Overview

A fundamental shift in how we support Autistic people is transforming professional practice. Research outcomes and the voices of lived experience are clear: Autistic people rarely receive the support and intervention they need and value.

As a result, Autistic people experience higher rates of mental health difficulties, greater loneliness and isolation, and are less educated and employed for their abilities than their neurotypical peers. We have a National Roadmap (2025) and new professional standards to address these inequities. So where to begin? 

Series

This activity is part of a series consisting of the following separate eLearning activities which provide content on aetiology, epidemiology, assessment, and differential diagnoses, to inform and evaluate practice:

• Autism Foundations

• Assessment and identification

• Identifying co-occurring conditions

• Autism: Neuro-affirming support

This latest eLearning activity in the series, defines a neuro-affirming approach, and how to apply it in real-world practice. Participants will be invited to self-reflect, identify biases, and shift from a focus on deficits and changing the individual, to a collaborative, strengths and needs approach that significantly enhances identity, mental health and engagement. Three case examples will also be presented (child, adolescent, and adult) to understand autistic ways of being, address mental health concerns, support meaningful social connection and advocate for environmental accommodations:

Contributors 

The APS gratefully acknowledges the significant contributions, in time and expertise, of the Expert Reference Group, consisting of the following Australian psychologists and educators:  Dr Jessica Paynter, Dr Rachelle Wicks, and Angela North. 

​References

• Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025). National roadmap to improve the health and mental health of Autistic people 2025–2035
• Psychology Board of Australia. (2025). Professional competencies for registered psychologists. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

Level of Learning

Foundational/Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic and those who have some previous learning on the topic.

Target audience

This activity is targeted to psychologists, general practitioners, social workers, nurses, and allied health professionals including occupational therapists.

Duration of access

Access to this eLearning activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this eLearning activity, participants should be able to:

• identify key principles of a neuro-affirming approach,

• reflect on own identit(ies) and how these shape worldview and clinical practice,

• recognise how an evidence-based framework can guide support and mental health interventions when evidence is limited,

• describe adaptations to mental health interventions that are trauma-informed and improve efficacy,

• identify barriers to social connection for Autistic people, and how strengths and interests can foster meaningful connections, and

• address biases in educational settings and advocate for adjustments that support regulation and autonomy.