Experiences of Licensed Counselors and Other Licensed Mental Health Providers Working with Neurodiverse Adults: An Instrumental Case Study

Abstract

In order to enhance access to treatment and outcomes, it is imperative that counselors and therapists be aware of and confident in adapting their techniques in line with the needs of neurodiverse individuals. Specifically, an understanding of the current experience and confidence in working with neurodiverse individuals on the part of licensed counselors is a crucial starting point in the path towards ensuring these individuals receive proper socio-psychological help and appropriate and competent services. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers who work with neurodiverse adults. Many neurodiverse individuals never receive therapy due to the lack of trained professionals and limited training in professional counseling and other mental health support services specific to neurodiverse adult relationships. Findings from an instrumental case study to investigate experiential data derived from individual open-ended interviews with licensed counselors and other licensed mental health providers are presented herein.