Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting interpersonal interactions and cognitive, social, communication, and motor skills. It also may lead to specific behaviors and interests. People’s experiences of ASD can vary greatly. For this reason, counseling interventions for individuals with ASD also range in their purpose and intent.
Available Treatment Options
Most mental health professionals agree that early intervention for people with ASD leads to better outcomes. Therapists may reduce problematic behaviors and improve communication, social skills, and sensory skills. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a type of behavioral therapy that counselors use specifically to increase desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones. Counselors may use Play Therapy to increase awareness of emotions and social skills and Speech-Language Therapy to improve communication skills.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Autism
Hello. I am Dr. Alyx MacTernan, the founder of Elemental Mental Health and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Georgia and Texas. I have spent my career working to improve the mental health of patients and mental health services for members of my community. My passion is helping members of my community combat mental health issues and advocating for better mental health protection...
Mrs. Inkrote is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. She has experience working with a multitude of mental health specialties to include: anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, acute stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, learning disorders, autism, and grief. For 25 years Mrs. Inkrote worked with developmentally disabled individuals in day program and...
Seeking solutions for our sexual and relationships concerns can often feel daunting and isolating. What once made us feel whole, loved, and heard now makes us feel lonely, confused, and shattered. It is hard to find someone to open up to about the most intimate details of our lives. For that reason, we might try to manage on our own or try to ignore the problem, hoping it will go away. This can...
Some of life’s greatest challenges, such as divorce, relationship issues, career choices, work related stress, depression, and anxiety can be difficult to navigate alone. Sometimes these issues may be difficult for our family members and friends to attend to. I am committed to helping clients find new possibilities or recognize the strengths that they may have been overlooking. I am an Army...
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have been helping children, individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. My goal is to assist my clients in exploring ways to make changes in their lives by using Behavioral and Communication Theory tools in equipping them to help manage anxiety, communication, depression, anger, addictions, moods, family, and parenting issues. I use a vari...
Dr Chuck Flagler is a full-time senior clinician and licensed psychologist employed by Focus Centers of Asheville. He has over 30 years experience as a provider of mental health services with a variety of organizations that include inpatient, outpatient and school-based populations. Dr Flagler has two Masters Degrees in Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from an A.P.A. Accredited...
I work with all individuals who have a desire to define, explore, and expand themselves in a creative way. My ideal client is ready to work to build self-esteem, self-compassion, self-awareness, and healthy boundaries with others. Much of my work has been with individuals who have been through sexual, physical, and emotional traumas, with a focus on how childhood trauma shapes adulthood,...
My approach is strength based, solution focused, and client centered. Clients are the experts in their own lives and I am honored to be a trusted support person to them. I believe all people struggle with issues that they can use support in coping with. I can provide a non-judgmental and empathetic position to allow clients to feel safe in confiding in me. I will also be doing all that I can to...
Does your toddler/young child need help regulating their emotions or following directions? Is it hard to bond with and soothe your infant? I am a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with infants, toddlers, young children and their parents. My approach is unique because I specialize in relational and behavioral treatments for children that are strength-based and inform...
It's important that you find a therapist that is a right fit for you. I strive to create a safe holding environment where clients feel understood and encouraged to take their next step. I utilize a developmental framework and family systems approach, while viewing each client as a unique individual. I specialize in working with young children and families, providing individual, family, couples,...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I work with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression. The majority of my experience and training has been in the school setting providing individual and group therapy to elementary and middle school aged students. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ population, children and teens that may be struggling socially in their...
I have a long history of helping people who are struggling with various issues of life. My experience is extremely diversified and seasoned. My abilities come from lots of education and an abundance of my own life experience. I utilize various modalities of treatment and integrate whatever will work best for my patients. Therapy must start with you feeling safe, cared about, and valued. A good...
My name is Dr. Desiree Wilkinson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and founder of Anchor Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I specialize in providing outpatient therapy for individuals struggling with a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and am committed to using evidence-based therapies that ha...
When you come to therapy, it's important to remember that you are already trying to cope in the best way you can. But you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable before you ask for help. I have been a psychotherapist for over 25 years, & have experience working with Online Gaming, Adolescents, Parenting Conflicts, Cross-cultural Therapy, Learning Disabilities, Depression, GLBT Issues,...
Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autis...
