How psychologists support autism

How do psychologists support autism? Let's find out...

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by a range of differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. These characteristics are present from early development, though they might become more noticeable as social demands increase or may be intentionally concealed through learned strategies later in life.

• Assessment: Because autism symptoms can sometimes overlap with other conditions like anxiety, ADHD and sensory processing issues, a comprehensive assessment is important for preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring autistic individuals receive the most appropriate support. Assessment also offers autistic individuals and their families tailored recommendations and adjustments.
• Therapy: For autistic individuals, managing the diverse range of experiences and challenges often involves a multifaceted approach. Psychological support is helpful for navigating the social, emotional and behavioural aspects of autism. This support provides tools, strategies and gives a deeper understanding that aims to enhance overall functioning and wellbeing. Therapy empowers autistic individuals to develop effective communication skills, navigate social situations, manage emotions, address sensory sensitivities and build self-advocacy skills.  

Our psychologists recognise the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism. We value lived experiences and employ a neuroaffirming, strength-based approach. Our practitioners are understanding and accepting, focusing on environmental adjustments, such as creating structured routines, implementing visual supports, and accommodating sensory needs, rather than attempting to 'fix' neurodivergence.

Scope psychologists use a structured five-step process for autism assessment:  

1. Background: Gathering relevant developmental history, family history, and past and current physical and mental health information
2. Intake: Meeting with a practitioner to discuss specific concerns, communication styles, social interactions, behaviours, interests and sensory differences
3. Neurodevelopmental Assessment: Utilising standardised tools and questionnaires, along with cognitive and language assessments.
4. Feedback: A clear discussion of assessment results, addressing concerns, and outlining next steps and personalised recommendations.  
5. Comprehensive Report: Summarising findings, diagnostic impression (including level if applicable), and recommendations for individualised education plans, relevant allied health therapies (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy), and other supports. 

Scope’s psychologists use diverse evidence-based therapies to support autism, tailored to individual needs. Our approaches include :  

• • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Managing anxiety, depression and stress by identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and developing coping mechanisms. Adaptations are made as we know that CBT is non-preferred for many autistic individuals.
  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): Cultivating self-compassion and non-judgemental self-acceptance.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Accepting difficult thoughts and committing to values to keep you moving towards your ideal life.
  • Interpersonal Therapy: understanding patterns in your relationships to support social interaction and confidence.
  • Schema Therapy: Identifying core beliefs that formed in early childhood and creating internal support systems.
  • Solution Focused Therapy: A practical approach to develop problem solving skills and achieve specific goals.
  • Play Therapy: Using play and symbols to process big feelings. (primarily used for children, as well as nonverbal adults and adults with intellectual differences).

  Our psychologists have extensive experience managing difficulties that arise when navigating a world that may not always align with individual needs.

Psychologists use a multifaceted approach to support challenges associated with autism, focusing on strategic interventions that address core differences and enhance daily functioning. These interventions aim to empower autistic individuals by improving communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and sensory processing.

• Improving Communication Skills: Utilising visual supports (e.g., picture cards, social stories, visual schedules), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and direct language
• Enhancing Social Interaction and Understanding Social Cues: Decoding allistic interaction styles and identifying times when matching this is appropriate to achieve specific goals.
• Developing Emotional Regulation Strategies: Helping autistic individuals to cope with emotional overwhelm with coping mechanisms (e.g., deep breathing, relaxation techniques), while respecting stimming as self-regulation, and creating sensory-friendly environments.
• Managing Sensory Sensitivities and Avoiding Overload: Developing personalised sensory diets, creating quiet spaces, using noise-cancelling headphones, providing fidget toys, adjusting lighting and organising spaces.

The goal of these interventions is to:

• Improve communication skills (both verbal and nonverbal)
• Enhance social interaction and build meaningful relationships to achieve personal goals
• Learn and apply effective emotional regulation strategies to reduce barriers to personal goal achievement
• Improve relationships within the family and with peers
• Address co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
• Increase independence in daily living skills
• Foster self-advocacy skills
• Improve overall quality of life and wellbeing

• We know neurodevelopment
• Scope has a comprehensive understanding and experience with autism, recognising the diverse ways it can present
• We are neuro-affirming, valuing neurodiversity and tailoring our support to individual needs and preferences rather than trying to enforce neurotypical standards
• We have comprehensive understanding and experience with autism traits in females, including masking and camouflaging
• Our services are strength-based and built around self-identified needs
• Our team includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.