Presenting the Autism Dialogue Approach (ADA), a novel framework rooted in dialogue and awareness-raising practices, addressing the diverse needs of autistic and neurodivergent individuals while emphasising that ‘the autism community’ includes everyone, promoting an inclusive understanding of neurodiversity. In this workshop, combining our expertise and experiences, we will learn to see autism and neurodiversity through a fresh lens and thrive – together.
ADA values co-creation and shared meaning-making and this session facilitates a compassionate critique into traditional therapeutic and coaching models, which can be driven by dominant systems of normalcy and all else being deficient. By exploring the personal and practical together, we may demonstrate how Professional Dialogue transforms therapy, coaching and leadership, by fostering environments where neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals can connect authentically and transcend division, presenting autism as an opportunity for collective growth.
Download a free 30-page guide to supplement this workshop http://eepurl.com/hiDXkn and introduces material from the new book ‘The Autism Dialogue Approach Handbook: Transforming Communication in Neurodiversity’. (Routledge, April 2025).
In development for nearly 10 years ADA draws on the work of Dialogue pioneers such as David Bohm, Martin Buber and Edgar Schein, social cognitive philosophers such as Dr.Hanne De Jaegher and autistic researchers such as Dr.Damian Milton and Dr.Lori Hogenkamp. Our courses aim to bring an experiential autism angle, through the healing and transformative power of dialogue as praxis, combined with a range of transformative tools and approaches, to deepen insight and understanding of autism wellbeing, communities and leadership. This work has empowered many autistic people, their families and allied services to navigate their lives together with increased confidence and clarity.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- With clear tools, exercises, and real-world examples, we will guide participants in applying ADA to cultivate neurodivergent-affirming, inclusive spaces and delve into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of dialogue, offering insights into how societal structures impact autistic experiences and how systemic change can occur through dialogue.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Anyone impacted or interested in autism, neurodiversity, disability, social justice, healthcare professionals, coaches, counsellors, therapists, educators and students.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- A thorough experiential introduction into some of the core elements of ADA will boost confidence and knowledge into working with this large and rapidly growing client group.
Course Content
Presenter
Jonny is an informal researcher, coach and dialogue facilitator, influenced by a life of Eastern and Western disciplines including in contemporary fine arts, dialogue and spiritual practice. After a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome he trained in Coaching and Autism studies, then formulated the Autism Dialogue Approach® and Mindfulness for Autism (M4A).
Dialogic Action CIC was founded by a team of autistic people, academics, philosophers, coaches and third-sector experts, who believe generative dialogue is a framework for moving beyond individual consciousness into an emergent wholeness, and the key to a more harmonious existence.
Kate Salinsky currently a trainer with the National Autism Trainer Programme (NHS/Anna Freud Centre/AT-Autism). She also supports neuro-divergent students 1-1 in higher education as a study skills tutor and mentor, and adults as a mentor / coach through Access to Work. Kate is parent to a two children one of whom is autistic and has a PDA profile. She has an MA in Autism and completed her research dissertation on the Lived Experience of Parents of PDA children. Previously, Kate worked as a training manager and counsellor in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, managing a team of trainers to design and deliver accredited training to people working in substance misuse, counselling and mediation.
