be difficult to find, depending on where you live.

It is often unacceptably hard to obtain autism-aware counselling via the NHS route, despite the duties placed on our health service by the Equality Act 2010 and the Autism Act 2009, for people on the autism spectrum to be given ‘reasonable adjustments’ that include access to appropriate healthcare environments and autism-aware professionals.

I have my own experience, in advocating for someone else, of doctors openly defying the requirements of the law by refusing to refer patients for autism-led therapy and instead pushing them into mainstream counselling where they are unlikely to have their sensory difficulties and processing delays known about, let alone accommodated. They may get lucky. Is it fair that they are expected to take a chance and roll the dice, when they have need to talk to a professional who will understand and support them in finding their way through whatever troubles them enough to seek help?

As a neurodivergent counsellor, I am sensitive to the presentations, needs and variety of lived experiences of people presenting with Autism Spectrum Condition (sometimes Disorder, rather than Condition, but I prefer the C word), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Tourettes, Distressing Behaviours (once more commonly referred to as Behavioural Challenges) and Learning Disabilities (sometimes Difficulties is used instead). I do not and will never claim to know everything about anything, least of all the range of neurodivergent experiences. Being neurodivergent myself does not make me an expert when it comes to anyone else.

What I can offer is some measure of understanding and informed recognition, with the ability to adapt to suit the needs of my neurodivergent clients.

For some individuals with ASC and other neurodivergent conditions, they may feel they are best served by having counselling remotely, using software like Microsoft Teams. I understand eye contact may be difficult to impossible, or not part of your presentation at all. It isn’t expected. It isn’t necessary. You be you and I’ll be me.

Phone counselling may not be suitable if you rely on a lot more sensory information than just voice in your interactions or suffer from anxiety when dealing with voice alone. I understand. It’s an option that might work for some. What I don’t recommend, unless someone explicitly says they are up for it, is much in the way of disruption to your established routines. A fixed day and time to suit you each week will be negotiated carefully, taking into account what you think is best as my primary concern to address in setting up your appointments.

You may or may not think your need for counselling is directly related to your neurodivergence and I’m not one to tell you it is, or tell you anything, or instruct you. I will listen, reflect and respond, allowing you time to respond or, if it’s what you want and need, sit in silence a while.

One appalling statistic to share with you is that only 16% of people on the autism spectrum are in employment and that’s not a problem with the many who are not working. It’s a problem with society, employers and government not accommodating needs sufficiently and offering considered help and support. As a nation we are losing out because of this.

Autistic and other neurodivergent people can have many skills, ranging from attention to detail through to the ability to make connections others cannot see. They can be creative, visionary, and capable of excellent work when given a chance. Aware as I am of that statistic, I am more than happy to offer neurodivergent people on low incomes some measure of adaptability to financial circumstances when it comes to fees. Get in touch, outline your situation during your free initial assessment, and I will see what can be done. I will always do my best.

xph therapy offers integrative counselling, which means working with multiple therapy types, including CBT, psychotherapeutic and person-centred to develop a therapeutic pathway just for you, whatever outcome you’re hoping to achieve. Get in touch in a variety of ways. See the contact page for more info.