Therapy for Autistic Adults
Neurodiversity‑Affirming Support From An Autistic Therapist
I’m Ian Tomlinson, an Autistic therapist working with adults across the UK.
My own late Autism diagnosis changed not just how I understand myself, but how I understand my work. I don't see Autism through a lens of what’s “missing” or “wrong”—instead, I see it as a valid, deeply human way of being.
That belief is at the core of my therapy practice. I work from a neurodiversity-affirming approach, helping Autistic adults make sense of who they are, what they need, and how to live more authentically—without feeling like they have to mask, shrink, or perform.
Why Working With Autistic Adults Matters So Much To Me
This work is personal. As someone diagnosed later in life, I’ve experienced the complex emotions that come with it—relief, grief, clarity, and confusion, all at once. It helped me reframe my whole life: the burnout, the anxiety, the constant sense of “being different.”
That’s why I’m passionate about supporting other Autistic adults, especially those who are discovering their identity in adulthood. Therapy can offer a space to explore what Autism really means for you—not as a label or limitation, but as a key to understanding your nervous system, your needs, and your relationships.
Support For Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adults
Many of the people I work with come to therapy after years—sometimes decades—of feeling out of step with the world. For some, it’s a recent Autism diagnosis. For others, it’s more of a realisation, a slow unravelling of old coping strategies that no longer fit.
Together, we explore what this new understanding means for you. That might involve unpacking years of masking, or finding new ways to relate to your sensory world. You might be navigating relationships where others don’t quite “get it.” Or you may simply want to feel more at peace with yourself, to build self-compassion and finally stop trying to force yourself into neurotypical expectations.
My approach is always grounded in real-life strategies that work with your unique nervous system—not against it.
Therapy That Understands Autistic Relationships
Whether you’re coming to therapy on your own or with a partner, I understand the unique ways Autism can shape communication, emotional expression, and connection. In couples work, I help both partners navigate misunderstandings, bridge communication gaps, and better appreciate each other’s needs—especially where neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences meet.
I don’t view communication differences as deficits. They’re just different languages. And Autistic traits—like honesty, focus, and deep interests—can absolutely enrich relationships when they’re properly understood and supported.
A Therapy Space That Works For Your Nervous System
My practice is designed with autistic nervous systems in mind. That means no pressure to make eye contact, no overwhelming environments, and no confusing social subtext to figure out. Whether you need to stim, take time to process, or communicate in your own rhythm—this is a space where that’s welcome.
Sessions are built around clarity, calm, and flexibility. I focus on practical support—not just talking about what’s hard, but working together to find what helps.
More Than Just One-to-One Therapy
Alongside individual and couples therapy, I also train other therapists in working effectively with neurodivergent clients—especially in the context of relationships.
I write about Autism, identity, and connection, and tools like the Sensory Funnel, which helps autistic adults better understand their sensory and emotional regulation needs from the ground up.
Why This Work Energises Me
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching an Autistic adult realise they’re not broken—they’re just wired differently. When someone begins to honour their needs instead of constantly trying to suppress them, everything shifts. Anxiety starts to ease. Relationships improve. Self-understanding grows.
“I’m not looking through an autistic lens—I have autistic eyeballs.”*
— Pierre Novellie
That’s exactly how I approach therapy. I bring those Autistic eyeballs into every session—combining lived experience with clinical expertise to offer understanding that’s real, grounded, and genuinely supportive.
Let’s Work Together
If you’ve recently been diagnosed, are questioning whether you might be Autistic, or simply want to understand yourself better, I’d love to walk alongside you.
I offer online therapy across the UK, and in-person sessions in Cheadle by arrangement. Whether you’re looking for support, clarity, or change, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
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