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
I work to provide a holistic, personal form of care that provides each client with the tools they need to overcome life's challenging moments. I take an integrative approach to helping others better understand how their patterns are impacting their lives and what options they have to do things differently. I utilize a creative, expressive approach to combine art and music into my practice to...
You may be feeling stressed with raising your children who are diagnosed with ADHD, Autism or having severe behavioral problems. You may be feeling as if you are locked into an unhealthy relationship that is full of domestic violence, overwhelmed with life stressors, experiencing helplessness and hopelessness, having a desire to isolate yourself from others, or wanting to commit acts that could...
My passion for people has led me to many different experiences in the Health and Human Services field. I have had the opportunity to work abroad on geriatric care and caregiver fatigue as well as serve older adults in their homes for many years. In 2015, I moved my efforts over to focusing on youth and adults living with disabilities and how I could help them maintain their independence in the...
Dr. Zhannah Vaysman is a passionate professional in a field of clinical psychology who divides her time between different types of clinical work, such as individual therapy and psychodiagnostic assessment. In her clinical practice, she delivers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and other evidence-based treatments to children, adolescents, adults, and...
As a trauma-informed therapist, I want to provide a safe place for the "wounded child" within to be seen, understood, and nurtured. By addressing underlying issues and relationship injuries, I aim for experiencing insight, healing, and peace. My goal in therapy is to reach for posttraumatic growth and resilience and to incorporate a deeper appreciation of your strengths because of what you've g...
Life isn't easy. Don't struggle alone. Together we'll move toward your goal, whether it's dealing with an overwhelming situation or obstacle, repairing or improving a relationship, managing stress, overcoming trauma or depression, living a fulfilling life, or even just being heard and understood. We'll talk, and I'll listen, support you, and give you feedback and guidance. I'll also share what ...
My practice focuses on treating adults, adolescents and children. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as individuals experiencing life adjustment issues and domestic conflict. I have helped clients with substance abuse issues as well as codependency. In addition, I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with extensive training in learning disabilities and...
Jennifer is a Licensed Master Social Worker who in addition to providing tele-psychotherapy currently provides wrap around services connecting families with a vast variety of community partnerships and providing psychotherapy for adolescents and their families within the Albany City Public School System. Over the past 20 years Jennifer has worked with adolescents, families, persons with...
I feel strongly in the client driving the therapy process. Each client is the best expert on themselves. We all have innate strengths, even those that present as barriers at times. Learning to understand and utilize these strengths can be life changing. I will partner with you to find a methodology that you connect with best. I believe the trigger or concerning behavior/experience that brings a...
I specialize in working with male adolescents and young adults that struggle with a number issues that include depression, anxiety, self-worth issues, family conflict, and substance abuse to name a few. I have have clients that have been through formal therapy, and found that it did not resonate with them. I meet these clients where they are at both literally and figuratively. I travel to homes...
Therapy is a great way to start actively making movement towards the change you want to see in your life. As a holistic psychotherapist, I collaborate with clients to assess all areas of their life to determine where and how we can minimize energy expenditure on things that drain them and ultimately shift the focus so they can spend time on the things that matter. As a certified personal traine...
Our human spirit is geared toward resiliency and we have an incredible amount of personal resources available to us that can help us to overcome hardships, we just need to discover them. It is my goal, to help you discover these resources and to improve your quality of life as a result. I seek to create a safe space for my clients, free from judgement where you are able to explore your deepest...
My patients are interested in evidence-based approaches to address problems and to reach goals. In some cases--especially with kids--there are questions regarding a specific diagnosis (e.g., Autism). Patients choose to work with me so that they can have an experienced professional help them implement effective strategies. Parents who work with me are interested in learning additional approaches...
Sometimes life can be challenging. Kids don't always know how to manage difficult transitions or feelings by using their words. Instead, an unhappy or anxious child may present with behaviors that are upsetting. I can help discover underlying issues and guide young people in finding ways to better express what is on their minds. I can connect easily with children using play therapy, art, cognit...
During the week she works at Garden of Hope, a non-profit organization that serves Chinese speaking women and children victims of gender-based and intimate partner violence. Crystal also works at the Children's Museum of Art, as an ArTogether Facilitator, working with families in the child welfare system. Crystal can provide you with Chinese/English bilingual art therapy for individuals and...
