How do you set your session up when your client is an ADHDer or autistic?

In this episode Dr. Hayley MacGregor, a clinical psychologist and specialist in working with neurodivergent adolescents is interviewed. They discuss best practices for psychologists when working with clients with autism and ADHD, including the importance of adapting communication styles and therapy environments. Dr. MacGregor shares practical advice on creating a comfortable therapeutic setting, establishing trust, and using tools like the autism spectrum wheel and emotion dictionaries to enhance understanding and care. This episode emphasises the need to recognise and accommodate the sensory and communication preferences of neurodivergent clients, offering insights that can be applied therapeutic contexts across the life span.

Highlights:

00:54 Understanding neurodivergence in therapy

02:48 Setting sessions up

06:47 Adapting therapy for neurodivergent clients

08:45 Tools and resources

21:54 Sensory preferences and adaptations

Guest Info

Get in contact with Dr Hayley Macgregor here

Resources mentioned

Books:

Wise, S. J. (2022). The neurodivergent friendly workbook of DBT skills.

Dunn, W. (2008). Living sensationally: Understanding your senses. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

https://www.autismattheheart.co.uk/information

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Disclaimer: The Mastering therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Natalie Stott (Dclinpsych, HPCP reg), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should only be used by qualified professionals.