Autism Spectrum Disorder

I work with all forms of neurodivergence and support couples and relationships to connect across the neurotypical/neurodivergent communication gap. I am well-versed in ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, sensory processing issues, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and attachment struggles etc.

I help my autistic clients learn how their brains work and support them in learning how to "unmask" in a safe and affirming therapeutic space while working towards the sense of connection that they’ve longed for in their relationships. I help clients learn how to establish a safe connection to their bodies while gaining a deeper understanding of their own needs and boundaries as sensitive people – and how to advocate for them!

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.

My practice specializes in neurodivergence, and I have worked with ADHDer's, autistic people, and Audhd identified clients. I am passionate about helping neurodivergent clients with their executive functioning and manifesting their identities in ways that feel authentic to them. I have lived experience of my own neurodivergence and learning how to show up to relationships in my life authentically. I work with autistic clients particularly on themes of unmasking in their life.

My specialty is working with neurodivergent clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and/or clients that may process information or their emotions differently. I have 20 plus years of experience in this area.

I firmly believe in the neurodivergent paradigm which views Autism as natural and a normal variation of human diversity. In therapy, we will address the difficulties of being Autistic in a society that is created for Allistics. I do not “cure” or “fix” symptoms, but I will work with you to identify, understand, and address ways that your neurodiversity may negatively impact your life and work collaboratively to find ways to improve your functioning

Late diagnosis can bring about many difficult feelings including grief. Through work on unmasking and identity, my hope is to support you in beginning to live life authentically and in a way that creates safety in previously difficult situations.

I work with many neurodivergent clients to help empower them to live a life that accommodates them and helps them thrive. I have lived experience as a neurodivergent person, so I am able to easily connect and relate. Nearly all the clients I work with identify on the ND spectrum, including ASD, AuDHD, and ADHD. I am invigorated by my work with my fantastic ND clients. They appreciate the attention I pay to their language and the ways in which they conceptualize themselves.

I take a strengths based approach with clients on the spectrum, grounded in the belief that autism is not a disease. People on the spectrum merely experience and do life differently. Emotions and physical sensations can be far more intense for people on the spectrum. While this can mean that anxiety and sensory overload can be more disruptive, it also means the capacity for joy in a hobby or the ability to deeply focus on a task can also be more fervent. I help clients harness autism's power.

Having a brain that operates differently isn’t a problem to be solved, it’s an operating system to be learned. Let’s learn together. Recently, more of us have begun to discover that our “talented and gifted” nature as a child was actually highly masked neurodivergence. As we discover who we are, we often discover we aren’t who others think we are. This can be complicated - especially if we struggle with a fear of rejection.

I have found a passion for working with Neurodiverse individuals, especially those who have just realized this recently or even later in life. I work with a neurodiverse affirming lens, so let's work together to find what works best for YOU. Whether it's sensory overload, learning to unmask, or just learn on how to navigate the neurotypical society we live in, we'll work together to create accommodations for the unique person you are.

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.

Neurodivergence, executive functioning, and autism are central to my approach as a therapist. I work both to keep this topic in-mind when considering identity, capacity, and other such topics, but also when working through prior trauma. Neurodivergence often means alienation, neglect, and guilt, and I work to process these feelings with clients.

Autism is not a disorder to be treated. It's a neurotype and way of being in the world. Because our world is centered on the neurotypical experience, autistic clients often come to me for support around how to navigate a neurotypical world. We'll dive into your personal autistic experience by exploring your strengths and interests, talking about the ways in which your daily living is impacted and discussing what supports you'd like to have in place. Ask us about PDA!

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!

Quintessential Health provides comprehensive assessment and testing service for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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.

#actuallyautistic and #autisticwhileblack, It is absolutely ridiculous how ableist the current diagnostic system is toward autistic individuals. Most of the treatment and therapy options have surrounded forcing the individual to conform to society instead of asking society to make changes. Also, allistic therapists have caught on to the hashtag so, that means there will be some preliminary questions. 1. Have you seen avatar? 2. Mass Effect? 3. Skyrim? 4. Star Trek? 5. Samefoods?

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.