Full Description
The Autism Dialogue Approach Handbook serves as both a comprehensive guide and a practical handbook for healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers and anyone engaging with the autism community. Jonathan Drury presents the Autism Dialogue Approach (ADA), a pioneering framework rooted in dialogue and mindfulness practices. It addresses the diverse needs of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, emphasising that 'the autism community' includes everyone, promoting an inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
The book critiques traditional therapeutic and coaching models, proposing ADA as an alternative that values co-creation and shared meaning-making. By exploring practical strategies, Drury demonstrates how ADA transforms therapy, coaching and leadership by fostering environments where neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals can connect authentically and transcend division. With clear tools, exercises and real-world examples, this handbook guides readers in applying ADA to cultivate neurodivergent-affirming, inclusive spaces. It also delves into the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of dialogue, offering insights into how societal structures impact autistic experiences and how systemic change can occur through dialogue.
Aimed at those committed to building compassionate and inclusive settings, this handbook equips readers with practical skills for nurturing deep connections, promoting wellbeing and driving societal transformation through a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Contents
Foreword, Preface, Acknowledgements, PART I: What are we dealing with here?, 1. What brings us here?, 2. Autism as a way of being, 3. Dialogue in historical context, 4. Bringing together autism and Dialogue, PART II: Communities of meaning-making, 5. Introduction to Dialogue in autism contexts, 6. Autism theories and common themes, 7. Autism and Dialogue through the lens of social sciences, 8. Neurodiversity, 9. Autism Dialogue and mindfulness, 10. Guide to hosting an Autism Dialogue, 11. Autism Dialogue facilitation skills, PART III: Wider contexts, 12. Intersectionality and Dialogue. 13. Insight Dialogue and other models, 14. Autism Dialogue in therapy and coaching, 15. Spirituality in Autism Dialogue, 16. Resistance to change, Appendix 1 Case example: Autism Dialogue in Derby City and Derbyshire (England, UK), Appendix 2 Case example: community online series 2022, Appendix 3 Case example: post-dialogue group community - 'Autism Dialogue friends', Appendix 4 Case example: Autism Dialogue coaching, Appendix 5 Case example: an encounter, Appendix 6 A note on research and evaluation, Appendix 7 An open letter about communication
