How can psychologists meet the needs of autistic adults?

In a recent editorial, Mandy declared an autism mental health crisis and proposed six ideas for how this might be addressed, with which we agree. However, we propose that for these ideas (e.g. training for mental health professionals) to be implemented for psychologists, assumptions about best practice need to be assessed considering the evolving conceptualisation of autism. The formation and development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client has been established as an important 'common factor' that impacts the efficacy of therapy. If one considers the double empathy problem and views autism through a neurodiversity lens, the development of a therapeutic alliance between a psychologist and client of different neurotypes might require an alternative approach to standard practice. We propose that psychologists (if they are, for example, non-autistic and working with an autistic client), are at risk of misinterpreting their clients' communication and needs. As such, we consider the notion of cultural competency, and how the profession of psychology can move forward to help psychologists work effectively with autistic clients, learning from autistic people, including autistic psychologists.

Automated summary

In a recent editorial, Mandy highlighted the autism mental health crisis and proposed six ideas for addressing it, which we support. However, we suggest that to implement these ideas, such as mental health professional training, it is important to consider the evolving understanding of autism. The establishment of a therapeutic alliance between psychologists and clients of different neurotypes might require an alternative approach, considering the double empathy problem and adopting a neurodiversity lens. We propose that non-autistic psychologists working with autistic clients should be aware of potential misinterpretations and value cultural competency, learning from autistic individuals, including autistic psychologists, to improve their effectiveness.