Autism Spectrum Disorder

I help clients who identify (either via past diagnosis or self-diagnosed) as neurodiverse, including individuals on the autism spectrum, highly sensitive individuals, and those form whom their senses and processing are heightened. If an individual is desiring additional assessment, I can help provide referrals. I can also help your partner or loved one understand more about how to support you.

I firmly believe in the neurodivergent paradigm which views Autism as natural and a normal variation of human diversity. In therapy, we will address the difficulties of being Autistic in a society that is created for Allistics. I do not “cure” or “fix” symptoms, but I will work with you to identify, understand, and address ways that your neurodiversity may negatively impact your life and work collaboratively to find ways to improve your functioning

I view Autism as a neuro-type, not as a disorder and have created a neuro-affirming autism assessment tool for clinicians, which is available on my website here: https://www.alydmft.com/psychotherapy-perspective/

I take a strengths based approach with clients on the spectrum, grounded in the belief that autism is not a disease. People on the spectrum merely experience and do life differently. Emotions and physical sensations can be far more intense for people on the spectrum. While this can mean that anxiety and sensory overload can be more disruptive, it also means the capacity for joy in a hobby or the ability to deeply focus on a task can also be more fervent. I help clients harness autism's power.

Social and environmental overwhelm, somatic awareness, food issues, sensory processing, neurodiversity education

I have found a passion for working with Neurodiverse individuals, especially those who have just realized this recently or even later in life. I work with a neurodiverse affirming lens, so let's work together to find what works best for YOU. Whether it's sensory overload, learning to unmask, or just learn on how to navigate the neurotypical society we live in, we'll work together to create accommodations for the unique person you are.

Autism is not a disorder to be treated. It's a neurotype and way of being in the world. Because our world is centered on the neurotypical experience, autistic clients often come to me for support around how to navigate a neurotypical world. We'll dive into your personal autistic experience by exploring your strengths and interests, talking about the ways in which your daily living is impacted and discussing what supports you'd like to have in place. Ask us about PDA!

I provide neuro-affirming care for anyone who identifies as neurodivergent (for example, autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or OCD neurotypes). This work may focus on personal identity, healing from harmful interventions experienced in childhood, burnout, masking, or relationships, but most importantly we will focus on whatever feels most helpful to you.

I work with neurodivergent individuals to help them accept and celebrate their differences while learning how to navigate a world that largely caters to neurotypical people.

One of my specialties is neurodiverse individuals, including those who are, or suspect they might be, Asperger's, ASD-1, (aka an Aspie). There are many folks who were never discovered or diagnosed as a having Asperger's or ASD-1 as a child or teen. They tend to be highly intelligent, often great actors/musicians/artists, have high anxiety (general and social), are perfectionistic, have a hard time with relationships and socializing, & are very sensitive to their environment. Might this be you?

I have over 15 years of experience navigating the complexities of autism and sexuality. In many ways, this is its own specialized area of care due to the unique sensory sensitivities, mathematical cognitive patterns, and struggles navigating social dynamics. I work with autistic adults to build communication strategies, which are especially important when one partner is neurotypical. In these cases, my therapy approach is to foster active communication and building clarity in relationships.

I specialize in remote comprehensive adult autism evaluations.

First of all, I don't believe that autism should be considered a "disorder." I see our ableist culture as more the problem and I work as an advocate for neurodivergent folks. If you are autistic, I prefer to get to know you as an individual and find out what you are interested to work on in therapy. I can support you by learning about your strengths and interests to better support the areas that you're looking to change.

I help clients who identify (either via past diagnosis or self-diagnosed) as neurodiverse, including individuals on the autism spectrum, highly sensitive individuals, and those form whom their senses and processing are heightened.

I enjoy working with autistic and neurodiverse folks. My approach is a strength based approach and together we can explore and validate your inner experiences. The goal for me is not to help you conform to “neurotypical expectations”. It is to help explore your authentic self. I also conduct a group with adults who identify as queer and neurodivergent.

With the increasing awareness of autism, it is very important to me that clients feel like they can have someone to discuss those symptoms with who won't approach it from a neurotypical lens and help those clients actually understand their experience from an autistic lens. Similarly to ADHD, it is something that needs to be adapted to not eliminated.

As a neurodiversity affirming therapist I highlight my clients strengths & respect the diverse ways in which their brains functions. I work hard to actively reduce the stigma neurodivergent individuals face and advocate promoting inclusivity for all. I teach food mood psychology and share that a gluten free diet may improve mood greatly.

I help neurodivergent preteens, young adults, and adults understand the way their brain works: how to work with it and not against it. I specialize in executive functioning, sensory-based coping strategies, and routine and habit modification to help my clients participate in their current roles (school, work) and engage in meaningful activities.