Autism Spectrum Disorder

First of all, I don't believe that autism should be considered a "disorder." I see our ableist culture as more the problem and I work as an advocate for neurodivergent folks. If you are autistic, I prefer to get to know you as an individual and find out what you are interested to work on in therapy. I can support you by learning about your strengths and interests to better support the areas that you're looking to change.

I specialize in autism-focused, neurodiversity affirming therapy for autistic adults and teens. As a therapist, who is also autistic, I understand our unique challenges. You may experience anxiety and depression, masking & autistic burnout, meltdowns & shutdowns, low self-esteem, family conflict, and difficulties with work or school performance, among many other concerns. I also welcome your authentic self and provide LGBTQIA+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC affirming therapy.

I have many years of experience working with individuals who fall within the neurodivergent population. Regardless if individuals are self-diagnosed or are diagnosed with ASD I value being able to meet each client where they are at. Being able to empower individuals within the neurodivergent community is a passion of mine because labels only say so much as to the capabilities individuals have. I will work with you to better understand yourself as an individual and to build upon your confidence.

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 enjoy working with autistic folks and neurodivergent folks. I use a neurodiverse affirming model to help you identify your needs, and lean into the traits that make you who you are.

One of my specialties is neurodiverse individuals, including those who are, or suspect they might be, Asperger's, ASD-1, (aka an Aspie). There are many folks who were never discovered or diagnosed as a having Asperger's or ASD-1 as a child or teen. They tend to be highly intelligent, often great actors/musicians/artists, have high anxiety (general and social), are perfectionistic, have a hard time with relationships and socializing, & are very sensitive to their environment. Might this be you?

I am an autism affirming therapist.

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.

I enjoy working with autistic and neurodiverse folks. My approach is a strength based approach and together we can explore and validate your inner experiences. The goal for me is not to help you conform to “neurotypical expectations”. It is to help explore your authentic self. I also conduct a group with adults who identify as queer and neurodivergent.

Being in a relationship where one partner has autism presents its own distinctive challenges. The neurotypical partner may grapple with understanding and navigating the sensory sensitivities, social communication differences, and specific routines and preferences of their autistic partner. The need for predictability, difficulty with social cues and nonverbal communication, and potential struggles with emotional regulation can occasionally lead to misunderstandings or feelings of disconnect.

Many adults wonder if they have Aspergers or Autism because work isn't going well, relationships are a struggle & stress is difficult to manage. Understanding how your brain & body works is the most important way to move forward. We can work together to determine if you are neurodiverse & to find your niche vocationally as well as building confidence in relationships.

I am an Autistic therapist who practices neurodivergence affirming care. I can assist with unmasking, navigating accommodations, self acceptance and more.

With the increasing awareness of autism, it is very important to me that clients feel like they can have someone to discuss those symptoms with who won't approach it from a neurotypical lens and help those clients actually understand their experience from an autistic lens. Similarly to ADHD, it is something that needs to be adapted to not eliminated.

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

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.

I am a neurodivergent affirming therapist. I strongly believe that it is important for individuals to be their authentic selves. I also understand that sometimes people need help navigating a neurotypical world. Many of the clients I work with were "missed" as children and did not learn about ASD until late adolescence or early adulthood. This can have a large impact on how one see's themselves and the world at large. My goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to learn about themselves.

My doctoral dissertation studied the affect of parental behaviors that support increasing social motivation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). As a professional and as a parent of an adult with ASD, I have unique insights into families' daily living and individuals with ASD. I want to support your family goals to achieve success for everyone in the family.