ACT for Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach
Learn how to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) compassionately and effectively with autistic clients in this online course, with support from Dr. Russ Harris in an exclusive forum.
About the course
Start date
Starts 18 August 2026Length
6 weeks | 12 months accessWho this course is for
For Mental Health & Health ProfessionalsOrganization Enquiries
Find out moreAutistic clients usually have great strengths, refreshing new perspectives, and a wealth of creativity, but can also face unique and significant mental health challenges, from burnout and trauma, to insomnia and sensory overload. Working effectively with this population requires not only strong clinical skills, but also sensitivity, flexibility, and a neuroaffirming mindset.
In this engaging online course, Dr Russ Harris shares how to use ACT in a flexible, neuroaffirming way to help clients beat burnout, embrace their strengths, develop a positive self-identity, and build lives that are rich, full, and meaningful.
$370
Save $220
ACT for Autism: A Neuroaffirming Approach
Normally $590
Enroll now$370
Early Registration | Save $220
Offer ends on July 31Learn from a World Leader in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
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.
Why Do Autistic Clients Respond Well To ACT?
Dual or triple diagnoses are frequent amongst autistic clients, and a trauma history is common. So are struggles with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. ACT offers a compassionate, neuro-affirming approach that’s well received by autistic clients, because:
It’s easily individualized: We can readily adapt and tailor ACT to suit each client’s unique needs and communication style.
It’s infused with compassion and validation: We take the time to understand and acknowledge and validate the unique concerns and desires of autistic clients, while helping them foster self-compassion and prioritizing emotional safety.
It’s strengths-based and values-inspired: We help clients utilize neurodivergent strengths and values, to look after themselves, and take effective action to improve quality of life.
It’s safe and supportive: We emphasize safety and wellbeing, especially when working on challenging new behaviours such as self-advocacy and unmasking.
What You’ll Learn
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.
Course Structure and Format
This is a 14-hour online course, delivered over 6 weeks. You’ll receive approximately 2.5 hours of new content per week, including video lessons, therapy demonstrations, client handouts, and interactive exercises.
You’ll have 12 months of access, so you can learn entirely at your own pace and revisit key materials anytime. The course also includes an interactive discussion forum, where you can ask Russ questions and exchange ideas with professionals around the world.
Who this course is for
This course is open to all mental health and health professionals, including psychologists, therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, speech therapists, BCBAs, and coaches.
This course assumes at least a beginners-level knowledge of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Before enrolling, we recommend you do at least one of the following:
Attend an introductory level 2-day ACT workshop (with any ACT trainer; it doesn’t have to be with Russ), or
Complete our online ACT for Beginners course, or
Thoroughly work through a beginners-level ACT textbook from start to end, such as ACT Made Simple, 2nd edition.
Enrollments
We're happy to help if you can't attend the current intake. Once your purchase is complete, contact our customer service team and we can enrol you in a future intake.
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What You'll Learn
Course excerpts
Continuing Education & Professional Development (CE/CME/CPD)
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.
