Autistic adults face unique issues and require specific support in both the pre & post diagnosis journey.  Many counsellors do not feel confident in counselling Autistic adults.  This is an underserviced population in the counselling space, with a lot of focus existing on the needs of Autistic children and/or with a very deficit approach.  This has led to Autistic adults experiencing ineffective or even harmful treatments. Additionally, many Autistic adults are put into the position of providing education to their mental health professionals about autism or the implications of and around diagnosis.

This is a 2hr live online interactive workshop for counsellors + other allied health professionals, filled with hands on strategies to support Autistic adults in every step of the diagnostic process

• Learn how to provide guidance and support to adults seeking an autism diagnosis

• Learn about the post-diagnosis phases

• Support Autistic adults post-diagnosis

For the pre-diagnosis journey, we will examine which groups tend to have higher levels of underdiagnosis, and what kind of presentations undiagnosed Autistics may have, and why people may seek a diagnosis.  We will then look at the diagnostic process, including common issues and concerns that appear and the pros and cons of diagnosis.  You will learn practical ways that you can support Autistic adults during this phase. 

For the post diagnosis journey, we will look at how you can support Austics with building Autistic identity, grieving in the post diagnosis phase, connecting with neurokin and how they can feel empowered.  We will also focus on breaking the burn out-cycle, which is essential for every Autistic adult. We will also cover issues and strategies around unmasking related to the burn-out cycle.

By the end of the workshop you will be able to: 

• Describe the complexities around the ability and decisions for Autistic adults to pursue an autism diagnosis

• Apply practical strategies when supporting Autistic adults who are undergoing diagnosis

• Work with Autistic adult in processing their diagnosis, forming their Autistic identity and forging an authentic and sustainable life

This training has been designed with counsellors and psychotherapists in mind.  

But anyone who regularly works with Autistic adults or uses counselling skills as part of their profession will benefit from this training.

This is an interactive and hands on online workshop where you will gain knowledge, and practical advice and strategies to work with Autistic adults in a safe and effective way.  Combining in depth theory with experiential work and providing ample examples this online workshop will help you learn skills for creating more neurodiversity affirming practices to suit Autistic adults.

• Engaging & evidence based content

• Hands on activities designed to deepen your learning experience

• Lots of practical examples and strategies

I have tried to keep the costs low by keeping extras to a minimum.  You can add on these extras as suited to your budget.  All prices are inclusive of GST.

You can select each of these optional extras during checkout.  

1. Online resources - $10

• 100+ page resource pack delivered to you digitally to download

• Includes a copy of the slides & worksheets referenced in the presentation

2. Hard copy of resources - $60

• 100+ resource pack printed in colour in a folder, shipped to your address

• A free bonus sensory pack 

3. Post workshop group supervision (1.5hrs) - $75

• Run by a neurodivergent & qualified supervisor 

• Limited to 6 attendees

• PACFA or ACA membership mandatory for attendance

• Groups will run with 2 or more attendees

• Runs on the same day as the workshop from 12-1:30pm

A link will be provided to attendees at the end of the workshop to complete an online assessment.  After this, you will be able to download a certificate of completion.   

If you are an ACA member you will be able to claim 5 OPD points.  For other associations, please check your OPD policy

Workshop 

• Cancellation with more than 48hrs notice - refund of 80%

• Cancellation with less than 48hrs notice - no refund available 

Resources

• If resources have not yet been dispatched a 100% refund is available  

Group Supervision

• No refund is available for cancellations