About this episode

Patrick Casale and Dr. Salena Justice discuss the importance of affirming autism assessments for high-masking adults and the role of telehealth in providing supportive care.

In this episode, Patrick Casle and Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults, talk about the realities of autism assessment and the ongoing need for affirming care in the mental health field. Here are 3 key takeaways: Affirming Approaches Matter: Many traditional training programs still lack truly affirming perspectives on autism, often focusing on stereotypical or high-support presentations. It's important for providers to move beyond outdated models and truly listen to the lived experiences of autistic individuals. Telehealth Can Be Empowering: Contrary to common hesitation, effective and affirming autism assessments are not only possible via telehealth—they can even be preferable for many autistic adults. Being in a familiar environment helps clients feel more at ease, making the assessment process more validating and less stressful. Language and Permission Shape the Experience: Creating a supportive space goes beyond formal assessments. Small changes—like offering examples of accommodations, normalizing special interests, or allowing follow-ups after sessions—can make a huge difference. Language that celebrates strengths…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Casale

Guest: Dr. Salena Justice

Topics covered

• autism assessment
• high-masking adults
• affirming care
• mental health
• telehealth
• psychology

Keywords

• autism
• assessment
• high-masking
• telehealth
• mental health
• affirming care
• psychologist
• supportive space

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: All Things Private Practice Podcast

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