The Risks of Outdated Training for Staff Supporting Autistics

Severely out-of-date staff training programs can cause harm to Neurodivergent clients

The Risks of Outdated Training for People Who Support Autistics

Part three

In this article series, I expand on each of the barriers to culturally competent practice listed below. I outline how these barriers also apply to schools, community and social services, and other support services for neurodivergent students and clients.

My follow-up articles will then address the Multicultural Counselling Competencies (MCCs) and how they can be applied to more effectively supporting and respecting the differences of neurodivergent people.

This is the third article in a multi-part series. If you missed part one, you can read it here, and if you missed part two, you can read that one here.

---

Barriers to culturally competent practice

1. Ignorance regarding the underlying philosophical, structural, and technological alterations that are necessary;

2. Reluctance to develop from a “one-size-fits-all" approach (in terms of out-dated pedagogy, as well as inflexible institutional policies);

3. Failure to recognize, accept, and honour cultural (and neurological) diversity;

4. Lack of self-awareness regarding how one’s socialization impacts their practice;

5. Failure of training programs to prepare staff to adequately and competently support Autistics;

6. Lack of willingness to learn from, and listen to, Autistic people and their loved ones

This article focuses on points five and six.