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Training & CPD

Autism-Informed Practice

Gain the Knowledge & Skills to Support Autistic Clients with Confidence & Compassion

Who is this course for?

  • Qualified counsellors & psychotherapists
  • Trainee counsellors who are client-facing.

This course includes

  • 24/7 access
  • Ethical practice
  • Access on mobile and desktop
  • No hidden charges

Providing quality training for agencies, learning institutions and organisations

Here is what you can expect:

  • Gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to work ethically with autistic clients, embracing neurodiversity-informed practice.
  • Move beyond theory to develop a deep, authentic understanding of autistic clients.
  • Apply practical tools and strategies immediately to create a more inclusive and affirming practice.
  • Learn to support autistic identity, shifting away from outdated medicalized approaches.
  • Benefit from a course developed with direct input from autistic therapists and experts, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

Requirements to enrol

  • Hold a formal, recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy at diploma level or above, or be working towards one and currently working with clients.
  • Belong to a professional body and work within an ethical framework.
  • Attend regular supervision according to the requirements of your professional body.
  • Have a laptop or computer that connects to the internet and that has a camera and microphone.
  • Have an internet connection that is strong enough to stream live video.
  • Be available to attend a live six-hour implementation workshop, held online on a Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
  • Have capacity for approximately 39 hours of flexible, self-directed online learning alongside the live session (total learning time: 45 hours).
  • Engage in ongoing reflection in your journal as part of the course requirements (not submitted or assessed).

Course Features

Autistic clients are increasingly seeking therapy, but many therapists feel unsure how to offer support that is ethical, affirming, and informed by lived experience.

This course is designed for qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and student practitioners who are working with clients and want to develop greater confidence in neurodiversity-informed practice. You’ll gain practical tools, deepen your understanding of autistic experiences, and learn how to adapt your approach in ways that honour identity and build trust.

The training is delivered fully online. You’ll take part in a full-day live implementation workshop where theory comes to life through interactive discussions and peer engagement. Alongside this, you’ll complete around 39 hours of self-directed learning at your own pace, all housed in the easy-to-use Counselling Tutor portal.

The content is led by experienced practitioners, with video presentations from Rory Lees-Oakes and interviews with autistic professionals and individuals. The material has been shaped with input from neurodivergent voices to ensure it reflects real-world experiences.

You’ll have access to downloadable resources, suggested reading, and a private online group where you can connect with peers. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll receive a certificate for 45 CPD hours, plus a digital badge you can use in your practice or marketing.

Course content

Understanding neurodiversity, seeing the individual, autism strengths and challenges, and the law

Exploring communication, therapeutic environments, client preferences and online counselling

Learning about Theory of Mind, Synaesthesia, Aphantasia, Alexithymia, Interoception, Masking and Trauma

Addressing female, ethnic minority and LGBTQIA+ experiences of autism

Looking at supervision and ongoing research

Featuring video interviews with neurodivergent individuals

Live Implementation Workshop – Put Learning into Action

  • Making Reasonable Adjustments – Ensuring fairness & accessibility in therapy
  • Language Evolution in Autism-Informed Practice – Updating professional profiles & terminology
  • Masking & Stimming Case Studies – Learn how to identify, discuss & respond effectively
  • Practical Demonstrations & Roleplays – Watch real-world applications in action
  • Peer Discussions & Q&A – Get expert guidance & feedback on your learning

100% no risk guarantee

At Counselling Tutor we hold ethics as a core value.
We truly believe that you will get immense value from this course. If you enrol and feel dissatisfied, then you have 30 days to let us know and we will refund 100% of your money.

View our refund policy

FAQs

This course is developed with input from autistic professionals, ensuring an authentic and lived-experience perspective. It focuses on neurodivergent-affirming approaches, rather than outdated pathology-based models.

Yes! Our courses are designed for international learners and are based on universal counselling principles. While some courses are mapped to UK professional standards (e.g. BACP, NCPS), the core skills, theories, and practices apply globally. Many of our students come from Europe, Australia, the US, Canada, and beyond.

Will this course help me meet my country’s CPD requirements?

In most cases, yes. Our CPD certificates demonstrate ongoing professional development and are accepted by many international regulatory bodies. However, we recommend checking with your local professional organisation for specific CPD accreditation requirements.

Can I access the course from my country?

Yes! Our courses are 100% online and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. You can study at your own pace, anytime, on any device.

Will course materials be relevant to my practice outside the UK?

Absolutely. Counselling theories, skills, and ethical considerations apply across different regions. If your country has specific laws or ethical frameworks, you may need to adapt certain aspects—but the core training remains highly relevant.

No worries! We offer a 100% risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, let us know within 30 days of enrolment, and we’ll refund your payment, no questions asked.

To request a refund, contact our support team at support@counsellingtutor.com. We’ll process your refund quickly, with no hassle and no complicated forms.

Got another question? If you've got another question about our course you can send us an email.

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