Many therapeutic approaches focus on managing behaviors rather than understanding the underlying nervous system states that shape them. Polyvagal Theory offers a different lens that centers regulation, safety and connection as key to supporting autistic individuals.
As a provider, consider your current approach to supporting clients with autism:
- How do you recognize and respond to the nervous system states of your autistic clients?
- What is a neural exercise and what could it look like in practice?
- How could integrating nervous system-informed strategies better support social engagement, sensory sensitivities and overall regulation?
“Polyvagal Theory provides a lens into autism that is rooted in the body and the nervous system, which organizes the experience of the body,” says Sean Inderbitzen, LCSW, DSW, an autistic psychotherapist and researcher through Mayo Clinic Health System. We know that social engagement can look different for each individual, and Polyvagal Theory offers a more holistic view of how social engagement can show up in neurodivergent people.
Sean is the author of Autism in Polyvagal Terms, which provides a vital framework for working with clients on the spectrum. After first learning about Polyvagal Theory through his sensorimotor psychotherapy training, the insights Sean gained reshaped his understanding of autism, and he now teaches providers to apply these concepts in practice. His work has resonated deeply with clinicians, with his book receiving praise from well-known figures such as Temple Grandin and Pat Ogden, CEO and founder of the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute®.
Learn more from Sean Inderbitzen, LCSW, DSW
Register for our upcoming webinar on April 10, 2025, at 12 p.m.! Sean will join occupational therapists Kelly Beins, BA, BHSc, OTR/L, and Rebecca Knowles, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, in a discussion about how Polyvagal Theory can enhance therapeutic approaches for autistic individuals. They’ll share practical applications, including neural exercises that can be integrated into Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) delivery, offering new ways to support self-regulation, reduce stress responses and foster connection.
“Chances are you are already doing some,” Sean adds. “Learning more during this webinar is a great way to begin to deepen into the nervous system health of those on the spectrum.”
This webinar is perfect for providers who are looking to refine their understanding and expand their clinical toolkit. This conversation is also an opportunity to engage with fresh perspectives and practical strategies informed by nervous system science.
Please fill out the form below to register for this webinar!
Unyte Health welcomes Sean Inderbitzen, LCSW, DSW, and Kelly Beins, BA, BHSc, OTR/L, to this Provider Spotlight that will highlight how providers can recognize and support clients and their individual needs. Learn more →
About the Speakers
Sean Inderbitzen, LCSW, DSW, is an autistic psychotherapist and researcher through Mayo Clinic Health System. He regularly trains healthcare professionals to be more confident when working with people on the spectrum. He is also a consultant and interpersonal neurobiologist.
Kelly Beins, BA, BHSc OTR/L, is a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience, including 20 years with certification in sensory integration. Kelly specializes in Sensory Integrative Processing and applications of Polyvagal Theory in OT, she is an international speaker, has published two children’s books and was named, Autism Parenting Magazine’s “Top OT” for two consecutive years. Kelly is now the Clinical Solutions Manager for Unyte supporting large organizations and teams of therapists to integrate Unyte programs.
Rebecca Knowles, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, is an occupational therapist and yoga teacher who specializes in sensory processing and mental health. She leads research and education at Unyte.
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