Neurodiversity-Affirming Mental Health Care for Autistic Clients E302

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Autistic individuals experience a higher risk of mental health challenges, making the role of mental health providers essential in offering effective and affirming support. However, many existing interventions lack customization, have a weak evidence base, and often prioritize conformity to neurotypical behaviors rather than addressing the self-identified needs and well-being of autistic individuals (Curnow et al., 2023). Besides autism, there are a number of diagnoses that fall under the category of neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD, dyslexia); however, the focus of this learning material is the application of neurodiversity-affirming mental healthcare to autistic clients. The neurodiversity movement shifts the perspective of autism from a disorder requiring treatment to a natural human variation. This approach emphasizes strengths-based, affirming practices that support autistic individuals in ways that respect their identities and lived experiences.

This learning material provides psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, and counselors with the information they need to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming assessments and treatments into their practice. It describes the core characteristics of autism and explores the intersection of autism and mental health, and the factors contributing to mental health disparities among autistic individuals. It also examines neurodiversity-affirming language and strategies that celebrate neurodiversity, promote self-advocacy, and challenge ableist assumptions. Finally, this learning material offers ways to foster diversity and inclusion in mental health practices through adaptations to standard therapies so that clinicians can better support autistic individuals. 

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming care. 
2. Recognize the core characteristics of autism and how they may influence the mental health of autistic individuals. 
3. Apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches to the mental health care of autistic individuals. 
4. Describe neurodiversity-affirming assessment, intervention strategies, and adaptations to evidence-based practices for autistic individuals. 

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Overview of Neurodiversity and Autism
  • Characteristics of Autism      
  • Autism Prevalence and Diversity
• Perspectives on Autism and Neurodiversity
  • Historical and Current Contexts
  • Models of Disability
  • Self-Identification
  • Ableism
• Core Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Social Communication and Interaction
  • Restrictive, Repetitive Patterns
  • Sensory Differences
• Autism and Mental Health Concerns
  • Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders
  •  Core Characteristics of Autism and Mental Health
  • Barriers to Mental Health Care
• Best Practices for Neurodiversity-Affirming Mental Health Care
  • Rapport
  • Communication
  • Visual Supports                                 
  • Sensory Considerations
  • Routine and Flexibility
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Assessment
  • Masking Assessment
  • Family Involvement in Assessments
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Interventions
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Social Skills Support 
  • Psychological Interventions
  • Collaborative Approaches
• Summary

Author

Alisha Fletcher, DSW, LCSW

Alisha Fletcher, DSW, LCSW, earned her Doctor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience working with families and autistic individuals. Dr. Fletcher is the director of the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism, Delaware’s autism and training technical assistance center. Additionally, Dr. Fletcher serves as adjunct faculty in the social work program at the University of Delaware and as an adjunct assistant professor at Wilmington University, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.