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Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients

A Primer for Mental Health Professionals
By Chris Dabbs and Audrey Scaer
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Brief Description
Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients is an accessible primer focused on the provision of neuro-affirming clinical care for autistic clients, written from the perspective of autistic clinicians. In eight chapters, this book provides actionable steps without the assumption of expert autism knowledge. It begins by building... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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An accessible primer on neuro-affirming clinical care for autistic clients, written from the perspective of autistic clinicians. It covers topics ranging from best language practices, assessment and diagnosis, communication with autistic clients, interventions, and ethical practices.

An accessible primer on neuro-affirming clinical care for autistic clients, written from the perspective of autistic clinicians. It covers topics ranging from best language practices, assessment and diagnosis, communication with autistic clients, interventions, and ethical practices.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients is an accessible primer focused on the provision of neuro-affirming clinical care for autistic clients, written from the perspective of autistic clinicians.

In eight chapters, this book provides actionable steps without the assumption of expert autism knowledge. It begins by building foundational knowledge for understanding what autism is and how to talk about it using current language practices.

The book then explains how to recognise and assess for autism, alongside providing an overview of co-occurring mental health concerns among this population. It also includes strategies for effective communication and interventions with autistic individuals, supporting them day-to-day, and maintaining ethical clinical practices.

Broadening beyond individual clients, the book outlines strategies for supporting families and caregivers of autistic individuals, with an emphasis on understanding the impact that autism may have on family dynamics.

Understanding and Affirming Autistic Clients is the answer for clinicians asking themselves how they can better serve their autistic clients.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9798881806804

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 November 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Illustration: 12 bw illus; 4 bw photos

Contributors:

  • Contributions by Maggie Savage

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 150.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 160

Collections

Audrey Scaer Chris Dabbs Education & Reference Health & Wellness Non-Fiction

About the Author

Chris Dabbs, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University and is a licensed psychologist and licensed mental health counselor, who is open about his own identity as an autistic clinician. In his research, Dr. Dabbs primarily focuses on ways in which social bias and stigma impact mental wellness, employment, and life satisfaction in religious minorities and people broadly described as neurodivergent. His research has been published in academic journals, collected volumes, and he has provided clinical training and presentations to national and local audiences. You can stay up-to-date with his current endeavors at chrisdabbs.com or find him on social media @dabbspsych.
Audrey Scaer, PhD, is autistic and a staff psychologist at Eastern Michigan University’s counseling center, with a particular focus on working with college students exploring autistic identity, LGBTQ+ identity, or processing experiences of identity-based trauma. Dr. Scaer attended graduate school in Oklahoma. Outside of clinical work, Dr. Scaer collaborates with Chris on research focused on autistic wellbeing.
Contribution by Maggie Savage

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