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 with clients to focus on what has worked in the past and emphasize the strengths and unique qualities they possess. I strive to help build skills that clients can use to lower stress, anxiety, depression, and self-loathing. I have counseled adults of all ages, teens and preteens, disabled teens, adults, and vets, and families and couples going through difficult life cycle transitions. I ...
Rethink, Reframe, Realign, Recover. Do you feel as if your life is a sandcastle with the water always threatening to wash it out to sea? I work with clients to explore how unresolved issues from the past impact the present. In an open and safe environment, we explore authentic feelings and lost aspects of self often censored in general society, toward greater personal insight, growth, and chang...
Life can be very challenging at times. There are times in life that it helps to have someone to talk to. My goal is to help you learn the skills it takes to work through difficult times and different types of situations. We will work together to develop treatment goals and work towards those goals in a safe environment. We will work together to identify emotions that at times we do not even...
Your child is your whole world. When they're happy, you're happy, and when they're hurting, the pain you feel for them is excruciating. But by the time you find yourself perusing the internet for help, you are already exhausted, have experienced many sleepless nights, and are losing hope. I would love to help improve your family's hopefulness and regain its vitality. Counseling provides a safe,...
Therapy is when you and I purposefully spend time creating the necessary space needed for growth and change to occur. Together we will work to discover what have become obstacles in your life and process through them to find different ways to move forward. My approach is open, honest, and based on the needs of each client. I look forward to meeting and working with you....
We have been providing psychological services to McHenry County for nearly two decades. Our therapists have a diverse range of experience and evidence-based approaches, which allows them to connect with our clients. We pride ourselves on being flexible, creative, and "out of the box" thinkers in order to meet the needs of individuals in a very personalized manner. We believe treatment is a team...
Making the decision to see a therapist is a big one, my goal is to make sure that this decision is a worthwhile one. My straightforward and direct approach coupled with over 25 years of social work practice allows me to form positive working relationships with most. This relationship is the building block for work around a multitude of issues impacting or blocking your ability to function...
*SHORT WAITLIST* Coming to therapy is a brave choice. The right fit with your counselor is absolutely key. I will meet you exactly where you are and help you engage with and enjoy your life more meaningfully and effectively. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience helping adults, teens, and children achieve their goals, heal from their painful past experiences, build a m...
Sometimes we get caught up in who we think we should be or how we think we should act. This makes it hard to tune in to which parts of ourselves we want to nourish. I invite clients both young and old to take an active role in learning ways to increase meaning and enjoyment in their lives. I work with adolescents, adults, and parents struggling with issues of depression and anxiety, sexuality, ...
When one experiences trauma, it is possible that how they relate to others may change. I strongly believe that relationships; how we relate and interact with others, is the cornerstone of healthy living. What is left unresolved from one's history or childhood often finds its way into the relationships one has in the present. As a family therapist, I spend my time supporting individuals and...
Life can be a struggle for children and/or adolescents with mental health illnesses, as well as for their families. I have a passion for caring for children and adolescents with mental health diagnoses and I work with families to develop individualized treatment plans. My goal as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is to provide diagnostic assessments, education, referrals, and medication management...
Hello, I'm Dr. Gabrielle Toloza. I am a Virtually-based Psychologist licensed in the states of Oklahoma, Hawaii and Michigan. I've been a helping professional 20+ years collaborating with adults, families, children and couples. I seek to see each person as the unique individual they are and utilize their strengths to help improve upon their areas of challenge. I believe strongly that every pers...
"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." Diane Ackerman. As a therapist, I want all of my clients to experience the width of life. No life is not without its difficulties and solutions are within your reach. I have over ten years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families struggl...
I view therapy as a process of discovery that enables us to tap into our growth potential and develop insight into ourselves and our motivations. I have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field, helping people achieve their goals, heal from trauma and create richer and more authentic lives. I bring an empathic, supportive presence to our time together that enables you to...
