Post-identification Support
Making sense of autistic identity and supporting wellbeing
Autistic identity in the context of your life
Receiving an autism identification can be clarifying and validating — but it can also raise new questions, emotions and uncertainties. Many adults describe being left to process this alone, with limited follow-up support once the assessment itself is complete.
National guidance consistently highlights the importance of post-diagnostic support for autistic adults, including space to understand their autistic identity, explore its implications, and consider wellbeing, adjustments and next steps. In practice, however, this support is often limited or unavailable — particularly for adults identified later in life.
This structured 5-session post-identification support offer is designed to bridge that gap.
It provides a reflective, collaborative space to:
- integrate the autistic identity into your life story
• explore identity, strengths and needs
• process emotional responses
• consider practical adjustments
• develop a sustainable way forward
The pace and focus are guided by you.
What this work focuses on
This work is not about “fixing” autism or pushing you toward set outcomes. It’s about creating space to understand your autistic identity, make sense of it in your own life, and find a direction that feels right for you.
Areas we might explore include:
- Making sense of what autism means for you, in the context of your life history and identity
- Exploring strengths, needs and patterns that may now be understood differently
- Understanding masking, burnout, stress and energy use
- Considering sensory, relational and environmental fit
- Supporting self-compassion and reducing internalised blame
- Identifying adaptations, adjustments and supportive strategies
- Thinking about wellbeing, work, relationships and future choices
The emphasis is on personal meaning, not generic advice.
An evidence-informed, neuro-affirming approach
This work is informed by national guidance, emerging research and clinical experience in supporting autistic adults after identification.
It is grounded in:
- National recommendations emphasising the importance of post-diagnostic support.
- Research highlighting the role of identity integration and self-acceptance in autistic wellbeing.
- Clinical experience of unmet post-identification needs.
- Neuro-affirming principles recognising autism as a valid form of development, not a deficit to be corrected.
The work is paced, collaborative and tailored to the individual, recognising that adjustment and integration take time.
Why a 5-session model?
A short, structured block of sessions offers:
- Support at what can be a vulnerable time after identification
- Enough space to explore meaning and next steps, without pressure to continue longer than feels right
- A clear beginning, middle and end
- Flexibility to signpost or transition into other support if helpful
For some people this is enough in itself. For others, it acts as a bridge to further therapy, adjustments or practical support.
Who this is for
This offer may be particularly helpful if you:
- Have recently received an autism identification
- Were identified later in life
- Feel relief alongside grief, confusion or overwhelm
- Want support turning identification into practical, compassionate next steps
Post-Identification Support Programme
A 5-session, neuro-affirming intervention designed to help newly identified autistic adults integrate this understanding into their lives in an empowering and meaningful way.
- Exploring the assessment journey
Making space to validate emotions around the process — especially if the experience felt medicalised or deficit-focused. - Understanding autism through a neuro-affirming lens
Reframing autism as a natural and valuable neurotype. - Initial reflections on identity
What does this new understanding shift or confirm about how you see yourself? - Exploring immediate next steps
Identifying questions, concerns and priorities moving forward.
- Reviewing pivotal life moments
Looking again at past experiences through an autistic lens to support clarity and self-compassion. - Unlearning internalised ableism
Noticing and gently questioning messages that framed autism negatively. - Building a positive autistic identity
Recognising strengths, patterns and individuality with pride rather than judgment.
- Masking and authenticity
Exploring when and why camouflaging happens, and finding a safer balance between authenticity and protection. - Energy awareness and burnout prevention
Understanding autistic burnout, learning how energy is used and restored, and respecting sensory limits. - Self-advocacy in everyday life
Developing practical ways to ask for support, accommodations, and a more sustainable rhythm of living.
- Disclosure and choice
Thinking through when, where, and how to share your autistic identity — and when not to. Exploring benefits, risks, and personal boundaries. - Navigating relationships
Understanding differences in communication, sensory needs, and expectations within families, friendships, and work. - Finding community
Exploring autistic spaces, peer support, and communities that support belonging and shared understanding.
- Passions and special interests
Recognising their role in regulation, joy, meaning, and sustaining wellbeing. - Navigating systems and supports
Making sense of options around work, adjustments, and services — at your pace, and only where helpful. - Looking ahead
Considering how to maintain momentum beyond these sessions, whether through continued reflection, community connection, or further neuro-affirming support.
Delivery Options & Flexibility
- Available as a structured 5-session programme, or adapted around individual needs
- Sessions offered online or in person
- Includes optional resources, suggested readings, and gentle signposting to supportive spaces
Fees
Post-Identification Support — £750
- This is a time-limited programme of five sessions.
- It is not open-ended therapy.
Full details of what the programme involves are set out above.
Further support or therapeutic work can be discussed separately if helpful.