"If you do CBT that was created for middle-class white people in the United States and try to use it in Japan or India it is not going to work as well. If you're trying to apply this modality to autistic people without consideration of that intersectionality of autism and mental health, then it isn't going to work as well. What research has shown is that if you have CBT that is adequately accommodating and taking into account the autism part, then it does work. And so that's where the problem lies."

My guest this week is Dr. Jennifer Cork, a doctor of social work specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. I was excited to have Jennifer on because of her writing on cognitive behavior therapy for autistic people.

You will learn:

• How to reframe a fight-or-flight response
• The state of research on therapy for autistic people
• Why informed consent in therapy is so important
• Plus, learn about Jennifer’s special interest!

Follow-up Questions:

• Do you feel certain emotions are good or bad?
• Can you make your processes more accommodating?
• Are there certain things you don’t want to do that you can skip?

Guest Bio:

Dr. Jennifer Cork is a doctor of social work (DSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Jennifer is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has 20 years’ experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has worked in the education, disability, and mental health settings. She has also written a therapy book called, What's Your Anxiety Level? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Neurodivergent Children and Teens with Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders, published in October of 2025. She has a certificate in disability studies from Eastern Washington University, is a certified autism specialist (CAS), and ADHD-certified clinical service provider (ADHD-CCSP). Increasing mental health awareness and access to mental healthcare for the neurodivergent community is one of her passions. Besides education and advocacy work, Jennifer enjoys trips to the coast, hikes with her family, cooking, baking, and is an avid reader. She is also the mom, spouse, and sister of some awesome neurodivergent humans!

Links:

• Dr. Jennifer Cork’s website
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neurodivergent-knowledge/202512/does-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-work-for-autistic-clients

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email me at kevin@workingclassautistic.com