Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients: A Primer for Mental Health Professionals

by Chris Dabbs, Audrey Scaer, Maggie Savage (Contribution by)

Overview

This book is an accessible primer focused on the provision of neuro-affirming clinical care for autistic clients, written from the perspective of autistic clinicians. In eight chapters, this book provides actionable steps without the assumption of expert autism knowledge. It first builds foundational knowledge for understanding what autism is and how to talk about it using current language practices. This book then explains how to recognize and assess for autism, alongside overviewing co-occurring mental health concerns among this population. This book also includes strategies for effective communication and interventions with autistic individuals, supporting autistic individuals day-to-day, and maintaining ethical clinical practices. Broadening beyond individual clients, this book additionally outlines strategies for supporting families and caregivers of autistic individuals, with an emphasis on the importance of understanding the impact that autism may have on family dynamics. This book is the answer for clinicians asking themselves how they can better serve their autistic clients.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881806798
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/04/2025
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Chris Dabbs, PhD is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University and is a licensed psychologist and licensed mental health counselor, who is open about his own identity as an autistic clinician. In his research, Dr. Dabbs primarily focuses on ways in which social bias and stigma impact mental wellness, employment, and life satisfaction in religious minorities and people broadly described as neurodivergent. His research has been published in academic journals, collected volumes, and he has provided clinical training and presentations to national and local audiences. You can stay up-to-date with his current endeavors at chrisdabbs.com or find him on social media @dabbspsych.

Audrey Scaer, PhD, is autistic and a staff psychologist at Eastern Michigan University's counseling center, with a particular focus on working with college students exploring autistic identity, LGBTQ+ identity, or processing experiences of identity-based trauma. Dr. Scaer attended graduate school in Oklahoma. Dr. Scaer's research focus is autistic wellbeing.

Maggie Savage, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist based in Indiana. As a neurodivergent individual herself (ADHD and OCD), she makes it a point in her practice to provide neurodiversity-affirming care to her clients. She specializes in engaging autistic children in play-based language therapy. Her other areas of focus include Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), phonological disorders, and early childhood language development.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Understanding Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Language Basics
Models of Understanding
The Spectrum of Autism
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Chapter 2: Recognizing and Assessing Autism
Late Identification of Autism
Self-Identification
Screening and Assessment Tools
The Role of Early Intervention
Cultural and Social Considerations
Chapter 3: Communication with Autistic Clients by Maggie Savage
Communicating with Speaking Autistic Clients
Communicating with Non-Speaking Autistics
Building Rapport and Trust with Autistic Clients
Chapter 4: Mental Health Concerns in Autistic Individuals
Co-occurrence of Autism with Other Mental Health Concerns
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Intellectual Developmental Disorders
Depression
Generalized Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Trauma- and Stress-Related Disorders
Disordered Eating
Addiction
Borderline Personality Disorder
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Treatment Approaches and Interventions
Social Communication and Awareness Support
Exploring Camouflaging of Autistic Traits
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Emotions and Alexithymia
Safety Planning with Autistic Clients
Trauma Informed Care with Autistic Clients
Peer Support and Group Therapy
Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Chapter 6: Supporting Autistic Clients in Daily Life
Educational Support
Employment Support
Navigating the Healthcare and Support Service Systems
Chapter 7: Working with Families and Caregivers
Understanding the Family Perspective
Providing Education and Resources
Facilitating Family Support Groups
Encouraging Self-Care and Coping Strategies
Chapter 8: Ethical Considerations and Best Practices
Informed Consent and Confidentiality
Respect for Individual Differences and Preferences
Cultural Humility and Sensitivity
Continuing Education and Professional Development
The Importance of Ongoing Research and Collaboration

Glossary
Appendix A: Book Recommendations
Appendix B: Online Periodical Suggested Reading
Appendix C: Online Communities for Autistic Clients
Appendix D: Self-Diagnosis and Skill Resources for Clients
Appendix E: Free Training and Professional Development in Autism
References
Index
About the Authors