AWP’s therapy team talk about Autism-Affirming Therapy
Why Traditional Therapy Can Be Tough for Autistic Individuals
If you’re autistic and you feel like you have “failed” at therapy, trust us- you’re not alone. Many autistic individuals find that standard approaches just don’t hit the mark and they’re often left feeling like it is all their fault. Let’s look at why this happens and what we can do to make therapy a better fit for everyone!
Did you know that about 70% of autistic people will face a mental health issue at some point in their lives? This isn’t because being autistic automatically makes you have poor mental health, it’s to do with living in a world that makes you feel different and misunderstood. This figure is unsurprisingly significantly higher than the general population, which is why it’s super important to talk about mental health support. But here’s the catch: most talking therapies are designed for neurotypical brains, which can leave autistic individuals feeling a bit lost. While some have benefited from these approaches, research suggests that many respond better when therapy is tailored to their unique ways of thinking (NICE Guidelines, 2012).
We really need to do better. And that is why we have made our Autism Affirming Therapist Accreditation and why we offer therapy with counsellors and mental health practitioners who have got our seal of approval!
What’s up with traditional therapy?
So, if you want some reassurance that it’s not your fault therapy has felt so hard, here are some reasons why standard therapy can be challenging for autistic people;
1. Mood Recognition: Many therapies require clients to talk about how they’re feeling, but studies show that around 50% of autistic adults struggle with recognising and expressing their emotions, a condition known as alexithymia. This means therapists often need to spend extra time helping clients pinpoint their feelings. Don’t even get us started on using numbered scales to describe how we feel!
Source: @ItsEmilyKaty https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/about
2. Therapeutic Goals: If a therapist doesn’t understand autism, they might misinterpret typical behaviours as problematic. For instance, avoiding busy social situations might be seen as social anxiety, when really, it’s just too noisy! Recognising the context of autistic behaviours is crucial.
3. Burnout: Autistic burnout—exhaustion from everyday stressors—can easily be mistaken for depression. This misinterpretation can lead to inappropriate treatment, making it vital for therapists to understand burnout. The usual “prescriptions” for depression could well make things worse!
Source: @ItsEmilyKaty https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/about
4. Perspective-Taking: Some therapeutic techniques ask clients to look at problems from another person’s point of view. For many autistic folks, this can feel like a tall order. It’s not always easy to shift perspectives!
5. CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) relies on clients being able to adapt their thinking. Many autistic individuals find this really hard. We find that our integrative approach works much better. We tend to use more of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach which doesn’t force us to change our minds.
6. Neurotypical Communication Styles: Many therapists communicate in ways that might confuse autistic clients. For example, vague questions can lead to misunderstandings, which can disrupt the flow of conversation. Clearer communication styles are key!
AWP's menu of reasonable adjustments that can be requested
7. Social Expectations: Sometimes, autistic clients feel the need to “mask” or conform to neurotypical social norms during therapy. This can add an extra layer of stress before they even start discussing their feelings.
Source: @ItsEmilyKaty https://www.authenticallyemily.uk/about
8. Limited Sessions Can Be a Problem: Autistic individuals might need more time in therapy to process their thoughts and emotions. Short blocks of sessions can hinder effective treatment, especially for those dealing with ongoing issues like burnout.
9. Sensory Overwhelm: Therapy sessions that aren’t mindful of sensory sensitivities (think noise, bright lights, or even smells) can be tough to handle. If a client feels overwhelmed, it can be hard to focus on therapy.
10. Somatisation: Sometimes, emotional distress shows up as physical symptoms in autistic individuals. This can complicate therapy since it might be hard to tell whether the problem is physical or psychological.
Recognising these challenges is the first step in creating a more effective therapy experience for autistic individuals. Autism-affirming therapy embraces the idea that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it values the unique experiences and strengths of autistic clients, helping them feel heard and understood.
At The Autism Wellbeing Project we offer autism-affirming therapist training to help practitioners better support autistic clients. Our dedicated team provides therapy specifically tailored for autistic individuals, ensuring a safe and understanding environment.
Traditional therapy can feel pretty daunting for autistic individuals, but understanding these challenges can help pave the way for better support. If you’re seeking therapy that truly honours your unique experiences, check out what we offer at the Autism Wellbeing Project.
References
- NICE Guidelines (2012). Autism: recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum.
- Weir, K. (2020). Autism and the Importance of Neurodiversity in Mental Health Care. APA.
