In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Autistic hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discuss Matt’s brain child: "Autistic-Centered Therapy" (AuCT) - a therapeutic approach specifically tailored to serve the needs of Autistic individuals.
“Because there are so many autistic people in the world who don't know how to be Autistic because you've grown up in a world that demeans you, that tells you to be different, that tells you to be something else, and you don't know how to be the genuine you. We have to do a lot of uncovering.” - Matt
They critique mainstream, allistic-centered therapy such as CBT as well as the more overtly damaging ABA therapy, which aims to force Autistic children and adults to conform to allistic expectations rather than accepting and supporting them.
“The therapy was definitely making me need therapy.” - Angela
Instead, Autistic-Centered Therapy has 4 main components:
Autistic interpersonal therapy - Focused on encouraging Autistics to genuinely be themselves, pursue special interests, openly stim, infodump, etc without judgment. This often requires unlearning and healing internalized ableism.
Autistic trauma work - Processing past trauma from rejection, criticism, assault etc that Autistics face, through an autism-affirming, non-judgmental lens, that takes into account the unique, highly embodied, ways that Autistics process information and experiences.
Advocacy work - Helping autistics advocate for their personal needs as well as spreading awareness and fighting back against ableist systems, more broadly.
"Automotive maintenance" - Guiding Autistics on better understanding and caring for their sensory needs, setting healthy boundaries, managing energy levels/burnout etc., and otherwise tending to their ‘Autistic meat bodies.’
“Autistic people, we don't need therapy because we're Autistic - because being Autistic is perfectly fine; it's a neurotype. - We need therapy because we are often anxious and depressed from living in a world that doesn't understand us.” - Matt
The hosts share some positive examples of how their podcast and approach has helped Autistic individuals as well as relationships where one or more partner is Autistic.
How do you practice Autistic advocacy? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
From Matt’s website: AuCT Autistic Centered Therapy
Contacts recommended by Matt:
Amy Haesler, LMSW, at
Precision Mental Health in Maryland
email: Amy@precisionmh.com
phone: 443-863-9441Rachel Kraus at Kraus Psychotherapy
Amanda Besinger at Kind Therapy and Wellness in Chicago.
Social media isn’t very up to date but…Facebook and Insta
email: amanda@kiNDchicago.comDr Kade Sharp at Spectrum Counseling
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis
Episode 14: Autistic Medical Needs
Episode 21: Dino Nuggets are Autistic
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP is an autism podcast that recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels as well as the harmful organization Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 47: Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCT