Therapeutic Approaches to be `Autism Friendly` in your Practice

For the past 11 years, Colin has worked in the NHS Autism diagnostic service for adults. He is currently the Senior Specialist Clinician in a team assessing people from 17+ years to provide diagnostic clarity regards possible Autism.

He has tailored this presentation specifically for practicing therapists, to give us useful awareness and approaches to deal with clients we suspect of being on the Autism Spectrum.

Overview

Prevalence of Autism and demand for assessments has been rising for years, with NHS waiting times longer than they have ever been. Various research indicates that autistic individuals are more likely to experience mental health difficulties and poorer health outcomes in comparison to the wider (neurotypical) population. 

There is wide acknowledgement that autistic individuals experience various barriers and challenges in getting equitable access to general health services. It is therefore increasingly likely that you will see more people within your professional practice who are autistic, or who might present with elevated autistic traits.

This webinar will provide a brief clinical perspective about what Autism is and characteristics you might encounter in individuals you see in therapy. I will talk about common challenges for building a therapeutic rapport with an autistic individual, as well as ideas for adapting therapeutic approaches.

Personal bio

My name is Colin Parsons. I have worked in my local NHS for 28 years, initially as a Healthcare Assistant for people with Learning Disabilities in a large and subsequently in a variety of community care settings and roles with this client group. 

In 2004 I took up an opportunity to study full-time at the University of Bedfordshire, qualifying as a Registered Nurse in Learning Disability in 2007. A few years later, alongside my professional role, I returned to part-time post-graduate study with Sheffield Hallam University, completing a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum in 2013.

For the past 11 years, I have worked in my local NHS Autism diagnostic service for adults. I am currently the senior specialist clinician in the team, assessing people from 17+ years to provide diagnostic clarity regards possible Autism. In addition, I help provide Autism-related and advice to other local NHS and other stakeholder services, promoting good practice and equitable access for autistic individuals.