In this episode of Life in the Psych Lane, I sit down with Dr Joseph Sakdalan and Nimasha Weerakoon to explore a ground-breaking approach to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, one that places neurodivergence at the centre of care.
Together, we unpack the Neurodiversity-Affirming DBT Program, a pioneering model designed specifically for autistic clients experiencing emotional dysregulation. Originally developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, traditional DBT has since expanded to various populations. However, Joseph and Nimasha take us deeper into how the standard DBT framework can unintentionally lead to masking, burnout, and invalidation in autistic clients, and how their adaptation challenges that head-on.
This neuro-affirming approach isn't just a rebrand. It's a thoughtfully reconceptualised framework, co-developed with lived-experience clinicians and autistic participants, offering a strengths-based, inclusive, and accessible alternative. We discuss:
Why standard DBT needs to evolve when working with autistic clients
The core features of the NDA-DBT program
How neurodiversity-affirming language and principles reshape therapeutic space
Insights from Nimasha’s lived experience and clinical work
Whether you’re a mental health professional, an ally, or a neurodivergent listener, this episode challenges us to rethink how we define "effective" therapy and who it really serves.
Want to learn more?
Join Joseph and Nimasha's 2-day virtual training workshop on October 17 & 18, 2025 to gain hands-on tools and access to their comprehensive NDA-DBT manual and resources.
Tune in, reflect, and let's keep psychology human.