A Clinician's Guide to Delivering Neuro-Informed Care: Revealing the Autism Story

by Marilyn J. Monteiro

Overview

This neurodiversity-informed handbook provides clinicians with a way to think, talk, and write about the autism spectrum brain style in positive, descriptive language that is tailored to the needs of individual clients.

Each chapter provides readers with compelling and instantly recognizable ways to reveal the autistic brain's strengths and differences, reframe behavioral patterns using neuro-affirming language, and link those descriptions to practical, positive supports. The book includes a glossary of descriptive terms and multiple examples of autistic Brain Style Profiles that hold the client’s lived experience at the center of treatment, while allowing for individualized treatment and support based on the client’s age and verbal fluency.

This book is an ideal resource for clinicians who wish to reframe diagnosis into a strengths-based narrative and partner with clients to support self-determined needs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040381847
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/30/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	230
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Marilyn J. Monteiro, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and author with over four decades of clinical experience in autism assessment and therapy across the lifespan supporting individuals.

Table of Contents

Part I: Creating the individual’s Brain Style Profile 1. Reveal the story: young children across levels of verbal fluency - Maya and Maxwell 2. Reveal the story: children and adolescents - Malik and Marisa 3. Reveal the Story: adults across the lifespan - Morgan, Miranda, and Matt Part II: Laying the foundation: linking the Brain Style Profile to positive supports 4. Support the story: young children across levels of verbal fluency - Maya and Maxwell 5. Support the story: children and adolescents - Malik and Marissa 6. Support the story: adults across the lifespan - Morgan, Miranda, and Matt

Editorial Reviews

"Dr Monteiro’s work embraces an empirical measurement approach while providing a unique phenomenological understanding for each person. Implementing a straight-up theory structure she calls the Descriptive Triangle, Monteiro provides annotated case narratives which illuminate diagnosis and assistance for people with ASD. Managing to straddle both DSM diagnosis and personalized care, this short, user-friendly manual is an indispensable guide for clinicians."

John Z. Sadler, M.D., is a professor of psychiatry and the Daniel W. Foster Professor of Medical Ethics at UT Southwestern Dallas

"I had known Marilyn Monteiro personally and professionally for many years when I asked her to work with an incorrectly diagnosed nephew who was in crisis. As I read A Clinician’s Guide to Delivering Neuro-Informed Care: Revealing the Autism Story, I was reminded of how quickly she connected with my nephew and how in sync she was with him. Her approach changed his thinking from “something is wrong with me” to accepting and understanding how he processes and interacts with the world. With her continued guidance, he transformed from being resistant, depressed, and insecure to becoming an independent, happy, and self-confident young man. This book spells out her approach for clinicians to have the same success with their clients. Her approach to evaluating and working with autism is not the traditional approach we clinicians were trained in - it is the approach we should all be using."

DeAnn Hyatt Foley, M.Ed., parent, presenter, and educational diagnostician

"A Clinician’s Guide to Delivering Neuro-Informed Care authored by Marilyn J. Monteiro, PhD., is an indispensable resource for clinicians committed to neuroaffirmative care. The chapters offer an innovative, empathetic approach to understanding and honoring the unique neurodivergent experiences of autistic individuals. This guide transforms assessments into meaningful narratives, empowering both clinicians and clients. Grounded in expertise and compassion, Monteiro’s work sets a new standard in autism care, making it an essential tool for any professional seeking to deliver truly person-centered support."

Dr Diana Goldsmith, is the clinical director and clinical psychologist at Foundations Child and Family Therapy, Central London

"Reading A Clinician’s Guide to Delivering Neuro-Informed Care: Revealing the Autism Story is like getting to be in the room watching, listening to, and learning from a master clinician as she supports her clients, enriched by case examples and the MIGDAS framework. It’s like receiving personal mentorship from a seasoned expert, making it a valuable resource for any professional committed to authentic, compassionate care."

Donna Henderson, Psy.D., neuropsychologist and co-author of Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else and Is This Autism? A Companion Guide for Diagnosing

"I believe Marilyn Monteiro’s new book is a ‘must-have,’ not just for everyone who assesses autism, but for all clinicians who work with Autistic clients. Her ability to align with, and support, the energy cost of Autistic styles of communication is both ingenious and profound. An example is the use of a ‘pause button’ to gently scaffold conversational topic transitions. Even something as simple as checking for permission and readiness before asking a question shows a deep and compassionate recognition of the Autistic need for mental preparation. Her book consists of accounts of interviewing, assessing, and supporting various Autistic child and adult character composites. These profiles are written in a way that slowly reveals the characters' stories and how their brains experience the world. Monteiro models a tender approach of report writing that captures the beauty and spirit of her clients, illustrating the kind of report I would love to read about myself or someone I love. This is the first book I would recommend to all clinicians and family members who want to learn kind and nurturing ways to connect with Autistic persons."

Helen San, MA, LPC, LAC, is an autistic licensed professional counselor

From the Publisher