Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCT (Episode 47)

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.” - MattThey 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.” - AngelaInstead, 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.” - MattThe 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 or use #AutisticCultureCatch on social media!From Matt’s website: * AuCT Autistic Centered Therapy * Learn Play Thrive Contacts recommended by Matt:* Amy Haesler, LMSW, at Precision Mental Health in Marylandemail: [email protected]: 443-863-9441* Rachel Kraus at Kraus Psychotherapy* Amanda Besinger at Kind Therapy and Wellness in Chicago.Social media isn’t very up to date but…Facebook and Instaemail: [email protected]* Dr Kade Sharp at Spectrum CounselingPlay next:Episode 36: Bad Autism DiagnosisEpisode 13: Labels & AutismEpisode 14: Autistic Medical NeedsEpisode 21: Dino Nuggets are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!* Follow our Instagram* Give us a review on Apple podcasts and Spotify* AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press* Matt Lowry, LPP* Matt’s FB group Autistic Connections Facebook Group* Follow Angela on Twitter and TikTok* “Add to cart” in our merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe