Autism: knowledge is power

If you asked me five years ago what I knew about autism, my answer would have been pretty short and likely based on cliches and assumptions. My real journey to useful knowledge began, like many, when a family member was diagnosed. So much that was confusing suddenly made sense. I joined some online groups, signed up to As I Am’s newsletter, read some Temple Grandin books, did extra trainings to bring myself up to speed. In tandem, I started to have autistic clients come to counselling. What was helpful at home was also helpful at work. It became clear to me with my family member that the only way forward was to take their lead. I also discovered something interesting - while they didn’t like hugs much, they really seek proximity. I started to notice how this calmed their nervous system. And how gaining a sense of control over their environment (or taking themselves out of a situation) seems to make life manageable for them. I discovered Autism in Polyvagal Terms by Sean Inderbitzen, a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy practitioner in the US, which views autism through the lens of a disordered nervous system. It brought a new relevance and use to the study I have done and continue to do in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. I carry the Window of Tolerance in my mind on a daily basis. With this model in mind, helping to bring the feeling of safety to the autistic nervous system is paramount and there are various creative ways to do this, from lighting and textures to relational safety in the therapeutic relationship. An ASD diagnosis doesn’t change the fundamentals of counselling: warmth, empathy, curiosity, respect, autonomy. My other principle of working is: if in doubt, ask.