Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)

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. 

Autism is often followed with a stigma of having a disability, but there are so many strengths that come with being Autistic. Let me help you learn how to showcase your strength and better communicate with others by using restorative communication techniques and other types of communication. I also do not require you to get an official diagnosis in order to recognize your Autistic traits. We can go over the pros and cons of getting a diagnosis and we will discuss what a diagnosis means for you

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 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 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.

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

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.

Whether you have been diagnosed as a kid, are newly diagnosed, or suspect you may be on the Autism Spectrum (usually high functioning), I can help you identify the signs/symptoms of ASD and how they are impacting your day-to-day. This does not mean that there is something "wrong" with you, just that you are unique! I can help you to be yourself, find ways to accommodate any difficulties you wish (e.g., sensory issues, attention issues) and thrive to the best of your abilities.

Autists have explosive neural growth from birth to about age 3 with reduced neural "pruning." This rich neural development is probably related to well-known strengths like a capacity for encyclopedic knowledge of complex systems; deep, emotional connections to objects and harmony between objects; a sense of justice; and extreme sensory and observational acuity. My hunch is that autistic hunter-gatherers systematized knowledge of flora and fauna, allowing humans to spread globally.

I help adults who have (or who suspect they have) high-functioning autism.

While I work with clients of varied identities and neurotypes, I work quite often with late-discovered/diagnosed Autistic and/or ADHD adults. Whether you’re in the early days of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal neurodivergent diagnosis, I’m passionate about supporting clients through this process and all of the complex emotions that can come with it.

I am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), and am passionate about creating more access to specialized service providers.

As a longtime participant in the neurodiversity movement, I offer a deeply informed and accepting approach to the neurodivergent people I work with.

I'm neurodivergent and come from a family with ton of neurodivergent kin. In some ways I've been working with ASD my whole life, but professionally for over 10 years. My goal is compassionate care for navigating the neurotypical world. Beginning November 2024, I will be providing comprehensive ASD assessments.

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 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 specialize in autism-focused, neurodiversity affirming therapy for Autistic adults. As a therapist who is also Autistic, I understand your unique challenges. You may experience Autistic burnout, masking overload, meltdowns and shutdowns, anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, family conflict, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I use a strength-based and compassion-focus mindset in order to help you create an authentic life that works for you!

I support the identity model of neurodivergence. If you are self-identified, have been diagnosed, or suspect you may be ADHD, HSP, or Autistic, I am here to help you explore your both your gifts and challenges to guide you to finding a greater sense of safety in the world. I also greatly enjoy working with guardians and caretakers of neurodivergent kids and teens to help them better support kids. Please note: I am anti ABA and will not utilize or support the use of ABA.