ACT for Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach

This course is led by Dr Russ Harris, one of the world’s most respected ACT trainers and the bestselling author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple. Russ is also a consultant to the World Health Organization and a pioneer in making ACT accessible and practical.

Through engaging video lessons, real therapy demonstrations, and interactive discussions, Russ will show you, step by step, how to apply ACT principles through a neuroaffirming lens.

You’ll see how ACT’s flexible, values-based model aligns naturally with the principles of The Neurodiversity Movement and the social model of disability; and how it empowers clients to recognize and embrace their neurodivergent strengths, and build a positive self-identity.

Across six weeks of guided learning, you’ll explore how to use ACT to support autistic clients in practical, empowering ways. You’ll learn to:

• Understand autism through a neurodiversity-affirming, biopsychosocial  lens

• Adapt your communication and therapeutic style to each client

• Use neuroaffirming language and approaches that validate clients’ lived experience

• Scaffold executive function skills, such as emotional regulation, attention flexibility and cognitive flexibility

• Foster self-acceptance, self-compassion, and positive self-identity

• Help clients to practice safe, flexible unmasking and build authentic connections

• Help clients to flexibly use stimming, spins, and routines to self-soothe or ‘recharge their batteries’ in workable, life-enhancing ways

• Work effectively with challenges such as sensory overload, burnout, autistic inertia, and RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) - and very importantly, Russ will ensure that you…

Do NOT Use A ‘One Size Fits All’ Approach

When you’ve met one autistic person … you’ve met one autistic person! You’ll learn how to tailor ACT interventions to suit each client’s unique strengths, challenges, and context. And how to identify the function of problematic behaviours so you can create unique, targeted, compassionate interventions.

You’ll also explore how to “scaffold” new skills step-by-step, supporting clients to develop everything from emotion regulation to cognitive flexibility skills.

ACT for Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach is designed for mental health professionals, health professionals and coaches worldwide. On completion you'll receive an official certificate of completion, which can be submitted to registration bodies for CPD.

This course is accredited for 14 CE/CME credit hours for US licensed professionals:

• Psychologists - 14 CE hours, APA - co-sponsored with Amedco, an APA-approved sponsor

• Social workers - 14 general CE credits, ASWB ACE

• Physicians - 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACCME

• Nurses - 14 contact hours, ANCC

• Counselors, MFTs & addiction professionals - 14 hours, accepted by most US state boards via APA and ASWB ACE credit - see the state-by-state list

• Approved CE activity with the New York State boards for Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and Marriage & Family Therapy.

View the full learner notification for this course (PDF) - includes complete accreditation statements, state board acceptance lists, learning objectives and faculty disclosures.