When the Self is Autistic

by Elliott Glenn Hutchinson

As a developing and evolving IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems) counselor, I find myself using IFS more and more often to understand myself and my clients.

A few months ago,  I was introduced to a new concept by an Autistic therapist and researcher that really tugged a cord for me. They posed- how liberating would it be for my Autistic and Neurodivergent clients to operate from the posture that the Self is inherently Autistic?

Little by little, conversation by conversation, my clients and I are answering that question.  It’s wildly and beautifully liberating! Affirming my clients' most authentic version of themselves as Autistic means we do not have to worry about fixing or correcting behaviors or sensory experiences of the world. It means, instead, that we get to explore and understand who they are and how they want to show up in the world; from the ground up. This is a deep, rich, and empowering perspective that affirms and celebrates who they are. 

In session,  we create sensory self-care kits and toolboxes. We get curious about the life they lead and develop helpful and restorative accommodations and systems of support that are incorporated into their daily lives. We spend time in their raw and honest internal experiences, exploring with compassion and courage, rather than focusing on what is a correct or a socially accepted emotion or behavior. It means rather than shaming the parts of themself that need to stim, mask for protection, or go non-speaking when overstimulated or understimulated, whichever the case may be; we meet and hold space with these parts to build empathy, compassion, relationship, and understanding. 

Together, we give permission to the deepest parts of you to be and to become with full authenticity. 

If you’d like to work with me, send me an email and let’s set up a free, 15-minute consultation at elliottglennh@modernpath.net