Working with Autistic People in Mental Health Settings
A Neurodiversity Affirmative Guide
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Mental health services support many Autistic people - whetheror not they are formally identified - and have a vital opportunity to embrace neurodiversity-affirmative approaches that truly meet their needs. Too often,traditional therapies, even when well-intentioned, can overlook Autistic ways of thinking, feeling, and being, repeating deficit-based narratives that do more harm than good.
Integrating clinical expertise, contemporary theory, and lived experience,this definitive book empowers professionals to deliver truly neurodiversity-affirmative care. Exploring key aspects of Autistic experience including interoception, masking, monotropism, and double empathy, this book offers practical strategies for adapting therapy, assessment, and service delivery.
Through reflective exercises and practice insights, this book bridges theory and practice to support authentic, respectful clinical relationships. It offers mental health professionals a compassionate roadmap for genuine support and redefines what effective mental health support for Autistic people can, and should, look like.
Integrating clinical expertise, contemporary theory, and lived experience,this definitive book empowers professionals to deliver truly neurodiversity-affirmative care. Exploring key aspects of Autistic experience including interoception, masking, monotropism, and double empathy, this book offers practical strategies for adapting therapy, assessment, and service delivery.
Through reflective exercises and practice insights, this book bridges theory and practice to support authentic, respectful clinical relationships. It offers mental health professionals a compassionate roadmap for genuine support and redefines what effective mental health support for Autistic people can, and should, look like.
- Published: May 21 2026
- Pages: 208
- ISBN: 9781805014058
Press Reviews
- David Gray-Hammond, Academic and Author
This book represents an important step forward in how we design and implement mental health care for Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people. This book needs to be read by anyone working in mental health.
- Nick Walker, PhD, author of Neuroqueer Heresies
Dr. Day is one of the world's leading experts on supporting the well-being of autistic clients, and this invaluable distillation of her wisdom is a must-read for every mental health professional.
- Hanna Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, Professor in Social work, Karlstad University, Sweden and Editor of Neurodiversity studies a new critical paradigm.
A much-needed step forward, this key handbook focuses on neurodiversity-affirmative work in mental health settings. Written by a neurodivergent author with extensive clinical expertise, the book lays the foundation for understanding the Autistic experience through a neurodiversity-affirmative approach. It offers pedagogical and structured guidance, often infused with a personal and humorous touch that made me smile as I read. Using the illustrative case of 'Frankie''s encounters with healthcare systems, it provides practical insights for applying this approach in clinical work with Autistic people, while also supporting professional development and reflective practice. This book is essential reading for all health and social care students, practitioners, policymakers, and Autistic people and their allies.
- Davida Hartman, Adjunct Professor UCD School of Psychology, Clinical Director of The Addult Autism & ADHD Practice
"This vital and insightful book by the brilliant Dr Anna Day should be required reading for all professionals working in mental health and related fields."