Anxiety and High Support Needs with Dr. Jennifer Cork

 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Amplifying Autism Podcast, Jennifer talked about her journey of learning about herself as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. As a doctoral-level social worker, she was aware of the lack of research available to help professionals working with children, teens, and adults with high support needs. Jennifer believes that everyone who struggles with anxiety and other strong emotions deserves therapy that is designed for their unique strengths and challenges. That’s why she wrote, What’s Your Anxiety Level? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens with Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorder.Takeaways:• People with high support needs can benefit from modified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which has been designed for them.• Autistic people do not lack empathy. That is a myth. Some have different,extreme, or hyper-empathy, like Greta Thunberg who cares so deeply about the world.• If you have recently learned that you are autistic, or you think you might be,Jennifer suggests that you find someone who is neurodiversity-affirming and who understands masking to work with you on processing your new diagnosis. You deserve to be understood.Connect with Dr. Jennifer Cook:Jennifer Cork, LCSW, DSW, Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), ADHD-CCSP, (she/her) is an autistic doctor of social work and a licensed clinical social worker. She specializes in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals who also have other mental health conditions, including people with high support needs. Dr. Cork is the author of What’s Your Anxiety Level? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens with Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders. She is a dedicated advocate whose passions include increasing mental health awareness and access to mental healthcare for the neurodivergent community. She is also the mom, spouse, and sister of some awesome neurodivergent humans.• Visit her website at https://www.drjennifercork.com/• Purchase her book here.Listen to this episode:Thank you for joining us in this informative conversation with Dr. Jennifer Cork. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this with your friends who might be interested. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults, those who care about them, and everyone who has wondered if they might be autistic themselves.https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistichttps://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marshWendela Whitcomb Marsh's booksNewsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm