Episode 240: Affirming Autism Assessments for High-Masking Adults [featuring Dr. Salena Justice]
In this episode, Patrick Casle and Dr. Salena Justice, a psychologist who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults, talk about the realities of autism assessment and the ongoing need for affirming care in the mental health field.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Affirming Approaches Matter: Many traditional training programs still lack truly affirming perspectives on autism, often focusing on stereotypical or high-support presentations. It's important for providers to move beyond outdated models and truly listen to the lived experiences of autistic individuals.
- Telehealth Can Be Empowering: Contrary to common hesitation, effective and affirming autism assessments are not only possible via telehealth—they can even be preferable for many autistic adults. Being in a familiar environment helps clients feel more at ease, making the assessment process more validating and less stressful.
- Language and Permission Shape the Experience: Creating a supportive space goes beyond formal assessments. Small changes—like offering examples of accommodations, normalizing special interests, or allowing follow-ups after sessions—can make a huge difference. Language that celebrates strengths (not just points out deficits) makes the process more empowering and constructive.
More about Salena:
Dr. Salena Justice is a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with high-masking autistic adults throughout the US. She specializes in skills-based therapy and autism evaluations, helping clients understand how their brains work and learn practical tools for everyday life, like managing burnout, emotions, relationships, and work without constant overwhelm. She’s passionate about validating overlooked experiences and turning self-understanding into real-world change.
- Instagram: instagram.com/dr.salenajustice
- Website: drsalenajustice.com
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Portland, Maine, Summit 2026!
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
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Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Portland, Maine, Summit 2026
The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
