Dr Lucy Morris and Phil Clayton
This presentation will re-state the double empathy problem in the context of secure service environments. The presenters hope to provide a platform from which neurotypical and neurodivergent clinicians, managers and policy makers can begin to effect change in the way neurodivergent people are provided for in systems.
Currently, trauma informed care appears to be the mantra that is being embraced in health care systems; however, traditional trauma viewpoints may not take account of the experience of being neurodivergent, meaning that these needs may continue to be overlooked (Mahler 2021). On top of this, it is the expectation that autistic people in secure settings have a positive behaviour support plan, which again excludes important factors related to embracing autistic identity. This may mean that there is more ‘doing to’ rather than ‘doing/being with’. However, if we don’t consider how autistic people may prefer a different way of being with, this will continue to re-enact difficult patterns. The presenters wish to map out and highlight these needs as a focus for radical structural change.
Those wishing to attend this workshop may wish to read:
‘Working with intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity’, Clayton P, Morris L, Edmunds C, Mount P, in, Marshall, J. and Kirkland, J. (2024) ‘Innovative Practice in Forensic Settings’, Shoreham by Sea, Pavilion Publishing.
Dr Lucy Morris is an autistic Clinical Psychologist and CAT Practitioner.
Philip Clayton is a UKCP Registered Cognitive Analytic Psychotherapist and Accredited Supervisor.
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2025 Conference Workshops