Austism Therapy
Are You Neurodivergent And Feeling Misunderstood?
Have you always felt a little different from your peers and struggled to fit in?
Does your neurodivergence ever lead to misunderstandings with your loved ones?
Do you have to mask your behaviors in social situations to feel accepted?
Perhaps for as long as you can remember, you’ve felt like you’re on the outside looking in. People may describe you as “quirky” because you have special interests and get caught up in small details.
You may feel out of step in social situations, unable to pick up on nonverbal cues or follow the flow of conversation easily. Or maybe you’re highly sensitive and engage in stimming and self-soothing behaviors as a way of coping.
The Way You Relate To Others May Be Impacted
Collectively, your neurodivergent traits could make you feel self-conscious and misunderstood, leading to obsessive thoughts, heightened anxiety, and a desire to self-isolate to avoid further stress. To fit in, you may try to conceal your neurodivergent tendencies, but doing so means having to “fake it” and suppress your authentic self.
When you live with autism, even close relationships may be impacted. You might experience moments when you and your partner can’t seem to get on the same page. For example, you might prefer to stay home while your partner may be more socially gregarious, leading to disagreements, disconnection, and resentment. Not being accepted for who you are can gradually whittle away at your self-confidence, negatively impacting your sense of identity.
If you suspect you may have autism, therapy can be beneficial. Utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, we can explore the parts of yourself who feel ashamed, marginalized, and misunderstood, allowing these aspects of yourself to be seen and heard.
Stigmas About Neurodivergence Still Exist
In 2020, it was estimated that 1 in 45 adults aged 18–84 years were living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). [1] In recent decades, the diagnostic criteria for autism have changed drastically, recognizing the broader spectrum of neurodivergence that exists under the ASD umbrella. However, despite these advancements in understanding neurodivergence, stigmas persist.
Unfortunately, belief systems that prioritize neuro-normativity as the ideal way for the human mind to function are deeply ingrained in our society. Strict standards for what we deem as “socially acceptable” are enforced in all pockets of our culture, from the workplace to our social interactions.
These cultural norms shape our expectations of each other by assigning “appropriate” and “inappropriate” ways to behave. For instance, something as innocuous as failing to make eye contact can be viewed as a social faux pas we’re encouraged to correct.
Support Systems Aren’t Always Aligned With Neurodivergence
Sadly, the same prejudices that favor neuro-normativity over neurodivergence exist within the very systems where we seek support. When we’re autistic and look to care providers for help and guidance, we are often expected to modify ourselves in ways that contradict our natural wiring. Worse, we may be shamed if we don't conform to these standards.
In counseling, we normalize autism, stripping away any stigmas that exist by acknowledging that being neurodivergent is just as valid as being neurotypical. By exercising curiosity and compassion, ASD therapy can guide you toward deeper insights about yourself that recognize your gifts and nurture self-acceptance.
Autism Therapy Lets You Unmask And Step Into Your Authentic Self
Living with neurodivergence can be isolating at times. If you’ve been led to believe that your perception of the world is not "normal," or felt pressured to alter your behavior to fit in socially, you may be experiencing emotional burnout and anxiety. Masking in this way can feel like a full-time job you never signed up for.
Naturally, you might be concerned that in autism therapy, you’ll be expected to conform to neurotypical expectations by altering your thoughts and behaviors. But rest assured that as we work together, I will never ask you to change the essence of who you are.
My aim is to support you in understanding and embracing the unique ways your brain functions differently. With this understanding and newfound empathy for the parts of yourself affected by neurodivergence, you can pinpoint practical strategies and accommodations that simplify your life.
What To Expect In Sessions
First and foremost, I strive to create a supportive and accepting environment that encourages you to safely unmask, take up space, and embrace your authentic self. I will gladly make any adjustments to make sure you feel comfortable, whether that means incorporating movement, fidget toys, or adhering to a “stimming-friendly” policy. Additionally, all sessions will be conducted online so you can engage in ASD therapy from the comfort of your home.
I take a person-centered approach, ensuring that autism therapy will be tailored to your specific needs and guided by your goals. This could mean supporting you with an issue at home or work, or helping you identify and cultivate your gifts and talents.
As someone who is neurodivergent, your heightened sensitivity and perceived “differences” could increase the likelihood that you’ve experienced trauma. In therapy, we will explore how unresolved trauma may have diminished your agency or negatively impacted your mindset and self-image.
Have a Question or Would Like to Schedule an Appointment? Reach Out Today!
IFS Therapy For Autism
The goal of Internal Family Systems, also known as parts work, is to help integrate different aspects of yourself in support of greater self-acceptance, attunement, and inner balance. Utilizing an IFS framework in therapy sessions, I will help you explore and connect to parts of the self that have been wounded, shamed, or othered because of autism. We will also examine how other parts have had to overcompensate, and what impact this may have had on how you think and feel.
Bringing wounded parts out of the shadows allows you to acknowledge the distress you’ve been holding onto while fostering empathy and self-understanding. We will also explore what emotional support was needed but never received in childhood, focusing on reparenting, resourcing, and developing overlooked social and emotional skills more deeply.
Although neurodivergence has its challenges, your innate gifts and talents are a reminder of how special you are. Therapy offers a safe space to discover your strengths and integrate the facets of the self that may have become disconnected when trying to conform to neuro-normative ideals. By receiving compassionate support, you can approach each day with more confidence and resilience.
But Maybe You’re Not Sure If Autism Therapy Is Right For You…
I fear that autism therapy will try to “fix” who I am fundamentally.
In counseling sessions, I will help you work with your autistic traits, not against them. You are the expert on your experience. Your stimming, special interests, and communication style will be respected as valid parts of who you are. I focus on goals you identify with, not ones imposed by society.
I recognize that many autistic individuals have experienced trauma from being forced to mask who they are. My goal will always be to create a different kind of therapeutic relationship built on respect and understanding.
Are you a therapist who understands the nuances of autism, or will it be up to me to educate you?
You should never have to teach your counselor what it’s like to live with autism. I come prepared with a genuine understanding of autism as a neurological difference, not a deficit.
I'm familiar with masking, sensory processing challenges, executive function differences, and how traditional approaches may have been harmful to you in the past. While you're the expert on living with neurodivergence, I have foundational knowledge about autism, ensuring that counseling will be focused on healing.
Will opening up about autism in therapy lead to further discrimination or loss of my autonomy?
This fear is completely valid. Your safety and autonomy are my top priorities. Confidentiality is strictly protected by law, there's no pressure to pursue an autism diagnosis, and you control what gets documented. Mental health records cannot be accessed by employers without your explicit consent.
I discuss confidentiality concerns upfront, support your masking strategies when they keep you safe, and never pressure you to "unmask" in unsafe circumstances.
You Can Flip The Script On Neurodivergence
By leaning into your talents and gifts, you can embrace what makes you unique and special. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation to find out more about in-person or online autism therapy with me, please call (614) 285-5013 or visit my contact page.
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