Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed when the societal expectations for neurotypical behavior exceed an individual's capacity to meet those norms. ASD is a diverse condition, presenting an array of symptoms that can widely differ across individuals.  Conventional associations with autism might include difficulty establishing eye contact, communication hurdles, sensory issues, and a predilection for specific interests.  However, other less conspicuous symptoms such as amplified emotions, high affective empathy, perseverative thinking, and executive dysfunction also fall within the spectrum.  Early signs of ASD might emerge during childhood, like reduced eye contact or lack of response to one's name.  Others might manifest later in life, including masking, aversion to touch, challenges in grasping abstract language, mismatched facial expressions, rigidity, repetitive behaviors, and nuanced social difficulties.  Moreover, individuals with ASD might exhibit a range of intellectual abilities, from learning difficulties to giftedness in specific domains paired with struggles in others.

As a psychologist, I have a comprehensive understanding of ASD's myriad expressions and am proficient at identifying the unique hurdles individuals with ASD might encounter.  I believe it's crucial to spotlight the diverse strengths of clients with ASD and advocate a diagnostic and treatment approach that respects the client's uniqueness rather than deficit.  I propose tools and strategies as options, not strictly treatments—many clients liken this to acquiring predictive accuracy in a neurotypical world.

Working in close partnership with clients and their families, I develop personalized treatment strategies that address their unique needs and concerns.  Collectively, we can strive to enhance communication, social skills, and overall well-being.