Episode Details

Affirming Autism Assessments for High-Masking Adults

Season 1 Episode 240 Published 1 week, 1 day ago

Description

In this episode, Patrick Casle and Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults, talk about the realities of autism assessment and the ongoing need for affirming care in the mental health field.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

Affirming Approaches Matter: Many traditional training programs still lack truly affirming perspectives on autism, often focusing on stereotypical or high-support presentations. It's important for providers to move beyond outdated models and truly listen to the lived experiences of autistic individuals.
Telehealth Can Be Empowering: Contrary to common hesitation, effective and affirming autism assessments are not only possible via telehealth—they can even be preferable for many autistic adults. Being in a familiar environment helps clients feel more at ease, making the assessment process more validating and less stressful.
Language and Permission Shape the Experience: Creating a supportive space goes beyond formal assessments. Small changes—like offering examples of accommodations, normalizing special interests, or allowing follow-ups after sessions—can make a huge difference. Language that celebrates strengths (not just points out deficits) makes the process more empowering and constructive.

More about Salena:

Dr. Salena Justice is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults throughout the US. She specializes in skills-based therapy and autism evaluations, helping clients understand how their brains work and learn practical tools for everyday life, like managing burnout, emotions, relationships, and work without constant overwhelm. She’s passionate about validating overlooked experiences and turning self-understanding into real-world change.