CHAPTER 8: AUTISTIC AFFIRMING THERAPY

Early Access to Chapter 8 of Dr. Angela Kingdon's memoir and self-identification guide, Am I Actually Autistic? for Sustaining Supporters The Autistic Culture Podcast

Most therapy wasn’t built for Autistic people—it was built to change us. ABA tries to train the autism out of kids. CBT gaslights us into thinking we’re the problem. DBT tells us to regulate emotions that come from a completely different neurology. None of it was made with Autistic minds in mind—and for many of us, it does more damage than good.

This chapter introduces a better option: Autistic-Affirming Therapy. It’s practical, affirming, and grounded in our actual needs. You’ll learn the four pillars—interpersonal therapy, trauma work, advocacy, and meat body maintenance—and how each one supports you living an authentically Autistic life. If therapy has ever made you feel broken or wrong, you’re not alone. This chapter will show you what therapy can look like when it finally gets it right.