Autism and the Perinatal Journey

Credit

Faculty

Alexandra Smith, LMFT, PMH-C Related seminars and products

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Alexandra Smith, LMFT, PMH-C, (she/her) is a licensed marriage & family therapist and private practice owner based in California who specializes in neurodivergent-affirming care and prenatal mental health. She supports autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and couples throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period (and beyond). Alex’s clinical work is informed by advancing training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International (PSI), trauma-informed care, and neurodivergent-affirming practice. As both a mother and a neurodivergent clinician herself, she brings a deeply attuned, strengths-based perspective to the unique needs and experiences of autistic birthing parents.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Alexandra Smith has a financial relationship with A Compassionate Path Marriage and Family Therapy Collective, Inc. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizaitons.
Non-financial: Alexandra Smith has a professional relationship with Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Additional Info

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Objectives

1. Identify at least three (3) common sensory, communication, and executive functioning challenges autistic birthing people may experience during pregnancy, labor/birth, and the postpartum period. 
2. Select at least two (2) risk factors that increase the likelihood of mental health challenges, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and birth trauma, among autistic birthing people. 
3. Describe at least three (3) strengths commonly seen among autistic birthing people that can be integrated into a neurodivergent-affirming, strengths-based treatment approach. 
4. Choose at least three (3) additional neurodivergent-affirming clinical interventions to support autistic clients in navigating sensory overwhelm, communication differences, and the mental load throughout the perinatal period. 

Outline

Understanding Autism in the Perinatal Context 

• Key sensory, emotional, and executive functioning considerations during pregnancy and postpartum 
• Common challenges during labor and birth, including sensory overwhelm and communication needs 
• Systemic gaps and the impact of misattunement in perinatal care for autistic mothers and birthing people 
• Considerations for postpartum transition and support (e.g., autistic identity, breastfeeding, self-care, sleep needs) 

Ableism and Systemic Challenges in Perinatal Care 

• Structural and systemic barriers autistic birthing people encounter, including lack of neurodivergent-informed care and limited provider training 
• Impact of ableism on access, decision-making, and client-provider trust 
• How standard medical and mental health practices may unintentionally perpetuate neurodivergent marginalization and trauma 
• Strategies for advocating for neurodivergent-affirming care and supporting clients in navigating systemic challenges 

Highlighting Strengths of Autistic Mothers and Birthing People 

• Strengths-based framework to understand adaptability, resilience, and competence 
• Techniques to help parents recognize and leverage their strengths across the perinatal journey 

Tools and Clinical Applications 

• Techniques to support client exploration and empowerment 
• Neurodivergent-aligned assessment tools to accurately assess distress and identify needs 
• Neurodivergent-affirming resources & supports to compliment therapeutic work 
• Overview of a customizable neurodivergent-affirming perinatal care plan 
• Limitations of the research and potential risks 

Target Audience

• Addiction Counselors
• Counselors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physicians
• Psychologists
• Social Workers