Building Autistic Self-Advocacy Through Therapy

By Simona Pilloni

One of the most empowering aspects of therapy for autistic individuals is the development of self-advocacy skills. Self-advocacy means understanding your own needs, recognizing your strengths, and communicating those needs confidently to others. For many autistic people, especially those who have spent years masking or adapting to fit social expectations, self-advocacy can be both a new and liberating concept.

When someone has masked for a long time, they may not always know what feels authentic or comfortable. Therapy provides a safe environment to explore questions like: What environments help me thrive? What accommodations do I need at work or school? How can I express myself in ways that feel natural? These reflections are crucial steps toward reclaiming identity and building confidence.

Self-advocacy skills also extend into practical areas of life. An autistic individual might learn how to request sensory accommodations, explain communication preferences, or set healthy boundaries in relationships. A supportive therapist can role-play these conversations, giving clients the tools to express themselves in real-world settings.

For caregivers, educators, and employers, encouraging self-advocacy means listening without judgment and respecting individual differences. Instead of assuming what’s “best,” it’s important to involve autistic voices in decisions that affect them. True inclusion comes when autistic individuals are empowered to define their needs and choices.

Therapy is not about changing who someone is—it’s about helping them discover and embrace who they are. By fostering self-advocacy, therapists can support autistic individuals in building lives that reflect their values and strengths.

At its heart, self-advocacy is about dignity, respect, and authenticity. With the right tools and support, every autistic person has the opportunity to live more fully and unapologetically as themselves.