Mindful - Therapy Modifications for Autistic Adults

This 7.5-hour live webinar will focus on how to adapt mental health therapy to make it more accessible and effective for autistic adults through a multidisciplinary lens. Learning will include:  

• Introduction to neurodiversity affirming practice 

• Key life stages, transitions and experiences that might contribute to autistic adults accessing therapy 

• Lived experience and evidence-based perspectives on adapting psychotherapy for autistic adults 

• Case examples and practical strategies to integrate into your clinical practice. 

Who is the training for? 

Mental health clinicians and other professionals working with autistic adults, e.g. psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, mental health nurses, headspace clinicians, psychiatrists and registrars. 

Who provides the training? 

Melanie Cooke is a senior clinical psychologist who has worked with young people and adults in specialist mental health services, community and private practice since 2010. She is skilled in autism diagnostic assessment and is passionate about adapting psychological interventions to make them more effective for autistic people.  

Elle Perry is an experienced Clinical Psychologist currently working with adult clients in both private practice and public health settings. Elle is the current coordinator of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Mental Health – Autism Consultation and Evaluation Service. Elle is experienced in assessment for autism and ADHD in adults and is passionate about supporting neurodivergent adults in a therapeutic context. 

Leonie Wilson is an experienced Speech Pathologist currently working with autistic clients across the lifespan. She currently works at the Royal Melbourne Hospital - Autism Consultation and Evaluation Service, at The Royal Children’s Hospital and in private practice. 

Johanna (Jo) Rouse is a Lecturer with the Mindful Autism Program. Jo is a senior occupational therapist and was previously the Autism Coordinator at Orygen Youth Health. Jo has extensive experience in providing individual, group and family interventions for young people with autism and co-occurring mental health conditions. Jo is passionate about supporting young people to function at their best despite difficulties relating to their mental health. When not at Mindful, Jo works in private practice. 

Lived experience perspectives and contributions from the Mindful Autism team will be embedded throughout this training day.