The 'Am I Autistic?' Question in Therapy. Supporting Self-Discovery

What support and informative insights might an adult in therapy find useful when exploring whether they are autistic? What are some common reasons why autism might have gone unrecognised until adulthood? What are some key differences between autistic and neurotypical people that may help during the questioning and self-discovery process? Autistic psychotherapists Vauna Beauvais and Eoin Stephens engage in a discussion about adult clients in therapy who are exploring the possibility of being autistic. In this discussion, Vauna and Eoin draw from their personal experiences and professional practice to offer valuable insights for mental health professionals working with clients who are exploring the possibility of being autistic. They share insights on why and how many autistic individuals, including themselves, reach adulthood without recognising being autistic. And they includie illustrations of how the impact of societal expectations and resultant masking serve to obscure the realisation of neurodiversity. Throughout the talk, the two psychotherapists, who are both autistic, share relatable examples and scenarios from their own lives, and disclose the kinds of conversations that they have had with clients, to illustrate the autistic experience. They explain about the usefulness of comparing autistic and neurotypical experiences. And they discuss the importance of considering both challenges and strengths when exploring realities of being autistic. By sharing their experiences and insights in this chat, Vauna and Eoin hope to help counsellors and psychotherapists continue to provide informed, compassionate care to autistic adults and those exploring their neurodiversity. Their goal is to contribute insights so that autistic clients experience an inclusive and understanding therapeutic environment, that is usefully therapeutic, thereby ultimately leading to better wellbeing outcomes. All references to client work do not reveal actual client details nor draw upon actual client conversations. They illustrate with vignettes and verbal collages of conversations that they have had in their sessions over decades. Vanguard Neurodiversity Training: https://www.vanguardneurodiversitytra... CURRENT TRAINING ON OFFER: https://www.vanguardneurodiversitytra... Vauna Beauvais:   / vaunabeauvais   Vauna’s private practice: https://www.counsellingtherapyonline.... Eoin Stephens:   / eoinstephens   00:00 The 'Am I Autistic?' Question in Therapy. Supporting Self-Discovery