Optimizing DBT for Autistic Clients

Please note: DBT therapists who are in need of updated training on autism as a neurotype should take the 9/5/25 workshop titled "Providing Neuroaffirmative Treatment: Understanding Autism as a Neurotype".

Description:

Mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD) occur at a significantly higher rate in autistic individuals than in the general population. In addition, rates of suicidal and self-harming behaviors are more than three times higher in autistic individuals than allistic (non-autistic) individuals. Moreover, there is significant overlap in the emotion regulation difficulties reported by autistic individuals and people with BPD. By extension, DBT should theoretically be a natural fit for many autistic individuals experiencing psychological difficulties. Unfortunately, autistic clients report a number of barriers to accessing effective, neuroaffirmative treatments - including DBT - for their mental health needs. For example, many clients are told that providers or clinics “don’t work with” autistic individuals. Conversely, concealing their autism diagnosis to overcome this barrier can result in ineffective treatment, as the client’s neurotype was not properly assessed and incorporated into the treatment plan.  

Preliminary research has demonstrated that DBT can be safe and effective in reducing suicidal behaviors in autistic adults without intellectual disability. In qualitative studies, autistic adults have reported that DBT skills are helpful for regulating emotions, understanding themselves, and connecting with others. In addition, these clients have suggested several modifications that could enhance DBT’s accessibility, effectiveness, and generalizability for autistic individuals. Suggestions have included reducing the number of words on handouts and worksheets, incorporating more concrete practices and visual supports, and more explicitly addressing how DBT skills may apply to autistic clients. 

In this workshop, the presenters (both DBT-LBC certified clinicians, one of whom is autistic) will discuss when and how to modify DBT by honoring the needs of the autistic brain without changing the treatment or targeting autism as a problem to be solved. Implications for treatment will be discussed, with a focus on incorporating the client’s neurotype into case conceptualization. Potential modifications for both individual therapy and skills delivery will be proposed. 

At the end of this workshop, the learner will be able to:

1. List 2 autism-specific concepts to consider and assess for during case conceptualization with autistic individuals. 
2. Describe 2 or more ways that the therapeutic environment can be modified to accommodate the clients neurotype and sensory differences. 
3. Describe 2 or more ways to modify DBT skills training/delivery to be more neurodiversity-affirming.
4. Discuss pros and cons of providing environmental accommodations for autistic individuals. 
5. Describe how a neurotypical environment can be pervasively invalidating for autistic individuals. 

Continuing Education (CE) Information

Six (6) CE credits are being offered for this workshop for those who attend the event in full. TAP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. TAP maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Participants who miss more than 15 minutes of the training will not be eligible for CEs - partial CE credits will not be given. Participants are required to sign in online at the beginning and conclusion of the course and participate fully in the course, Q&A and any assessments given by the presenters.

Questions about the CE credits for this event can be directed to tapce@tapclinicnc.com.