Looking Through the Eyes of High Functioning Autism: Accommodating NeuroBeautiful Brains with EMDR

In a prior brief course, Sandra interviewed Sherri Paulson (no relation), the latter being a pioneer in the EMDR field regarding modifications needed for working with individuals on the autism spectrum, with emphasis on significant levels of autism (Paulson, 2022; Paulsen & Paulson, 2023). In this workshop, Dr Paulsen addresses primarily the challenges of discerning and supporting so-called “high functioning autistic” (HFA) individuals, many of whom are also gifted. The label of HFA and the field of autism itself are fraught with controversy and conflict between proponents and detractors. Many of these problematic terms are described in this workshop and put in the context of theories of autism and/or the phenomenology of autism. The course is intended to help EMDR clinicians become aware of the existence and experience of autistic individuals who are frequently carrying significant trauma histories, who may also be dissociative (Reuben, 2021), and who may habitually mask their autism as a survival strategy. The course reviews modifications to consider for the eight phases of EMDR. Sandra’s customary use of original cartoons, now in full color, facilitate quick telegraphing of complex psychological concepts to workshop participants. A companion book will soon be available with those full color psychoeducational cartoons attendees for clinician use in the office, and for self-help use for autistic individuals.