Communication support that starts with you
Autistic people communicate in many different ways. Whether you describe yourself as autistic, as having autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is no single "right" way to communicate.
Communication differences are not something that need to be fixed. However, living in a world that is largely designed for non-autistic people can make communication feel tiring, frustrating or overwhelming.
I provide speech and language therapy, autism communication therapy for adults, and neuro-affirming communication coaching that builds on your strengths and supports you to communicate in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.
My role is not to teach you to mask or hide your autistic traits. Instead, I work alongside you to understand your communication style, identify what matters to you, and develop practical strategies that make everyday life easier while respecting who you are.
Support is available online throughout the UK, with face-to-face appointments available across Kent.
What is neuro-affirming communication therapy?
Neuro-affirming communication therapy is a collaborative approach that recognises autistic communication as a difference rather than a deficit.
Rather than trying to make you communicate more like a non-autistic person, we work together to understand how you naturally communicate and identify strategies that help you achieve your own goals.
Communication therapy and coaching can help you to:
- understand your own communication profile
- recognise your communication strengths
- identify situations that feel difficult or draining
- reduce the effort involved in everyday communication
- develop practical strategies that work for you
- improve confidence in communicating your needs
- build self-understanding and self-advocacy
- communicate in ways that feel authentic, rather than relying on masking
Every person's goals are different. Therapy is always tailored to what matters most to you.
Understanding your communication
Many autistic adults have spent years feeling that they are "getting communication wrong" or wondering why everyday conversations seem so much easier for other people.
Together we can explore how your brain processes communication and how factors such as sensory differences, processing time, anxiety, fatigue, previous experiences or burnout may affect the way you communicate.
Understanding these patterns often helps communication make much more sense.
The aim isn't to become someone different. The aim is to better understand yourself, communicate in ways that feel right for you, and make everyday interactions feel less exhausting.
Who can benefit?
Communication support may be helpful if you:
- are autistic and would like to better understand your communication style
- have a diagnosis of autism, ASC or ASD
- are awaiting an autism assessment
- think you may be autistic but do not have a formal diagnosis
- have been recently diagnosed and are making sense of what this means for you
- experience frequent misunderstandings with family, friends or colleagues
- find conversations exhausting
- struggle to explain your thoughts or needs, particularly under pressure
- experience communication differences during periods of stress, sensory overload or burnout
- feel you spend a great deal of energy masking
- would like support with communication at work, university or in everyday life
You do not need a formal diagnosis of autism or ASD to access support.
What situations can communication therapy help with?
Every person is different, so sessions are tailored to your goals. Common areas include:
Work
- meetings
- interviews
- presentations
- communicating with colleagues and managers
- asking for reasonable adjustments
- workplace relationships
- navigating difficult conversations
- managing communication fatigue throughout the working day
Everyday life
- making appointments
- shopping
- phone calls
- video calls
- accessing services
- handling unexpected conversations
- advocating for your communication needs
Relationships
Communication therapy can support:
- communicating with your partner
- family relationships
- friendships
- expressing emotions
- setting healthy boundaries
- resolving misunderstandings
- repairing communication after conflict
Managing overwhelm and burnout
Communication often becomes more difficult during periods of stress, sensory overload or autistic burnout. Together we can explore ways to:
- recognise early signs of overwhelm
- reduce communication demands where possible
- plan for situations that feel challenging
- use alternative methods of communication when speaking feels difficult
- recover after socially demanding situations
Life changes
Communication support can also be valuable during significant life events, including:
- starting a new job
- returning to work
- beginning university
- becoming a parent
- changes in relationships
- moving home
- receiving a diagnosis of autism later in life
What happens in communication therapy?
Sessions are collaborative, practical and adapted to you. Depending on your goals, therapy may include:
- discussion and reflection
- identifying communication strengths
- practical problem-solving
- visual supports
- written strategies
- planning for specific situations
- role play (only if it feels helpful)
- adapting environments and communication expectations
- developing scripts or prompts for situations that you find difficult
There is no expectation to practise eye contact, suppress stimming or learn to appear more neurotypical. The focus is on making communication easier, more effective and less exhausting.
My approach
As a Speech and Language Therapist, I combine over eight years' experience supporting adults with communication differences with additional training in autism assessment (ADOS-2).
My approach is grounded in current neuro-affirming practice and recognises that communication is a two-way process. Rather than asking autistic people to change who they are, I work collaboratively to understand individual communication styles and identify strategies that support meaningful participation in everyday life.
Whether you are looking for speech and language therapy for autistic adults, autism communication support, autism communication coaching, or practical help navigating everyday conversations, therapy is always centred around your own goals, values and identity.
Why choose Susannah French Speech and Language Therapy?
I specialise in adult communication. Alongside supporting people following stroke, brain injury and progressive neurological conditions, I also provide neuro-affirming communication support for autistic adults.
Clients often tell me they value having a therapist who listens without judgement, takes time to understand their experiences, and works collaboratively to develop practical strategies that genuinely fit their lives.
There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. Together we work towards communication that feels more manageable, more authentic and more sustainable.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an autism diagnosis?
No. Many people seek support before a formal assessment or while deciding whether to pursue one.
Is this speech and language therapy?
Yes. As a Speech and Language Therapist, I provide evidence-informed assessment and therapy for adult communication differences. Sessions are delivered in a neuro-affirming way and may also include elements of communication coaching, depending on your goals.
Is communication coaching different from therapy?
The two approaches overlap. Some people prefer the term "therapy", while others prefer "coaching". Sessions are collaborative, practical and tailored to your needs, drawing on speech and language therapy principles throughout.
Are appointments available online?
Yes. Online appointments are available throughout the UK, with face-to-face appointments offered across Kent.
Get in touch
If you're wondering whether communication therapy could help, I'd be happy to arrange an informal conversation to answer your questions.
Whether you're looking for speech and language therapy for autistic adults, autism communication therapy, or simply a supportive space to better understand your communication, I'd love to hear from you.