Expertise through Experience: Amplifying Autistic Voices Panel

Time

Afternoon Address - 12:45 PM

Presenter/Facilitator

Shay-Lyn Porter, MA, LPC

About the Course

The current shift in autism research, diagnostics, and support is leaning towards a strengths-based, neuro-affirmative approach. However, it's crucial for neurotypical professionals and caregivers to seek guidance from autistic individuals themselves, who are the true experts in this field. To address this, a panel discussion will feature the firsthand experiences of 5 autistic adults, moderated by an autistic therapist. The panel will delve into both the positive and challenging aspects of living with autism, from childhood to the present. The discussion aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced due to developmental differences as well as the personal strengths autism has brought to their lives. The panelists will share insights on helpful and necessary supports, providing valuable perspectives for those involved in the care and education of autistic children. The overarching goal of this panel is to encourage efforts towards improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and amplifying the voices of the neurodiverse community.

Objectives

Participants will describe relevant ethical issues related to providing neurodiversity-affirming autism supports in homes, schools, therapy clinics and workplaces.

Shay-Lyn Porter, MA, LPC

Shay-Lyn Porter specializes in working with adolescents and adults with trauma histories, neurodivergence, and addictions. She enjoys helping clients work through a wide variety of challenges and sees clients individually, as couples and families, and in group settings. She is gender-affirming, LGTBQIA2S+ allied, and sex-/kink-positive. A huge nerd, Shay-Lyn loves integrating clients' interests into therapy.

She views therapy as a place where clients can feel safe being themselves and can learn to love themselves while fully embodying all that makes them unique. Shay-Lyn is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, an ASD Clinical Specialist, and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.

Shay-Lyn works primarily from a therapeutic outlook that integrates trauma-informed, ND-affirming, cognitive interventions and somatic trauma work. Her therapeutic outlook is summarized by the quote: “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” (Mr. Rogers). She feels honored and privileged to assist clients in their mental health journey and in learning how to love who they are..

Panelists

Becky Powers

Jake Ramirez

Michael Young

DeAnne Cuellar

liz moseley

Speaker Disclosures:

Shay-Lyn Porter received a speaking fee for this course.

Becky Powers received a speaking fee for this course.

Jake Ramirez received a speaking fee for this course.

Michael Young received a speaking fee for this course.

DeAnne Cuellar received a speaking fee for this course.

liz moseley received a speaking fee for this course.