Autism in Hiding

Service Description

Autism in Hiding: How to Spot It – and Why It Matters in the Counselling Room “If we lack basic skills to recognise possible autism, we will keep hitting a neurological disorder with only our psychological hammers.” – Reed, 2019 CPD Training for Counsellors, Therapists & Mental Health Professionals Many autistic clients are in our therapy rooms right now—undiagnosed, masked, and misunderstood. Outwardly confident or compliant, they may not “look autistic,” yet behind the presentation lies a lifelong struggle with anxiety, self-worth, burnout, and social exhaustion. Led by neurodivergent therapist and educator Michael Colling, this seminar offers a practical, compassionate exploration of how autism can present in subtle, often missed ways—especially in girls, women, and adults. Through powerful case examples and lived insight, we explore how traits like masking, sensory sensitivity, monotropism, and demand avoidance show up in therapy. You'll learn how to gently recognise and respond to these signs, creating a space that supports regulation, authenticity, and discovery. We’ll also examine why common methods like CBT homework can unintentionally harm autistic clients, and how to adopt permissive, client-led approaches that empower rather than pathologise. You’ll gain tools for working with undiagnosed clients, supporting psychoeducation, and navigating the delicate line between “noticing” and naming. This course is not about fixing autistic people. It’s about seeing them, often for the first time. You Will Learn: How autism often hides in plain sight, especially in masked clients Why some behaviours mislabelled as oppositional are actually regulatory How to spot signs of monotropism, sensory processing issues & social fatigue The ethical role of the therapist in client self-discovery When diagnosis becomes a gateway to healing and validation How to adapt your approach to improve outcomes for neurodivergent clients Format: Delivered online or in-person Includes real-world case examples and optional discussion CPD Certificate provided