A mindful-awareness model should be a core element of any client-helper interactions, not just as an add-on. Specific approaches and techniques to increase awareness will aid the process and lead to better outcomes in the helping relationship.

This workshop is an introduction to a training programme we previously devised and ran, called Mindfulness for Autism (M4A) which was delivered to various organisations. It is now a core component of Autism Dialogue Approach®, addressing some of the most prominent concerns in cross-neurotype dialogic interactions using specially adapted Mindfulness approaches, including: power in the room, alternative and augmented communication, cross-neurotype relationships, sensory sensitivities, trauma, vagal healing; emotions; self-care, compassion, masking and neurodivergent empowerment. Many of these concerns have universal relevance and importance in counselling, therapy, coaching and other helping relationships.

M4A draws on recent data in this fast-moving field. It is a strengths-focused approach that counteracts the negative sensory impact of the world, reducing stress, isolation, fragmentation and negative cycles, helping highly sensitive people to live a more self-aware, empowered and fulfilling life. Also suitable for anxiety, SPD and similar problems. There are live demonstrations and opportunities for dialogue and questions.

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

• Gain knowledge of the M4A Approach and augment your journey as an ADA® Practitioner/student.
• Integrate M4A techniques into your therapy, coaching and helping settings and share them with clients and colleagues to use at home.
• Support autistic, neurodivergent and highly sensitive clients and their families, to improve their quality of life.

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• Therapists, counsellors, coaches and anyone working relationally who are, or want to be, neurodivergent-aware.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• M4A will equip professionals with a new and powerful core tool to meet the needs of today's growing Autistic/ND/HSP client base.

Additional Resources:

• ‘A mindfulness-based program of nine weekly sessions for adults with ASD reduced their co-morbid symptoms, such as their symptoms of depression, anxiety, rumination, distrust and interpersonal sensitivity, and sleeping problems, and their positive effect increased.’ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968048/
• ‘The results of these findings show the benefits of mindfulness-based therapies for individuals with autism.'
  https://www.wellmindhealth.com/clinical-studies/reducing-anxiety-in-autistic-adults
• Is Autism a Stress Adaptation? L. Hogenkamp (2018)
  https://peripheralmindsofautism.com/2018/04/17/is-autism-a-stress-adaptation

Attending this workshop (preferably live) is mandatory for applying to our forthcoming one-year Autism Dialogue Approach® training pathway.