Publication
Title
Towards a neurodiversity-affirmative conceptualisation of psycho-education in the context of autism
Author
Abstract
Introduction Psycho-education is a practice often used in autism care, bridging between diagnosis and clinical counselling. In the autism literature, there is a shift towards defining autism in terms of deficit to defining autism in terms of neurodiversity. Literature increasingly indicates that this neurodiversity conceptualisation may lead to a more positive identity and less internalised stigma. Therefore we investigated to what extent this shift to neurodiversity-affirmative psycho-education has already occurred in the context of clinical care in Flanders, Belgium. Methods We reviewed the three psycho-educational tools that are most recommended and practically used in our region (I am special 2, Brain Blocks, Give me 5), deploying a reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis: (1) differing but mainly deficit-based autism conceptualisations (2) needs are important but little specified; (3) knowledge transfer as the main goal. Discussion The shift to neurodiversity-affirmative psycho-education has not yet occurred in clinical care in Flanders. We recommend centring lived experiences in psycho-educational tools, including more recent theories such as monotropism and the double empathy problem, and conducting more participatory research concerning different stakeholders’ needs. Lay abstract Psycho-education is a practice that is often used in clinical care in the context of autism to bridge diagnostics and clinical counselling. There are different definitions of what psycho-education should entail, but possible themes can be ‘what autism is’ and how the current needs of the individual and the environment can be addressed. At the same time, there is a shift in literature from defining autism in terms of deficits to defining autism in terms of difference (neurodiversity), where difficulties arise from a mismatch between the individual and their context. In this paper, we investigated three psycho-educational tools (I am special 2, Brain Blocks, Give me 5). More specifically, we investigated to what extent these psycho-educational tools are in line with neurodiversity-affirmative views. We found that the psycho-educational tools did not always specify how they understood autism. Autism was frequently described in terms of deficits. Also, the tools did not always mention which and whose needs they wanted to cater for (an autistic person, relatives,…). Lastly, the tools had a strong focus on addressing ‘what autism is’ – thereby mainly focussing on knowledge, and less on needs or emotional support. This differs from the approach recommended by recent literature in relevant fields. This paper gives a starting point to evaluate current psycho-education practices and recommends developing new psycho-educational tools that place first-hand autistic needs and experiences at the centre and push back against harmful stereotypes about autism.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Research in autism spectrum disorders. - Place of publication unknown
Publication
Place of publication unknown : 2024
ISSN
1750-9467
DOI
10.1016/J.RASD.2024.102391
Volume/pages
114 (2024) , p. 1-11
Article Reference
102391
ISI
001231808500001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
The author-created version that incorporates referee comments and is the accepted for publication version Available from 18.04.2025
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Towards empowering support of parents of young children on the autism spectrum.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.04.2024
Last edited 02.07.2024
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