Integration, Not Pathology: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Framework for Autism and Mental Health Care
Ariel Pliskin (they/them)
April 5, 2025
1:30-2:30
Furcolo Hall 101 or Zoom (meeting ID 933 2643 3167)
Summary
Is autism caused by nature or nurture? Trick question—it’s always a bit of both, and more. Drawing from Henriques’ theory of character adaptation systems, this talk explores how narrow interpretations of autism have led to serious harm: from the behavioral overreach of ABA, to the simplistic developmental focus of refrigerator mother theory, to the pathologizing biology behind cure-based approaches. Rather than isolating these elements, this integrative model (Pliskin & Crehan, 2024) considers biological, developmental, and sociocultural contexts alongside five psychological adaptation systems to guide more respectful and effective mental health care. The session will invite critical reflection through real-world examples, discussion, and group dialogue. Grounded in current research and informed by clinical experience, the presentation offers a framework for future human service providers to better support autistic people with insight, nuance, and care.
About the speaker
Ariel E. Pliskin, MSW, LICSW (they/them) is a neurodivergent psychotherapist, educator, and published scholar specializing in the intersections of sexuality, gender, and neurodiversity. Ariel is a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) and Certified Sexuality Educator (CSE) through AASECT, and serves as Program Manager for the Relationship & Sex Therapy Program at Advance Psychotherapy Practice in Amherst, MA. They provide clinical supervision, facilitate biweekly consultation groups, and develop continuing education for therapists working with complex relationships and identities.
Ariel also teaches undergraduate courses at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, including “Autism, Neurodiversity & Identity,” and has authored peer-reviewed publications on autistic sexualities, BDSM, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical expertise as an autistic ADHDer, Ariel’s work bridges academic research, therapeutic practice, and lived experience to promote inclusive, evidence-based care.