Understanding Autism

Autism diagnoses are dramatically increasing. Many clinicians who are untrained in working specifically with autistic people may find themselves in situations where they need to interpret an autism diagnosis for clients, or prepare clients who are seeking an assessment.Understanding Autism is a practical, session-ready tool designed to help clinicians communicate clearly and compassionately about autism with clients and their families. This 20-page flip chart features client-facing pages with simple visuals and key concepts, paired with clinician-facing pages offering prompts, facts, and deeper explanations. Covering essential topics—diagnostic criteria, the neurodiversity perspective, sensory processing, co-occurring conditions, and affirming therapeutic approaches—this flip chart bridges evidence-based research with lived experience and presents it in a succinct way. Created for professionals in counseling, social work, psychology, and occupational therapy, it empowers therapists to deliver strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming psychoeducation. Understanding Autism helps foster understanding, self-awareness, and agency—making it an indispensable guide for clinicians supporting autistic individuals and their families.