DBT Skills for Neurodivergent Clients

Kat Schultz
4 days ago
2 min read

Dialectical Behavior Therapy wasn't created with different neurotypes in mind and can sometimes feel very inaccessible for neurodivergent, especially autistic and ADHD, folks. However, there are plenty of DBT skills that can be useful for managing emotional distress in this group of clients.

In September, we provided a training to a mental health clinic about using DBT with neurodivergent clients. We highlighted a few skills and resources and provided our own adaptations that we've found useful for neurodivergent folks we've worked with.

We taught TIP and self-soothe, the latter with an added "sense" of movement that includes stimming. Stimming fits this skill as it is movement or other behaviors intended to soothe oneself. We also suggested some non-traditional mindfulness exercises - ways to practice DBT mindfulness that aren't guided meditation or breathing exercises. Those more traditional exercises can be challenging for the neurodivergent folks we work with. Finally, we went over ways to practice the skill of Identifying Emotions when alexithymia, or difficulty describing one's emotions, is present.

During this training (and many other times!) we highlighted the amazing workbook by Sonny Wise (they/them): The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills. This great resource has even more DBT skills adapted for neurodivergence, tons of worksheets, and a section on sensory needs instead of interpersonal skills. It's also colorful, which makes a bigger difference in user experience than you'd think!

At Online DBT Skills, we strive to teach DBT in a way that works for our students/clients (and yours!), which sometimes means deviating from the original text. We do this carefully and intentionally, based on what we've learned through our own experience. And we love to share this experiential knowledge with other mental health providers through our DBT trainings. Work with us to build your custom DBT training for your organization today!