Therapy for Level 1 Adult Autistic Clients
As our knowledge of Level 1 Autism increases, people are increasingly diagnosed in adulthood. The needs of this group are rarely met, and most therapists rely on their existing skill set. Adaptive Therapy for Autistic Adults allows you, as a therapist, to continue working within your chosen modalities whilst learning about the therapeutic needs of this client group. From learning to identify whether your client might be autistic, to structuring sessions around their sensory and communication needs, to educating your clients to manage their emotions better and move forwards in life, ATAA® will enable you to help your clients lead happier and more fulfilled lives.
ATAA®
Claire Jack, PhD. is an autistic therapist who specialises in working with adult female autistic clients. She is the author of several books on autism and one of Psychology Today's experts on autism. ATAA® is responding to a much-needed demand by Level 1 Autistic People for an adaptive therapeutic approach which is respectful and effective.
Whilst anyone is welcome to take the course, to become an ATAA® Practitioner, you must already be a qualified counsellor, life coach, hypnotherapist, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. To receive certification, you'll be required to work through the whole course at your own pace. If you're not sure whether your qualifications allow you to become an ATAA®, please get in touch!
Self-paced learning
Learn at your own pace with extensive written materials, client resources and hours worth of video materials. Qualified therapists can call themselves ATAA® therapists on completion of the course.
Client Resources
From intake forms, to emotional regulation tools, you'll receive all the resources you need to offer your clients the best experience possible.
Communication
Many autistic clients feel unheard by therapists or unable to express themselves well. Learn how to communicate so that you both understand each other fully.
Example Curriculum
- Overview (14:10)
- Creating rapport (7:28)
- Session structure and content (3:23)
- Metaphors and literal language
- Issues with verbal communication
- Misunderstanding vagueness and the "big picture"
- Misreading the therapist's cues
- Misreading the client's cues
- Client cognitive flexibility and communication
- Asking for assistance
- Sustaining conversation and pacing sessions
- Expressing emotions
- Discussing interests
- Intake form (4:10)
- Pre-session questions
- Final session questions
- Autism Q&A
- Social handout
- Spoons theory
- Communication handout
- ATAA Autism wheel
- BALANCE goal setting
- DIVERSE abilities
- Autism and emotional regulation
- ATAA Naming emotions wheel
- ATAA Meltdown wheel
- ATAA Emotional Timeline for Metldowns
- ATAA Shutdown wheel
- Screening tests
- Autism in the workplace