Bridging the Gap: Supporting Students With Autism in Higher Education

Counseling Clients On The Spectrum

Beginning a therapeutic relationship with a client with ASD can require more initial groundwork than with a neurotypical individual. The counselor may need to review the expectations and roles of therapy in order to establish a good working relationship that is mutually beneficial for both client and counselor (Paxton & Estay, 2007). Modifications such as shorter sessions and written diagrams can help reinforce concepts without becoming overwhelming for the client. Behavioral therapies have been found to be particularly beneficial for these clients given their proclivity for restricted behaviors at the expense of other essential activities. As a result, behavioral rating scales have been created specifically for clients on the spectrum in order to assess for potential emotional stress. The Stress Survey Schedule for Persons with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities asks the client to rate the level of stress he or she experiences during various scenarios, such as having personal objects out of order and being interrupted while engaging in a ritual (Groden, Diller, Bausman, Velicer, Norman, & Cautela, 2001). This tool can be used to tailor treatment to address the client’s specific stressors, as well as be re-administered to track progress over time. Tracking changes is also imperative such that the counselor remains attuned to the changing needs of the client and can modify treatment in order to provide individualized compassionate care.