Autism Spectrum, Your Child, and You.

Play Therapy and Counseling especially for neurodivergent children. Specialized supports and courses for parents just trying to get their own support and help their children thrive.

Learn more about trauma in childhood and how to treat symptoms.

Fears and Anxiety in Infants, Toddlers and Children

Embracing Neurodiversity And Understanding The Unique Way Each Child Seeks Regulation, Support And Connection Is The First Step Towards Relationship And Growth.

Maybe you’ve just started wondering: Why is regulation so hard for my child? Why isn’t she sleeping? Is my child on the autism spectrum? Why isn’t she talking? The teachers call him a loner, but is that unhealthy? Many parents wonder these questions, because children don’t come with handbooks and often behave in ways that scare or confuse us! Symptoms don’t always necessarily indicate a developmental difference like ASD or ADHD, but it’s healthy to listen to your instincts and seek professional assessments if you are asking questions like this!

I love working with families as a vital member of their support team. I can’t wait to meet with you to hear more of your story, and help create a comprehensive plan for your family!

General Information on Autism for Parents

Autism Spectrum: Common Traits (Please note that these are broad generalizations, ASD is a particular neurotype is more than a constellation of symptoms)

Relating and emotion

  • a tendency to avoid interaction; difficulty paying attention to

  • or making eye contact with others

  • repetitive statements, play, or behaviors

  • failure to develop pretend play

  • intense fears about ordinary objects, activities or events

Language/communication

  • problems following simple directions

  • echolalia, or repeating what has just been said

  • difficulty making needs and desires known by gestures, words or play

Regulatory and sensory-motor

  • difficulty dealing with changes in environment

  • avoidance of hugs or light touch

  • does not point to show you things

  • poor coordination

  • “self-stimulatory” behaviors: spinning, hand flapping, head banging

    (ICDL.ORG)

Learning from Autism Advocates Must Take Priority

What is autism? What are some common autistic traits? Is autism a disability? How can I help accommodate autistic people? How should I treat autistic people? Answers to all of these questions and more in this episode of Ask an Autistic! Related videos: What is Stimming? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WexCWZPJE6A What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Support

National Research Council (2001) suggests

  1. Education and Support: this includes specialized therapies such as Speech Therapy, Developmental Relationship-Based Therapies, Applied Behavioral Analysis, DIR/Floortime, Denver Model.

  2. Support through providing individually tailored environments that support child’s differences

  3. Education and Support for Caregivers

How do You, A Parent Educator, Play Therapist, and Family Therapist, Work with Autistic or Neurodivergent Children?

Great question! I use my background in DIR/Floortime and collaboration with Occupational Therapists and knowledge of family systems to approach each child with curiosity for how they stay regulated, who are their resources, and what their strengths are. My approach is to create a trusting relationship through learning what each child’s sensory needs are, what there personal preferences are. I am not a behavioral therapist nor am I an OT, so my particular focus is on social and emotional wellness. If there is anxiety alongside Autism, I work to decrease symptoms of anxiety. If there is a mood difference, or a desire to have increased social connection, for example, that is my area of focus. Please feel welcome to send me a message or give me a call if you’d like to hear more about my individualized approaches to partnering with neurodiverse children and their families.