How Can Psychologists Meet the Needs of Autistic Adults?
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| Title: | How Can Psychologists Meet the Needs of Autistic Adults? |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rachel Jellett (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2024 28(2):520-522. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 3 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adults, Mental Health, Health Needs, Psychologists, Role, Knowledge Level |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613221147346 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | In a recent editorial, Mandy declared an autism mental health crisis and proposed six ideas for how this might be addressed, with which we agree. However, we propose that for these ideas (e.g. training for mental health professionals) to be implemented for psychologists, assumptions about best practice need to be assessed considering the evolving conceptualisation of autism. The formation and development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client has been established as an important 'common factor' that impacts the efficacy of therapy. If one considers the double empathy problem and views autism through a neurodiversity lens, the development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client of different neurotypes might require an alternative approach to standard practice. We propose that psychologists (if they are, for example, non-autistic and working with an autistic client), are at risk of misinterpreting their clients' communication and needs. As such, we consider the notion of cultural competency, and how the profession of psychology can move forward to help psychologists work effectively with autistic clients, learning from autistic people, including autistic psychologists. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1411399 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | In a recent editorial, Mandy declared an autism mental health crisis and proposed six ideas for how this might be addressed, with which we agree. However, we propose that for these ideas (e.g. training for mental health professionals) to be implemented for psychologists, assumptions about best practice need to be assessed considering the evolving conceptualisation of autism. The formation and development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client has been established as an important 'common factor' that impacts the efficacy of therapy. If one considers the double empathy problem and views autism through a neurodiversity lens, the development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client of different neurotypes might require an alternative approach to standard practice. We propose that psychologists (if they are, for example, non-autistic and working with an autistic client), are at risk of misinterpreting their clients' communication and needs. As such, we consider the notion of cultural competency, and how the profession of psychology can move forward to help psychologists work effectively with autistic clients, learning from autistic people, including autistic psychologists. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613221147346 |
