Therapy and support for autistic adults

Navigating life as an autistic adult can present unique challenges and opportunities.

Having the right support system in place can make all the difference. From professional help to peer support, there are many options available to help you or your autistic person thrive. Let’s explore some of the professional support options that can help you as an autistic adult.

Psychologists

Psychologists study how and why people think, feel, behave, and react. They provide many services, but most commonly, they help with assessments and therapy. If you’ve ever thought, “This sounds like me,” after reading about autism, a psychologist can help confirm whether you are on the spectrum. They can also adapt various therapies to better fit the needs of autistic adults, helping with everything from social interactions to mental health issues.

Psychologists often employ techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for autistic adults. This therapy can help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns by focusing on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Another important service is the development of social skills programs, which can help autistic adults navigate social interactions more comfortably. These programs might include role-playing exercises and other interactive activities designed to build confidence and competence in social settings.

Psychologists can also work with families and caregivers, providing them with strategies to support their loved ones effectively. This might involve training in positive reinforcement techniques, understanding sensory sensitivities and learning how to create a supportive home environment. By working closely with the entire support network, psychologists aim to improve the overall wellbeing of autistic adults.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They diagnose and treat mental health conditions and understand how these conditions interact with your overall wellbeing. They can treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which are common among autistic adults. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, provide therapy, and sometimes perform procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

For autistic adults, psychiatrists can offer valuable insights into how mental health conditions intertwine with autism. They can provide comprehensive evaluations to differentiate between autism and other mental health issues, ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate care. In addition to prescribing medication, psychiatrists can offer psychotherapy tailored to the unique needs of autistic adults. This might include sessions focused on managing stress, coping with sensory overload, or addressing social anxiety.

Psychiatrists also play a crucial role in crisis intervention. In cases of severe mental health crises, they can provide immediate support and, if necessary, arrange for hospitalisation to ensure the individual's safety and wellbeing. By coordinating with other healthcare providers, psychiatrists help create a cohesive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of an autistic adult's health.

Speech therapists

Speech therapists help with communication, feeding and swallowing difficulties, among other things. They work on everything from speech clarity to using pictures for communication. Improving communication skills is a big part of their role, whether it's helping with language development, understanding spoken words, or using alternative communication methods if needed. In the workplace, they can educate colleagues about social communication differences and help you develop workplace communication skills.

For autistic adults, speech therapy might involve working on pragmatic language skills essential for effective social communication. This includes understanding non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, and mastering the subtleties of conversation, like taking turns and staying on topic. Speech therapists can also assist with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods for those who are non-verbal or have significant speech difficulties. These methods might include the use of communication boards, speech-generating devices, or apps that facilitate communication.

Speech therapists often collaborate with other professionals, such as occupational therapists and psychologists, to provide a holistic approach to communication development. They can offer group therapy sessions that allow autistic adults to practise their skills in a supportive environment, fostering greater confidence and competence in real-world interactions.

Occupational therapists (OTs)

Occupational therapists (OTs) help you engage in everyday activities and reach your personal goals, whether that’s at home, work, or in community settings. They can assist with life skills such as planning, time management, and accessing the community. OTs also develop strategies for emotional regulation and anxiety reduction. They provide specialised support, including mindfulness programs, cooking groups, and specialised equipment for sensory needs. Their goal is to help you live as independently and confidently as possible.

OTs work with autistic adults to enhance their ability to perform daily tasks and participate in meaningful activities. This might include helping you develop routines that improve your efficiency and reduce stress. For instance, an OT can teach you how to break down complex tasks into manageable steps, making it easier to accomplish goals such as cooking a meal or completing a work project.

They also address sensory processing issues, which are common in autistic individuals. OTs might create a sensory plan, a personalised plan that includes activities and equipment to help manage sensory sensitivities. This could involve using fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, or specific types of seating that provide sensory input to help you feel more comfortable and focused.

Additionally, OTs support social integration by helping you develop social skills and strategies to navigate different environments. This might include role-playing social scenarios, practising public transportation use, or learning how to advocate for yourself in various settings. By focusing on your strengths and interests, OTs aim to empower you to lead a fulfilling and independent life.

Telehealth

Telehealth is a game-changer for many people. It uses telecommunications, like video calls, to provide remote consultations and support. This is especially beneficial if you live in a rural or regional area. Telehealth can be used for autism assessments, medical and psychological consultations, speech and occupational therapy, and social skills groups. It can save you the time and expense of travelling long distances and allows you to access support from the comfort of your home.

For many autistic adults, telehealth offers a flexible and accessible way to receive care. It can be particularly useful for those who experience anxiety or discomfort in traditional clinical settings. Telehealth allows you to connect with specialists from the comfort of your home, making it easier to participate in therapy sessions and consultations. This approach also enables you to access a wider range of professionals, including those who specialise in autism, regardless of your geographic location.

In addition to one-on-one therapy sessions, telehealth can facilitate group therapy and support groups, providing opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and build a sense of community. Telehealth platforms often include tools for tracking progress and setting goals, making it easier to stay engaged in your support plan.

Behaviour support specialists

Behaviour specialists create strategies to manage and improve challenging behaviours. They focus on understanding why certain behaviours occur and finding ways to encourage positive behaviours instead. They can introduce alternative communication methods to reduce frustration and teach and practise sa skills to increase comfort in social settings.

Behaviour specialists start by conducting thorough assessments to identify the triggers and functions of challenging behaviours. This might involve observing the autistic person’s behaviour in different settings, talking with family members or caregivers, and reviewing any relevant medical or psychological records. Based on this information, they develop a personalised behaviour support plan that outlines specific strategies and interventions.

One key area of focus for behaviour specialists is improving communication. Many challenging behaviours stem from difficulties in expressing needs and emotions. By introducing alternative communication methods, such as picture cards, sign language, or speech-generating devices, behaviour specialists can help you communicate more effectively and reduce frustration.

Another important aspect of behaviour support is teaching social skills. This might involve role-playing different social scenarios, practising appropriate responses, and developing strategies to handle social anxiety. Behaviour specialists can also work on daily living skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, transport, and time management, to promote greater independence.

Behaviour specialists often collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive support. They also work closely with families and caregivers, offering training and advice on implementing the behaviour support plan at home and in other settings. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and maximises the effectiveness of the interventions.

Developmental educators

Developmental educators are allied health professionals who specialise in supporting people with a disability to build life skills and independence and improve their quality of life. They work across various disabilities, including autism, and take a practical, holistic approach. They address various issues that affect independence and social inclusion, working closely with your family and other caregivers to support your goals.

Developmental educators use a range of strategies to support personal development. This might include creating personalised learning plans, providing skill-building activities, and offering support in various settings, such as at home, in the community, or at work. They focus on a person’s strengths and interests, helping them to build on these to achieve their goals.

One of the key roles of a developmental educator is to help an individual navigate transitions, such as moving from school to work or from living with family to living independently. They provide practical support and guidance during these times, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed. This might involve teaching an autistic person how to manage a household, apply for jobs, or access community services.

Developmental educators also work closely with families and caregivers, providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools to support their development. This might include training in positive behaviour support, understanding sensory sensitivities, and learning how to create a supportive home environment. By working collaboratively with everyone involved in your care,

Peer support

Support from other autistic adults can be incredibly beneficial. It’s important to remember that you deserve support as you navigate through your diagnosis and beyond. No one should feel alone if they are struggling, and everyone sometimes struggles.

Peer support means finding people who are autistic and who can understand and share your experiences, joys and frustrations. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can provide valuable advice and friendship. Many peer support groups meet online and in person, offering a range of activities and resources. 

Autism support groups for adults are found throughout Australia, primarily in the larger towns and cities whilst many are available online. Typically, they can provide:

• NDIS information
• Social gatherings and recreational activities
• Training in areas such as physical and mental health, employment, finance and housing
• Self-development, empowerment and mentoring
• A forum for pursuing special interests

Participation can sometimes be limited to specific age groups—for example, young adults. It can also be limited to certain attributes— for example, women and non-binary only.

Many autism support groups are managed by autistic peers, while some are overseen by non-government organisations. Here are some examples of established autism support groups:

• ‍Autism Community Network: a Sydney-based organisation that organises social groups and information events.‍
• Asperger’s Victoria: peer support groups and educational events. It also provides Asperger's information and employment readiness resources.
• ‍Aspie Rebels: a Melbourne-based social club for autistic individuals.‍
• Different Journeys: autistic-focused, peer-run social platforms. Expect inspirational talks, sporting events, creative and gaming activities, quiz nights and special-interest discussion forums.