An introduction to autistic and related neurodivergent trauma, cumulative post-traumatic stress, new social-cognitive science and working with traumatised autistic clients using elements of the Autism Dialogue Approach®.

Please note, this workshop is also a requirement for participants undertaking our ADA Pathway Stage One: Skills for Life.* Please see below and https://dialogica.uk/events to enrol or express your interest.

Autistic trauma is fundamentally different to standard definitions and many autistic people present with Autistic c-PTSD and there are instances where trauma experienced by autistic individuals may not align with current diagnostic criteria. Autistic individuals often encounter a narrative that emphasises neurotypical standards from an early age, which later manifests in mental health and therapy settings through symptoms like flashbacks, dissociation, and delayed emotional processing. Unfortunately, instances of autistic trauma are frequently misunderstood or downplayed as mere 'drama,' 'attention-seeking,' 'control-seeking,' or 'unwarranted antisocial behavior.'

One important element of this workshop is 'masking' and other trauma responses. Literature has depicted autistic masking as a social tactic—an approach to navigate social scenarios. However, autistic individuals explain that masking isn't solely about appearing more neurotypical; it involves projecting an acceptable and expected version of oneself to ensure safety in interactions.

Accessing and utilising therapy can clearly be a challenge for autistic and neurodivergent clients, compared to the general population. Equally, therapists are facing major challenges when interacting and communicating across neurotypes, potentially triggering and re-traumatising autistic people. This is in part due to models rooted in behavioural approaches designed by and for neurotypical populations. There will be an opportunity to engage with this and other equally important questions using a safe and inclusive dialogic approach.

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

• Introduction to Autistic and Neurodivergent Trauma, complex-post traumatic stress, new social-cognitive science and working with traumatised autistic clients and patients.
• Introduction to new practices, including ADA® for addressing autistic and neurodivergent trauma in a range of cross-neurotype situations.
• Gain confidence and insight in spotting trauma and cross-neurotype support , with traumatised autistic persons..

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• Anyone in relational work, particularly counsellors, psychotherapists, OTs, SLTs, autism coaches, and autism mental health professionals.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• ADA trauma-specific applications will place you and your practice at the cutting edge of autistic social cognitive science, and improve access to treatment and outcomes for your autistic clients and patients.

Additional Resources:

• Cassidy, S. A., Robertson, A., Townsend, E., O’Connor, R. C., & Rodgers, J. (2020). Advancing our understanding of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours in autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 50, 3445-3449.
• Chapman R, Botha M. Neurodivergence-informed therapy. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2023 Mar;65(3):310-317. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36082483/Peripheral Minds of Autism - Is Autism a Stress Adaptation of Neurodivergent Neurotypes? - https://peripheralmindsofautism.com/
• Why Doesn't Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People? | https://www.dralicenicholls.com/why-doesnt-standard-talking-therapy-work-for-autistic-people
• We invite you to also book onto our major new training course starting in 2024 - please look for information and booking coming soon on this page - https://dialogica.uk/events/
• Also sign up to our mailing list: mailchi.mp/1903d109cf81/dialogica

Testimonials from previous workshops:

"This is a CPD NOT TO BE MISSED. It was 2 hours on a dreary evening, after a long, tiring day but I would do it all over again if I could; It was that good."
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"The space you have created is spectacular. No camera required, optional break out rooms. Just what I needed after a long day. I feel like I'm able to take in the content without feeling forced to participate. The space is so inclusive and caring. Such powerful stuff :) and the content is great too!"
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"The reframing of the processing occurring within the self and within the therapy space. This was a really moving, and thought provoking cpd. The trainers are a dream team partnership."
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"So much I don't know where to begin. Overall, it will impact my work by being able to have a far wider consideration, acceptance and inclusion of differences. Also invokes a deeper need for curiosity and openness."