Thank you so much for your comment and for the incredible support you’re providing your client. It sounds like he’s been through an exhausting journey trying to find something that helps. I hope you realise how important your advocacy is.

It would be safe to say that its not uncommon for people with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Complex PTSD, and autism to feel that they’ve “tried everything” with little effect. What you’re describing in that multiple therapies have been tried without lasting benefit sometimes reflects a misalignment between the approach and the person’s specific neurobiological needs, especially when neurodivergence and trauma intersect.

Just a couple of ideas…
Neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed therapy
Find therapists with expertise in both autism and trauma, unfortunately they are still rare, but not impossible to find. Try searching for psychologists or counsellors who list neurodivergent-affirming alongside complex trauma in their repertoire.

Also, look for practitioners trained in Polyvagal Theory, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, or Internal Family Systems (IFS)… these modalities can feel safer than traditional talk therapy, especially for autistic individuals and those with CPTSD.

Managing expectations & grief- for many people with complex trauma, autism and FND, healing isn’t always about a single breakthrough, it’s about obtaining acceptance, and a greater understanding, and to practice self-compassion, even when symptom relief isn’t possible. Sometimes support in processing grief and in developing self-acceptance (especially regarding neurodivergence) can be just as valuable as any clinical treatment.

You’re doing such an amazing job Malcolm! Thank you for showing up for your client.

Regards,

Tracy

Hi Malcolm,

I have a male friend who has the same story. I ALSO have the same story. My CPTSD was directly linked to SA in a domestic violence situation. Both ASD, FND and cPTSD.

I notice, despite both doing the same treatments, I am recovering while they still have all the active symptoms. I am starting to wonder if the key difference is I left a relationship because woman get more support to identify domestic violence because it can be more life threatening.

To that end, may I suggest that you learn the signs of domestic violence in case this client is ACTIVELY still experiencing a control system he can not identify? The difference between my friend and myself is I left the situation, while he maintains a possibly exploitative relationship.

It is often over looked that men could be the victims of domestic violence but particularly autistics will overlook control dynamics and stay in them. (At least that was my personal direct experience)

Thanks for listening.
Joanna

I am a support worker currently supporting a client with FND and possibly PTSD (this has been suggested but is not a fulldiagnosis,)he has also been given an autism diagnosis.

My client has previously used,CBT DBT ocupational therapy trauma based psychotherapy EMDR TMS as well as some more basic counseling and a form of holistic therapy whose name he cannot recall as wellas multiple voluntary admissions to psyche ward and a variety of medications but has not felt any significantbenefits.

He is keen to overcome/learn to manage his conditions but feels that everything he has tried so far has drawn a blank,the last therapist was the emdr who advised looking for specialist psychotherapist in neuro divergance however he is finding this particulalry hard to find, there are a number of therapists s but none seem to specialise in exactly what he needs so I was wondering if you may have any info that may point me in the right directionto get him the right support.

Yours Sincerely Malcolm

Hi Camille, I’m so pleased you found the article valuable. Likewise, I’m glad you found clinicians who were willing to listen to your experience. Wishing you the best of luck moving forward. Regards, Tracy.