Evidence Based, Neuroaffirming Support for Autistic Adults
- Philip Oakes
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
How personalised, respectful therapeutic approaches can make a difference – and how NeuroNexus Psychology can help.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry last year has shed light on the importance of tailored psychosocial supports for high-functioning (or more accurately, Level 1 support) autistic adults. The study emphasises that many autistic adults develop masking or compensatory behaviours to navigate social norms, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and exhaustion over time.
At NeuroNexus Psychology, we recognise that autism often goes unseen or misunderstood in adulthood—especially among individuals who have learned to "pass" socially. We also understand that being “high-functioning” doesn’t mean the absence of support needs. That’s why our approach is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming care.
The Core Insight: One Size Does Not Fit All
The research challenges the idea that autistic people need to “fix” or “change” who they are. Instead, it encourages clinicians to understand the person behind the mask, acknowledge sensory and social exhaustion, and work collaboratively to build tools that align with their values and strengths.
At NeuroNexus, we take the time to truly know our clients—how they think, feel, communicate, and move through the world—so we can co-create support that works for them.
Evidence-Based, Person-Centred Supports
The article highlights a range of helpful approaches when they are adapted with care and consent:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – not to suppress autistic traits, but to address anxiety, depression, and burnout in ways that respect neurodivergent identity.
Mindfulness-based therapies – offering sensory-friendly strategies to support emotion regulation and present-moment focus without judgement.
Social communication support – focused on self-advocacy, boundary-setting, and navigating environments (rather than enforcing neurotypical social norms).
These approaches, when used within a neuroaffirming framework, empower rather than pathologise or regard as psychologically abnormal.
What This Means for Practice – And for You
If you’ve been told you’re “doing fine” on the outside while struggling internally, you’re not alone. This research validates the lived experience of many late-identified or unsupported autistic adults. It confirms what we already know at NeuroNexus Psychology:
Autistic identity is valid at any age.
Therapy should be collaborative, not corrective.
Support should feel safe, personalised, and empowering.
NeuroNexus Psychology Is Here to Help
If you're looking for an autism-affirming therapist or psychologist on the Central Coast, NeuroNexus Psychology offers support that's designed for you—not who others expect you to be.
Whether you’re newly identified, navigating burnout, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, we’re here to walk beside you.
Based on the Central Coast, NSW
Supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan
Specialists in late identification, adult autism support, rediagnosis and NDIS-aligned assessments.
Let’s create support that fits your life—not the other way around.
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