Mental Health Therapy and the Autistic Client: When Clinicians Don’t See the Autism
A Series on Mental Health Therapy and the Autistic Client by Judy Endow, MSW When Clinicians Don’t See the Autism (Can’t See the Forest for the Trees) Today, autistic people, just like the population at large, find their way to therapy when symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD and other diagnoses become problematic to them in their daily lives. As clinicians we need to understand the autistic operating system – in other words, to see the autism – if we are to be helpful to our autistic clients. When we do not have a strong grasp on this the results are
The Advantage of Autistic Difference in Visual Perception
Autistic writer, artist and consultant, Judy Endow on autistic difference in visual perception. As a child, people sometimes thought I was stubborn and resistant when I did not want to allow them into my space or to do what they wanted me to do. They did not understand the negative effect they had on me and on my surroundings, and at the time, I did not have the words to explain it. Sensory Information and Perceptions Today I have the words and can explain. I do so in hopes that it might help others who may not yet have their
Autism and the Importance of Stabilization
As an autism consultant I am often asked how I sort out what to do when I see an autistic client who is struggling in school or in life. As an autistic person I know first hand if stabilization needs are not met, regardless of the supports in place an autistic person will struggle. Stabilization consists of three areas that interplay – internal and external regulation in the context of a positive relationship. Internal Regulation ~ Sensory Diet Internal regulation has many components, but for stabilization I look at the sensory system. When a person has an autism neurology
