The Secret Language of Autism: Fostering Presence-Based Connection Through Creative Congruence Time (CCT) and Expressive Arts

The Secret Language of Autism introduces a compassionate, creative approach to supporting inclusive care of autistic and neurodiverse individuals through Creative Congruence Time (CCT). Centred on presence, emotional attunement, and expressive arts, CCT offers a bridge of connection, fostering a path for social-emotional development, greater resilience, creativity and joy.

Drawing from both therapeutic expertise and lived experience, Ellen Eun Young Yang brings together conceptual frameworks, personal reflections, and practical, hands-on strategies for caregivers, educators, therapists, and families. Her work teaches us how to cultivate responsive and meaningful interactions that honour each individual's unique way of being.

Yang's book includes twenty-one adaptable practices-including movement, music, visual art, creative writing, and theatrical play. It also explores how presence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming expressive arts practices foster connection and well-being by strengthening relationships and supporting autistic and neurodiverse individuals.

Ellen Eun Young Yang, PhD(c), RCC, RCC-ACS, RCS, REAT

Ellen is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Expressive Arts Therapist, educator, and clinical supervisor with over 30 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and people of all ages. She integrates trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive care, shaped by her lived experiences with intergenerational trauma, gender-based cultural challenges, and immigration from South Korea to Canada. Ellen is the founder of Therapy Through Arts (TTA) and the creator of Creative Congruence Time (CCT), a presence-based expressive arts approach that fosters meaningful connection, co-regulation, and emotional processing. Her areas of expertise include: (1) Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and low self-esteem, (2) Autism and other neurodiversity (3) Emotional support and behaviour change, (4) Self-growth, empowerment, and well-being, (5) Clinical supervision. More info: http: //www.therapythrougharts.com