Supporting Autistic Clients

This presentation gives clinicians practical, evidence-informed skills for recognizing probable autism in clients, mapping their sensory profile, and adapting talk therapies and trauma work to be accessible and safe for autistic people. It covers observable signs that should prompt autism-informed care, a hands-on sensory-mapping exercise, concrete therapy adaptations (language, structure, pacing, and sensory supports), and trauma-informed approaches for processing harms tied to growing up autistic in a neurotypical world. Emphasis is on measurable clinical moves you can apply immediately and on when to refer for specialist assessment or allied supports. 

Following this presentation participants will be able to:

• list at least five observable/clincial clues that increase suspicion of autism in adults and youth and explain why each clue is clinically relevant. 
• use a brief sensory-mapping exercise and identify ≥3 sensory triggers and ≥3 sensory supports/strategies for a sample client case. 
• describe and demonstrate at least three concrete therapy adaptations and state when each adaptation is likely to be helpful. 
• identify three trauma-related risks linked to growing up autistic in a neurotypical world and outline a trauma-informed response plan including at least two specific intervention adjustments. 

Speaker Bio:

Mike is the Clinical Director at Elliot Counseling, a group private practice in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which specializes in ADHD, Autism, Attachment, Trauma, Dissociation and Plurality, and LGBTQIA+. He has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a MS in Professional Counseling from Carlow University. He has done post graduate training at the Albert Ellis Institute, The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, Creative Mindnfulness Institute, and Somatic Experiencing International. He is trained in a variety of trauma modalities include Gestalt Therapy, EMDR, Emotional Freedom Techniques, and Flash. He is currently training in Somatic Experiencing and is at the intermediate level. He is certified in EMDR and is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer (both basic and advanced). He is on the board of the Tristate Gender Collaborative, a former member of the mental health committee of the Trans YOUniting Conference, and a former president of the Greater Pittsburgh Counseling Association.