Heightened awareness is naturally at the core of all client-helper interactions, and specific approaches and techniques to safely raise consciousness should lead to better outcomes in the helping relationship. Autism awareness, however, presents an unprecedented complex dimension.
Mindfulness for Autism (M4A), a core component of Autism Dialogue Approach®, addresses some of the most prominent concerns in cross-neurotype dialogic interactions. These include unhelpful non-dual states; how to avoid ‘double empathy’ (Milton, 2012); unseen systemic power influences; alternative and augmented communication; cross-neurotype relationships; sensory sensitivities; trauma, vagal healing; emotions; self-care; masking and neurodivergent empowerment. Specially adapted techniques will be demonstrated, such as stimming/mindful movement; holistic grounding; empathic self-other attunement; Gestalt-self-compassion; visualisation; somatic grounding and eclectic chanting / vocal stimming.
M4A draws on recent data in this fast-moving field. It is a strengths-focused approach, which, for autistic clients, counteracts the negative sensory impact of the world, reduces stress, isolation, fragmentation and negative cycles, helping people to live a more self-aware, empowered and fulfilling life. Also suitable for ADHD, HSP, general anxiety, SPD and similar problems. There are live demonstrations and opportunities for dialogue and questions.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- Raise awareness of autistic experience and in relation to applying meditation and heightened consciousness techniques safely. Gain knowledge of the M4A Approach and augment your journey as an ADA® Practitioner/student.
- Integrate M4A techniques into your therapy, coaching and helping settings and share them with clients and colleagues to use at home.
- Support autistic, neurodivergent and highly sensitive clients, their families and children, to improve their quality of life.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Therapists, counsellors, coaches and anyone working relationally who are, or want to be, neurodivergent-aware.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- M4A will equip professionals with a new and powerful core tool to meet the needs of today’s growing Autistic/ND/HSP client base
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.
