Autism Spectrum Disorder

I specialize in remote comprehensive adult autism evaluations.

Autism: Do you have it? Do you want to know? Do you care? You get to choose. Struggle in social situations? Difficulty making friends? Want to date? Seeming blunt/rude? Sensory overload? Avoid eye contact? Stimming? Masking? I can help with communication, boundary setting, sensory overload, dating, task completion, self esteem confidence, interviewing skills etc. I can help.

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.

One-on-one ABA services for individuals diagnosed with Autism, developmental disorders, and ADHD. From the development of the Behavior Intervention Plan BIP to treatment implementation and successful discharge. Expertise in evidence-based caregiver education and skills training to increase understanding of parenting, child development and disabilities, linkages to services and resources to help improve overall family functioning and building caregivers leadership and advocacy skills

I am passionate about working with late-diagnosed Autistics and work at the intersection between neurodivergence and trauma. My blended treatment approach includes Gestalt, EMDR, TCTSY and communication skills-building; all of which allow my clients to feel more embodied and accepting of their needs and feelings, and empowered to advocate for themselves.

When working with autistic individuals, I tailor the science of Applied Behavior Analysis with play to promote goals of independence, enhanced social skills and overall life satisfaction. I am passionate about preparing my clients for situations both inside of the home and in their daily lives. I start by assessing each child's unique needs, evaluating the child's skills and then customizing my interventions. I work closely with parents or guardian to detail the goals of treatment.

Currently in a certification program to be an AutPlay Therapist who uses play interventions to work with Autistic and Nerodivergent clients.

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 am on the Autism Spectrum myself, and understand how this disorder impacts people, and changes some presentation of other struggles such as Anxiety or Depression. I have worked with countless clients who fall on this spectrum, and helped them improve their functioning, understanding how their neuro-spicyness impacts them, and improve their communication skills and social functioning.

Autism doesn’t need to be fixed, but society at large hasn’t yet made space for this. The world is filled with sensory-overwhelming environments and neurotypical expectations so learning to mask is survival. But masking has a cost and can end in overload and burnout. What’s often left is the question: “Who am I?” I can help you learn to listen to your body, find what is healing to your nervous system, grieve past losses, and look toward the future of finding out who you really are.

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 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.

I specialize in providing comprehensive adult autism evaluations virtually through telehealth.

I am a neurodivergent affirming therapist. I strongly believe that it is important for individuals to be their authentic selves. I also understand that sometimes people need help navigating a neurotypical world. Many of the clients I work with were "missed" as children and did not learn about ASD until late adolescence or early adulthood. This can have a large impact on how one see's themselves and the world at large. My goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to learn about themselves.

Navigating a world that often feels out of sync with your needs is exhausting. Your therapy should feel like a sanctuary, not another source of stress. We will prioritize your comfort, well-being, and autonomy every step of the way as you undertake your journey towards authenticity and fulfilling relationships. (Eye contact is not required and stimming/movement is always welcome!)

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.

Autism can affect all areas of life, hence why holistic occupational therapy can be an amazing support from social engagement to basic living skills and everything in between. Through the initial evaluation process, we will determine what aspects of your daily living are being most affected by autism, and together we will problem solve ways to enhance the gifts you have and adapt and modify your environment for your most meaningful engagement in life.