Talk therapy is where a lot of autistics receive the majority of their support due to a lack of specific resources for autistic adults. Because of this, if you are a therapist, there is a high chance you will encounter autistic adults and children in your practice. As a social work student myself, we often discuss how to improve inclusivity in our social work practice, so these are going to be some of my tips for fellow counselors.

A quick area of improvement for private practice counselors can be made in the environment of their service space. Dimming lights, posters expressing autistic acceptance (no puzzle pieces), fidget tools easily available, and having accessible seating are all ways that counselors can improve their space in a single day. 

Once a client is in your office for therapy, don’t force them to make eye contact or communicate with gestures in the same way that neurotypicals will. You should be prepared for inevitable communication deficits between you and your autistic clients, and for the discomfort that this will likely cause you. Counselors and therapists are expected to be aware of and put aside their biases for the duration of the appointment, and this also applies to neurodivergence. 

Therapists might need to reframe their questions to make them accessible, but they should wait to do so until meeting the client and getting an idea of their communication level. If a client seems to be severely struggling with verbal communication, it might be helpful if you provided them with an AAC device or picture board. Always ask the client or their family what they think would be the most helpful for the session. 

When first meeting with an autistic client, or any client, the best way to make them feel as comfortable as possible is to explain the procedures and routines ahead of time. By defining the procedures of your office, autistic and neurotypical people will know what is expected of them. This will help alleviate any confusion or discomfort about where to park, where to sit while waiting, and the processes once the therapist is ready for them. Some things to consider explaining include the forms of your office, the introductory questions you will ask, and procedures for scheduling or rescheduling appointments. 

By asking clients what would make them comfortable and being clear about the procedures of your office are easy ways to build a therapeutic alliance with your autistic clients. This relationship is even more important for people who struggle with socialization and interpersonal skills. As always, ensure that the treatment goals you create reflect the client’s goals and not neurotypical standards for behavior, and your autistic clients will be able to thrive in your practice.