Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complicated brain disorders that often makes it hard to communicate with and socially interact with others. The symptoms and severity of autism spectrum disorders vary widely, but most types affect a child's ability to connect with people. Autistic children may have trouble developing language skills (or not develop them at all), exhibit repetitive behaviors, and appear uninterested in the world around them. As they grow, children with autism have trouble recognizing social cues, like facial expressions, which makes it difficult for them to interpret what others are feeling or thinking. ASD appears in early childhood and, for many, the struggle to relate to others is a life-long battle. While there is no cure for autism, behavioral therapy is often a critical part of the treatment plan and can help the child develop social and language skills. Parents and siblings of children suffering from autism can also benefit from therapy to help them develop healthy and supportive ways of coping.

Local experts in Autism

Amber Caldera (she/they)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW 10901; LICSW 61446959

With extensive experience as a therapist, we specialize in supporting individuals with autism and ADHD, particularly those diagnosed later in life. We integrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths associated with these neurodivergent identities. Focusing on personalized strategies that foster self-acceptance, manage symptoms, and enhance daily functioning. Our work is rooted in empathy and informed by the latest research, ensuring every client receives tailored support.

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James Thatcher (He/him)

Clinical Psychologist

PsyD

I have provided well over a thousand Autism or ASD evaluations in my career. I use gold-standard tools, evidence-based measurements, and collateral information to come to a clear and concise diagnosis.

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Becca Dorn-Medeiros (She/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ed.S., LPC

My school psychologist training and experience has given me extensive knowledge of autism and other neurodiversities. I believe that autism is not a thing to be cured, but a unique way of interacting with and understanding the world. I believe in supporting autistic people in advocating for themselves and finding pride in their identities.

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Hailey Lauer (she/her/they/them)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW LICSW CADC-I

As a late diagnosed autistic, I am well acquainted with the grieving process of coming to terms with ablism. As autism is a special interest, I am constantly educating myself further as to its expression, meaning, and how to find in it cause to celebrate life. I also have a deep understanding of the way autism can constellate with factors such as PTSD, OCD, anxiety, hypermobility, substance use, and being trans.

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Jess Peterson (she/they)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA, Professional Counselor Associate

As a neurodivergent person, who spent most of my life undiagnosed, I understand how being Autistic may come with challenges. Masking, burnout, executive functioning struggles, social anxiety, and/or sensory issues may really impacting you! I also know that there are parts of being Autistic that can be really meaningful, like having passionate interests that fill you with joy. I'd love to support you with whatever struggles you may be experiencing in a neuro-affirming way.

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Dean Sanchez

Professional Counselor Associate

Having worked closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts as a Registered Behavior Technician since 2018. I have become a very effective and knowledgeable behavioral therapist with families, and as I have completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and advanced in my career, I can offer effective training and guidance for a multitude of phobias, mental health diagnosis, and life stressors that may require some extra insight and guidance.

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Dr. Uhunoma Osadolor

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

DNP, PMHNP, APRN

My expertise in adult autism is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths that come with an autism spectrum diagnosis later in life. I am skilled in diagnosing adult autism and supporting individuals who may have long-navigated neurodiverse experiences without a formal diagnosis. My approach focuses on fostering self-acceptance, increasing awareness of personal sensory, social, and emotional needs, and developing effective coping strategies.

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Chris Lehman

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, MS, LPC

Since 2013 it has given me great joy to work closely with teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum. I have trained and researched specifically to provide personal, relational, and vocational support for people identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you, a family member, or friend have need for safe, nurturing support for issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, please contact me.

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Caretia Silva (she/her/hers)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW, LICSW

I have had years of experience working with neurodivergent clients and I welcome you to reach out.

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Natasha Laumei (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC LMHC Clinical Supervisor

In addition to psychotherapy and clinical supervision, I provide neurodiversity-affirming comprehensive assessments for Level 1 Autism in adults as a member of the Empower Psychological provider team (https://www.empowerwhoyouare.com). I also support adults processing and integrating an adult diagnosis of autism through ongoing therapy.

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Kat T. Kosmos (they/them)

Licensed Psychologist

PsyD

I have worked with folks on the autism spectrum in different capacities for over 18 years. Working as a direct support professional for individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities is what fostered my drive to continue my education and enter the field of psychology. I specialized in intellectual and psychological assessment in my internship and postdoctoral years while simultaneously building a therapeutic caseload with these presentations.

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Evan Stuart (he/him)

Student Counselor

Neurodivergence can be celebrated. However, reaching that place of confidence as an individual, as well as a family navigating a neurotypical system, requires a compassionate alliance. As a former schoolteacher in Special Education, I have experience holding space with this process. I am a strong champion of neurodivergent populations and hope to help you find more ease and grace with your brilliant individuality.

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Dr. Ryan Lloyd

Clinical Psychologist

I have completed specialized training in the evaluation and assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). I have completed over 100 ASD assessments and can evaluation children as young as 18 months all the way to adults.

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Dr. Katie Statman-Weil (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

EdD, LCSW

I work with parents figuring out how to best support their PDA kids.

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Kaia Stamiris (They/She)

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA, LPC

I practice neurodivergent-affirming care. In a nutshell, this means our work will emphasize strengths over differences, and affirm your lived experiences. I understand the challenges of living in a society that is not set up to understand neurodivergent perspectives. I place great importance on both autonomy and authenticity, and I give clients lots of space to provide feedback on what is and is not working for them in therapy. I have a naturally slow pace in session and many find this helpful.

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Krysta Snyder

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN, PMHNP

I specialize in providing compassionate psychiatric care to individuals with ASD. My personal experience, combined with extensive professional training, gives me a unique understanding of the complex needs of this population. I am dedicated to creating individualized treatment plans that address co-occurring mental health conditions, while considering the distinct challenges and strengths of those with ASD.

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Katie Playfair (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC (OR) LMHC (WA)

Like most clinicians of my generation, we weren't given much education about autism in school. As our understanding of it has expanded, it's become clear to me why some clients with "OCD" are less successful with traditional ERP. If "OCD" is better explained by Autism, we need a neurodiversity-affirming approach to treatment, not a one-size-fits-all protocol developed on neurotypical people in a lab. I work with Autistic clients' team to develop the right approach for them.

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Sarah Hart

Licensed Professional Counselor

MA LPC

Therapy for Autistic people and those who love them. I work from a strengths-based perspective to help Autistic people develop a healthy identity and work with the challenges of being neurodiverse in a world that privileges the neurotypical.

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Emily Haygeman (they/them/she/her)

Clinical Psychologist

PhD

I have over 15 years of experience working directly with autistic children, teens, and adults. I am neurodivergent myself and offer an empowering approach. I follow the work of autistic self-advocates and work from the lens of the neurodiversity model.

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Amanda Fitzpatrick (She/they)

Marriage and Family Therapist

LMFT

I support individuals and relationships navigating a (late) diagnosis of autism, partners with differing neurotypes, and parenting neurodivergent children. As a neurodivergent person myself, I approach this work from a deeply strength based perspective. You will not encounter lists of deficits nor dehumanizing evaluations in our therapy. Instead we will treat difference with regard. This tends to be a process of exploration and uncovering, unmasking, from a trauma informed perspective.

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Alicia Pasik (She/They)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

I have extensive experience helping folks who are diagnosed or self-identify as neurodiverse. I see neurodiversity as a unique way of existing in the world, rather than as an issue to treat. Some challenges that may be experienced with this diagnosis include feeling different or misunderstood, sensory processing difficulties, and difficulty understanding social cues. I provide neurodivergent-affirming care and believe that you are the expert of your own experience.

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Brad Poser, MS, CRC

Professional Counselor Associate

I have ten years of experience working with individuals with autism. My specialty is helping parents understand and relate to a child with autism. I also have experience assisting individuals with autism who are struggling with anxiety or frustration

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Kimberly Zeszutek, LPC (She/Her/Hers)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC

Since 2007, I have developed a style of skill building and supportive therapy for those who identify with Neurodiversity and the Autism Spectrum. Many of these individuals have had to navigate against the grain of a neurotypical societies expectations. My goal is to assist individuals to become empowered by their neurodiversity, and to apply their value and strengths towards their personal goals and to over all positive growth of society.

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Sasha Strong (they/them)

Licensed Professional Counselor

PhD, LPC

I'm an #actuallyautistic therapist. I've struggled a lot in my life with issues that are better explained by the neurodiversity paradigm, and I'm really interested in helping clients gain freedom and flexibility around masking, self-understanding, and self-acceptance. I'm on my own path of neurodivergent healing, and I'd be happy to share with you some of the things that I have found helpful. I also have experience helping AuDHD folks, although I don't personally identify with that label.

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Katie Palumbo (she/her)

Professional Counselor Associate

MA. Practicing Counselor Associate #R8395

I have additional training in neurodivergence and Autism and offer Autism evaluations to adults looking to make sense of their lived experiences and seeking an official diagnosis. As a Neurodivergent affirming practitioner, I honor and celebrate the diverse ways in which brains can function. The Neurodivergent affirming perspective holds that Autism, and other forms of neurodivergence, are natural variations of the human experience rather than deficits or disorders that need to be "fixed.”

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Kathleen Thompson (she/her)

Licensed Professional Counselor

LPC, CRC

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.

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Cassandra Miasnikov (She/They)

Professional Counselor Associate

#R10187

Are you exhausted from getting brushed off by medical providers because you don’t look autistic? Have you been told there’s “nothing they can do” or you’re too “old” for help? But you’re still struggling with tasks like hygiene, going grocery shopping, needing to navigate the airport, or feeling lonely? We’ll work together to help you & your loved ones recognize the ”rumbling” stages of meltdowns and shutdowns and identify and advocate for the supports you deserve.

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Megan Samsel (she/her)

Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

MA

I have experience with high-masking autistic adults, particularly those diagnosed later in life. I understand the unique challenges faced by individuals who have spent years adapting, often without realizing they were on the autism spectrum. My approach is centered on helping clients process their diagnosis, while navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-acceptance.

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