THERAPY 2.0: AUTISM

Do you ever feel shame, embarrassment, confusion or burn-out in social situations? If so, that's pretty common. Reading social cues and participating in neurotypical conversation styles can be quite stressful for autistic people.

'The Double Empathy Problem'  offers some insight.  It explains neurodiverse people are expected to fit into the neurotypical world, but not vice-versa. For autistic people, this social gap is often bridged by masking in order to appear like everyone else. This may not be fair, but it may explain a lot.

You may 'mask' to fit in. In an optimal world, everyone chooses the degree to which they do (or don't) mask, but this isn't always an option. Some people stop masking as adults. Alternately, masking needs may change over time or may differ by space or community. Together, in therapy, we can explore why, when and how you mask, as well as the exhaustion, burn-out or frustration that's frequently linked to masking behaviors.

If you'd like to dig deep into all of your social experiences associated with autism - not just the stuff mentioned here! - set up your free 15 minute consult.

We're here when you're ready, and we can't wait to hear from you.  Click here.

THERAPY 2.0: AUTISM

Do you feel like your sensory processing is supercharged or undercharged?

Anything that's seen, heard, smelled, touched and tasted can be 'super-experienced', or alternately, under-experienced. If this is a part of your autistic profile, it may cause pain, frustration, annoyance, discomfort (and more). This may be called Sensory Processing Disorder, which some specialists argue is a separate diagnosis. 

Importantly, as an autistic person, your sensory responses to stimuli are, at their core, innately hardwired. Therefore, the way you respond to stimuli cannot be 're-wired' with extinction or tolerance exercises. Consequently, we don't teach our clients to ignore, suppress or 'get over' the responses they have to sensory stimuli. Instead, we prioritize self-soothing and calming support. Together we'll develop a game plan to change or shift what's realistically possible within your various environment(s).

Ready to get started with your free 15 minute consultation? Together we'll use science-backed tools, skills and strategies to help you live better and feel better. Click here

THERAPY 2.0: AUTISM

In a world built for neurotypical people, does it feel extra-hard to emotionally regulate sometimes?

It may be difficult because the rules of the world can be confusing, sensory needs differ, and emotional regulation is difficult, period.

For autistic people, the suppression of pain, discomfort, confusion or annoyance may be an already-learned trait. This can have downstream effects, like feeling easily overwhelmed, distressed or emotionally activated. It may also lead to struggles with naming or feeling emotions, which may already be an innate struggle!

If you'd like to get support with emotional regulation, please set up a free 15 minute consultation. We're excited to hear from you. Click here.

THERAPY 2.0: AUTISM

For autistic people, developing strategies to manage the impacts of home, school, work or social environments can be exceptionally helpful.

Scientific literature finds that self-knowledge of sensory needs and developing skills to identify calm signals or danger signals can have a dramatic, positive effect.  Together in therapy, we can develop skills to help you self-regulate in all of your different environments.

Ready to get started? Your free 15 minute consult is here when you're ready. Click here.

THERAPY 2.0: AUTISM

Do you frequently feel stressed, on-edge, confused or upset? Take a sigh of relief. You're in the right place.

For autistic people, the world may elicit feelings of stress, anxiety and discomfort. Feeling this way is quite common. Stimming (or repetitive self-stimulating behavior) may help some people, but the exact reason for stimming behavior is different for everyone.

Many autistic people realize they're frequently in fight-or-flight mode, and our therapy supports nervous system regulation. With therapy, it's possible to feel less on-edge, less anxious, and calmer. If that's something that seems helpful, feel free to set up a free 15 minute consult when you're ready.  Click here.