Why psychoeducation?
Throughout my research and clinical work in supporting autistic people and families, I couldn’t find a program or even a blueprint that told an autistic person what it’s like to be an autistic person.What's more, the research found that psychoedcuation was a foundational support post-diagnosis, so where was it? I realised there was a significant gap in post-diagnostic support, and what was available needed more.
If you don’t know what autism looks like for you, how can you accept who you are and effectively support the challenges you face?
I spent 18 months researching, developing, and writing an autism psychoeducation program. This program not only goes through the intricacies of being autistic, but it also provides a space:
to explore identity,
make sense of how your brain and body work and support that work for you,
looks at the impacts of not knowing and now knowing, and
goes deeper into reflection and your next steps with adaptable strategies, no matter your disclosure status.
What we offer
COMBINING COUNSELLING & EDUCATION
This psychoeducation program not only teaches about autism but encourages storytelling to make sense of your experiences and counselling strategies, such as ACT, to move towards and authentic you, with compassion. Importantly, as we have dynamic systems, strategies are adapted to suit autistic profiles.
Language is neutral, describing autism as it is.
COMMUNICATION & SELF-ADVOCACY
Learning how your communication differences look and the impacts you feel because of these differences. Investigating your empathy style. Walking through strategies to reduce the physical and mental loads of communication differences.
We build self-advocacy skills and explore through your rights regardless of disclosure status. Becoming more competent in who you are and connecting with the world that matters to you.
MASKING & CAMOUFLAGING
With 37 categories of Autistic camouflaging behaviours, we explore how you've masked, why, and how this has affected you. We investigate what disclosure might look like for you, how to prepare, and the levels of disclosure you feel ready for. How to get accommodations without disclosure.
BEING SOCIAL
Socialising can feel effortful, conscious, is not intuitive, and uses considerable energy. The subtle ways autistic socialising shows up and how they differ from non-autistics. Strategies to help with differences that are shared between social partners no matter the neurotype (we look to the Double-Empathy problem).
SENSORY & EMOTIONAL
With sensory systems that can be chaotic and confusing, we learn why this is, how it shows for you, and how to be safer with your sensory system.
Emotions can feel under and overwhelming. They can roll us over with little warning. We investigate how you experience and process emotions and work through strategies that are tailored to you. If you miss the subtle cues, we look at ways to feel the bubbling, and use simple strategies before it floods you.
THINKING STYLES
What is your natural processing style and how to get the best from it? We explore thinking styles, repetition, focus, attention, and why our brains work the way they do. We apply strategies to work, study, and everyday life.
marvelloh's Autism Psychoeducation Program
Connecting your story to your autism lens
Psychoeducation is life changing
Autism Discovery Psychoeducation Program was created in-house at marvelloh by Susan Carey, BSc(Psych) to support autistic adults post-diagnosis/identification. The program follows Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles.
The Autism Discovery Psychoeducation Program combines science and experiences. It is based on the Autism diagnostic criteria, evidence-based theories, traits, and community experiences. This combination addresses issues that may arise due to differential diagnoses. Autism is often accompanied by co-occurring diagnoses (e.g., ADHD, ID, OCD, etc), and care has been taken that the contents of the program are Autism specific.
Together with the above evidence-based structure, the program is tailored to the individual using best-practice and neuroaffirming psychology and storytelling frameworks.
The Autism Discovery Psychoeducation Program has been carefully structured with interweaving topics that include:
Discovery, diagnostic criteria & neurodiversity
Communication, masking, disclosure, & authentic socialising
Thinking and learning styles
Sensory processing, emotions, & executive function
Meltdowns & Autistic Burnout
Autistic joy, SpIns
Self-Advocacy, health & community
The Autism Discovery Program is offered as a 12-session structured program.
Brochures
Click the link to see marvelloh's brochure
What to expect
A little more information on marvelloh's Autism Discovery Psychoeducation Program
From our clients
Clients agree that psychoeducation has helped with their understanding of autism and moving forward in ways that honour their neurotype.
Want to find out more
Click the button to book a free 15 minute consultation or email hello@marvelloh.com.au