A Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Model

Session details

Over a five-year period, in partnership with Dr Rebecca Flower (La Trobe University) and several collaborators with lived experience, we conducted a series of studies exploring the experiences of Autistic adults when interacting with psychology services. During this time, the term neurodiversity-affirming was becoming widely used but lacked a clear definition. To address this, we conducted a Delphi study that included lived experience expertise to develop a consensus definition and model of neurodiversity-affirming practice specifically for psychologists supporting Autistic adults. In this presentation, I’ll share findings from this multi‑year project, which proposes a lived experience informed, evidence‑based model designed to support clinicians in offering inclusive, respectful, and accessible mental health care.  

Learning outcomes

By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand and identify some of the barriers Autistic adults face when accessing and engaging with mental health services
• Be able to explain 7 principles of neurodiversity affirming practice and understand its evidence-based development via a Delphi study
• Reflect on their own professional practices and identify opportunities to integrate neurodiversity affirming principles
• Critically evaluate the neurodiversity-affirming model and reflect on how its principles could be adapted or refined within your own professional context, while identifying ongoing gaps that require further research. 

Pre-reading or related materials:

• Defining Neurodiversity Affirming Psychology Practice for Autistic Adults: A Delphi Study Integrating Psychologist and Client Perspectives | Autism in Adulthood 

• How can psychologists meet the needs of autistic adults? - Rachel Jellett, Rebecca L Flower, 2024

About the facilitator

Rachel Jellett - Lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology and Clinical Psychologist

Rachel Jellett is a Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology and a practising Clinical Psychologist. She is passionate about aligning her academic research and teaching with her clinical experience, with a focus on supporting providing neurodiversity-affirming supports for Autistic adolescents and adults. Rachel’s work explores how psychological services can best meet the needs of autistic adults. She has contributed to research on adult autism diagnosis, neurodiversity-affirming practice models, and mental health,  and is committed to improving accessibility and inclusivity in psychological care.

For more information on this series, visit The Summer Series.