Episode Details

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In this episode, I sit down with Sara Woods to challenge the traditional, deficit-heavy lens of autism diagnostics and explore what it means to practice in a truly neurodiversity-affirming way. We discuss the shift from seeing autism as a collection of clinical “problems” to recognizing it as a natural variation of the human brain that brings unique strengths, such as integrity, systemizing, and deep focus. Sara shares her research-backed insights on why “repetitive behaviors” can be vital for regulation and how the “double empathy problem” reframes communication difficulties as a two-way street rather than an individual failure. We also dive into concrete tools for clinicians, including her Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI), and practical tips for writing reports that validate a client’s struggles while celebrating their humanity and joy.

Episode Topics

• 00:01-01:38 Why direct experience and neurodiversity matter beyond the textbook
• 01:39-05:00 Defining the neurodiversity paradigm and patient-led care
• 05:01-07:43 How differential diagnosis can be empowering rather than pathologizing
• 07:44-10:43 Reframing repetitive play as a foundation for cognitive development
• 10:44-12:52 Reconsidering eye contact through the lens of cultural difference
• 12:53-16:15 Integrity versus reputation management in autistic individuals
• 16:16-19:00 The functional purpose of stimming and sensory regulation
• 19:01-21:37 Navigating societal expectations and the choice to disclose
• 21:38-26:15 The double empathy problem and communication in mixed groups
• 26:16-31:06 Balancing the “superpower” narrative with authentic support
• 31:07-34:00 Frameworks for accommodations: Strengths, difficulties, and neutral differences
• 34:01-38:58 Introduction to the Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI)
• 38:59-42:15 Specific interviewing strategies for eliciting joy and strengths
• 42:16-46:30 Adapting the assessment battery and the role of the ADOS
• 46:31-52:00 Writing affirming reports and the use of first-person language
• 52:01-56:30 Leveraging special interests in recommendations and school settings
• 56:31-01:01:20 Validating distress while maintaining a strengths-based perspective

Cool Things Mentioned

• The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
• Reverb AI-powered report-writing software
• Sara’s upcoming talk: Autism or Something Else? Avoiding Misdiagnosis in Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment Across the Lifespan – The Chicago School | Office of Continuing Education (Time-Limited Code for 15% OFF: TestingPsych2026)
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Observation Form
• Autistic Strengths Diagram
• Survey of Autistic Strengths Skills and Interests
• Suggested Autism Batteries across the lifespan
• Helpful Articles:

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