Autism Spectrum Disorder

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 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.

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

My specialty is working with neurodivergent clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or clients that may process information or their emotions differently. I have 20 plus years of experience in this area.

Neurodivergence, executive functioning, and autism are central to my approach as a therapist. I work both to keep this topic in-mind when considering identity, capacity, and other such topics, but also when working through prior trauma. Neurodivergence often means alienation, neglect, and guilt, and I work to process these feelings with clients.

Having a brain that operates differently isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s an operating system to be learned. Let’s learn together. Recently, more of us have begun to discover that our “talented and gifted” nature as a child was actually highly masked neurodivergence. As we discover who we are, we often discover we aren’t who others think we are. This can be complicated - especially if we struggle with a fear of rejection.

Late diagnosis can bring about many difficult feelings including grief. Through work on unmasking and identity, my hope is to support you in beginning to live life authentically and in a way that creates safety in previously difficult situations.

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 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.

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 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/

Neurodivergence, executive functioning, and autism are central to my approach as a therapist. I work both to keep this topic in-mind when considering identity, capacity, and other such topics, but also when working through prior trauma.

I have spent a large portion of my career working with individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Even if individual therapy is not the right level of care I have a variety of resources and am happy to work with the family in supporting their needs.

I have many years of experience working with neurodiversity in children, teens, and adults. This includes adults who did not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Whatever your goals related to neurodiversity, I am here to support and help you achieve them. 

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 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 specialize in providing comprehensive adult autism evaluations virtually through telehealth.

I approach autism from a neurodivergence-affirming perspective. The way our society has traditionally presented autism is only one of many ways autistic people can present. I have completed a variety of trainings on autism, including trainings on neurodivergence-affirming diagnosis and on autistic women. I am also an active participant in autistic community, listening to the lived experience of autistic adults.