Whether you were diagnosed with autism at a young age or only really became aware as an adult, counseling offers limitless opportunities for personal growth. Some of the most common areas adult clients with autism benefit from addressing include:

Anxiety and Depression

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression are not at all uncommon for individuals on the autism spectrum. While there may be some genetic/biological reasons for this, it can also result from a life spent struggling with social competence, constant sensory overload, and a driving desire for routine and predictability that is often unattainable.

I can guide you in understanding how certain thoughts and behaviors you have developed to cope with life’s challenges may actually be inadvertently contributing to your suffering. We then work together on shifting those thoughts and behaviors so you can begin to feel safe, confident, and effective in your day-to-day life.

Social Competence

Many adults with autism have heard themselves described by family, friends, and co-workers as aloof, stand-offish, cold, or just plain odd. Likewise, individuals on the spectrum can easily misinterpret the words and actions of others. Understanding the perspectives of others, predicting how they will respond, or simply connecting with other people can be hit-or-miss at best. While most people develop a sort of “social sixth sense” organically and from an early age, the autistic brain is not set up for that.

I take a completely non-judgmental stance on your social “eccentricities,” casting aside any assumptions of what many take for granted as obvious about social interaction. Since years of observation and trial-and-error have still left you feeling like you are missing something, my goal is to provide you with direct and explicit explanations to fill in the gaps and broaden your understanding of the social world around you.

Organization and Productivity

The inability to set goals and work efficiently towards reaching them can leave you feeling like a hopeless failure. This skill is part of what is called ‘executive functioning,’ and is very often lacking in folks with autism (as well as those with ADHD).

You have no doubt tried to come up with better methods for being productive, but still find yourself constantly trying to catch up (or simply giving up). My job is to help you find strategies that are a better fit for how your brain works naturally, while also teaching you exercises you can do that can actually strengthen the areas of your brain responsible for executive functioning.

Recent Diagnosis

For whatever reason, you have lived your whole life understanding you were “different,” but only recently learned that a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder actually describes these “differences” perfectly. Coming to this realization later in life can be traumatic, as you consider how much easier life might have been if you had known sooner. The good news is it is never too late to make up for lost time!

Guiding clients through this process of self-discovery and growth is one of the most rewarding things I do as a therapist. We will work together to determine what this diagnosis means for you specifically. As we identify your particular strengths, you will learn how to leverage those against the areas that autism has made more challenging for you.