Jennifer Cork DSW, LCSW

About

Jennifer Cork, DSW, LCSW, is a doctor of social work and licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of neurodivergent individuals with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Cork 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 a certificate in disability studies from Eastern Washington University, is a certified autism specialist (CAS), and ADHD-certified clinical services provider (ADHD-CCSP). Increasing mental health awareness and access to mental healthcare for the neurodivergent community is one of her passions.

Books by Jennifer Cork DSW, LCSW

Recent Posts

Yes, Intellectually Disabled People Have the Wherewithal to Be Depressed

Intellectual/developmentally disabled individual have higher rates of mental health diagnoses and should have equal access to mental healthcare.

Back to Afterschool Meltdowns

Many neurodivergent children and teens struggle with after school meltdowns or shutdowns, but there are things parents and schools can do to support kids in multiple environments.

Sibling Rivalry or Sensory Rivalry?

Opposite sensory needs can cause conflict between siblings that is more intense than the usual sibling rivalry, but families can take steps to support these conflicting needs.

Avoidant or Neurodivergent?

For neurodivergent clients, their lack of follow through is often misinterpreted as avoidance. This often leads to poor experiences in therapy for this population.

Autistic Children Are Not Lab Rats

Personal Perspective: By relaxing standards and protocols, untested treatments may be given to autistic children with high support needs.

On a Scale of 1-5, How Much Do Autistics Hate Likert Scales?

Many autistic people struggle with traditional Likert scales because they are created for neurotypical people. Accommodations can help make this tool useful and accessible.

The Magic Wand for Treating Oppositional Clients

Motivational interviewing is an effective tool for treating those seeking more autonomy.

There is No “Autism Acceptance” Without Adequate Supports

Real, lasting autism acceptance cannot occur without adequate supports—and those supports will not be given unless autistic people and their allies take action.

Autism in Women: TikTok Diagnosis or Self-Correction?

Personal Perspective: Is the rise in late diagnoses of autism in "high masking" individuals, especially in women, due to social media influences or new information?

Rethinking 'Anger Issues'

Many children and teens are mislabeled with "anger issues" when they actually have anxiety disorders. This leads to misunderstanding and unhelpful interventions.