Navigating social skills supports for autistic people can be prickly, and the research in this area is often influenced by ableism. So when we find neurodiversity-affirming research, we can’t wait to share it. And when that research has practical clinical application, we want to shout it from the rooftops!

Crompton et al. take issue with the current state of social skills therapy: interventions that prioritize neurotypical behaviors, pathologize normal autistic traits, and promote masking and may exacerbate mental health problems. We’ve talked about these issues before and some studies that offer neurodiversity-friendly solutions. Those studies focused on social groups of autistic and neurotypical peers. Crompton et al. suggest we also create opportunities for autistic-specific peer support…