Autism Spectrum Disorder

I specialize in autism-focused, neurodiversity affirming therapy for autistic adults and teens. As a therapist, who is also autistic, I understand our unique challenges. You may experience anxiety and depression, masking & autistic burnout, meltdowns & shutdowns, low self-esteem, family conflict, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I also welcome your authentic self and provide LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC affirming therapy.

I am an expert in the field of evaluating and treating those on the Autism spectrum, especially adult female-bodied individuals. As an adult woman on the spectrum myself, I understand the unique difficulties that come with being Autistic or neuro-divergent in this neuro-typical world.

Quintessential Health provides comprehensive assessment and testing service for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I have a deep passion for helping families affected by those diagnosed with ASD or exhibiting symptoms of Asperger's syndrome or other aspects of being on the spectrum. Certainly, many are never diagnosed and function in the important aspects of their lives without being any wiser to their traits. Others live a life of masking and disconnection from themselves, their loved ones and purpose. My approach focuses on how ASD affects families and in restoring their connection to each other.

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 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.

Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur with a diagnosis of autism. Yet, finding a therapist that adapts to your needs can be challenging. If you would like specific accommodations, we can work together to find a specific therapeutic approach that works for you. Here are examples of what we can do: - use written or visual tools - build-in breaks - involve someone else with whom you feel safe - incorporate activities or topics of your choice

Needs are hard to understand when society has decided what's appropriate and what's not ahead of time. Autistics can feel misunderstood and too much which can shut them down. I can help you learn to recognize your needs and how to advocate for them.

I enjoy working with autistic folks and neurodivergent folks. I use a neurodiverse affirming model to help you identify your needs, and lean into the traits that make you who you are.

I'm a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist who specializes in relationships where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming and honors the unique gifts and challenges each person with autism experiences.

Many adults wonder if they have Aspergers or Autism because work isn't going well, relationships are a struggle & stress is difficult to manage. Understanding how your brain & body works is the most important way to move forward. We can work together to determine if you are neurodiverse & to find your niche vocationally as well as building confidence in relationships.

My practice focuses on neurodiversity (adhd, autism).

My experience with autism started in 2012 when I was working as an ABA behavioral interventionist. I felt the need to learn more about family systems and how to help individuals beyond behavioral changes. In my current practice as a therapist, I help individuals and families work on building closeness and understanding. I am a supporter of neurodiversity and believe in helping individuals thrive within their own experience.

As a neurodivergent person myself, I really enjoy working with Autistic folks. How do we navigate a world set up for neurotypical folks with the right mix of advocacy to make the world better and good coping? There's no right answer to this and so we have to go back to the values of the individual client to figure out the right mix.

Parents of children who are disabled need much more support than they receive. Often when these parents are navigating these systems in order to access resources for their children, they have experiences that are confusing and/or harmful. They need a place to sort through these experience and feelings so that as they move forward in parenting they feel confident about their parenting choices and are able to find moments of joy in their day-to-day.

Autism is a different way of viewing the world. Having a therapist who understands the unique difficulties related to this disorder is paramount in navigating daily life for those with ASD. High functioning autism can also often be misunderstood and requires an individualized, patience oriented approach to growth.

Many adults wonder if they have Autism or are neurodiverse because work isn't going well, relationships are a struggle, stress is difficult to manage or feel constantly burnt out and fatigued. Understanding how your brain & body works is the most important way to move forward. We can work together to determine if you are neurodiverse & to find your niche vocationally as well as building confidence in relationships.

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?