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A stronger understanding of autism can enrich every psychologist’s practice. Working With Autistic Clients (WWAC) provides practical knowledge and skills to build your confidence, strengthen your clinical practice and make your work more neuro-affirming for all.
Autistic people seek psychological support for many of the same reasons as anyone else. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions or challenges within their families and communities. They may also be accessing support for reasons connected to their Autistic experience. Whatever brings an Autistic person to your practice, an understanding of autism can help you create a therapeutic relationship in which they feel understood, respected and able to participate fully in their care.
“Psychologists often report limited autism knowledge and low confidence in working with Autistic clients. This is reflected in reports from Autistic adults that mental health care does not always meet their needs. Working With Autistic Clients was developed to help bridge this gap by providing an introductory course in neurodiversity-affirming and autism-informed practice. It equips psychologists with practical knowledge and skills to deliver more accessible, collaborative and affirming care,” – Dr Simon Bury.
The WWAC program explores autism and neurodiversity while providing practical strategies that psychologists can apply across a wide range of clinical settings. It helps participants build their skills and confidence, reflect on their current practice and consider how thoughtful adjustments can make psychological care more accessible and responsive.
You do not need to specialise in autism to benefit from WWAC. The course is relevant whether you work with Autistic clients regularly, occasionally, or have had limited opportunities to develop your autism related knowledge. It offers an opportunity to broaden your clinical skills and build greater confidence in supporting Autistic clients, while also strengthening the way you communicate and work with everyone who accesses your practice.
Participants develop a deeper understanding of the diversity of Autistic experiences and explore practical ways to communicate more clearly and collaboratively. The course also considers potential barriers to accessing psychological care, including the sensory challenges of environments, clinical processes, and differences in communication. Through this learning, psychologists can become better equipped to support Autistic clients to express their preferences, needs and goals, while building therapeutic relationships based on trust, respect and autonomy.
The Working With Autistic Clients course is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society for four hours of CPD points, with APS members and APS students able to access it at a discounted rate.
You can access the course via: Working with Autistic clients: A neuro-affirming approach | La Trobe Professional
Any questions related to the course can be directed to Maddie Francis at otarctraining@latrobe.edu.au
