Welcome...

Thriving Autistic is an Autistic-led community of practice, home to over 700 neurodivergent professionals worldwide. We’re proud to have co-created these ground-breaking guidelines alongside the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and Irish charity AsIAm. Our goal is to improve support for Autistic adults through informed, respectful, and affirming therapeutic relationships.

This resource marks a vital step forward in neuro-affirming, inclusive therapeutic support for Autistic adults.

Co-Produced with Care

The guidelines were developed by a working group made up of:

Michael Ryan, Jessica K. Doyle, Tara O’Donnell Killen, Kevin Flynn, Lorraine Mooney, Bethan Davies, Gillian Fagan

The team drew on wide-ranging feedback from Autistic individuals, the Thriving Autistic leadership, the IACP EDI Committee, community groups, and professional forums to ensure this resource is both practical and grounded in lived experience.

What You’ll Find

This resource offers both a big-picture understanding and everyday strategies, including:

• Insights into Autistic ways of experiencing the world
• Neuro-affirming language and approaches
• Tools to support communication, emotional processing, and executive functioning
• Practical steps for managing burnout and overwhelm
• Cultural perspectives and intersectionality
• Guidance for building strong, respectful therapeutic relationships

More Than a Manual

These guidelines are an invitation to slow down, reflect, and approach each Autistic client as the expert in their own experience. Some clients have explored their identity in depth; others may be just starting to make sense of it.

Rather than assumptions, what’s needed is openness, curiosity, and cultural humility.

Supporting Meaningful Change

At Thriving Autistic, we view this resource as a foundation—a means to initiate conversations, deepen understanding, and enhance practice. It’s one step towards a mental health landscape where Autistic people are truly seen, heard, and supported.

Note: IACP members can access an additional video resource here