Autism Spectrum Disorder

My doctoral dissertation studied the affect of parental behaviors that support increasing social motivation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). As a professional and as a parent of an adult with ASD, I have unique insights into families' daily living and individuals with ASD. I want to support your family goals to achieve success for everyone in the family.

I work with many neurodivergent clients to help empower them to live a life that accommodates them and helps them thrive. I have lived experience as a neurodivergent person, so I am able to easily connect and relate. Nearly all the clients I work with identify on the ND spectrum, including ASD, AuDHD, and ADHD. I am invigorated by my work with my fantastic ND clients. They appreciate the attention I pay to their language and the ways in which they conceptualize themselves.

My experience with autism started in 2012 when I was working as an ABA behavioral interventionist. I felt the need to learn more about family systems and how to help individuals beyond behavioral changes. In my current practice as a therapist, I help individuals and families work on building closeness and understanding. I am a supporter of neurodiversity and believe in helping individuals thrive within their own experience.

I am on the Autism Spectrum myself, and understand how this disorder impacts people, and changes some presentation of other struggles such as Anxiety or Depression. I have worked with countless clients who fall on this spectrum, and helped them improve their functioning, understanding how their neuro-spicyness impacts them, and improve their communication skills and social functioning.

As a neurodiversity affirming therapist I highlight my clients strengths & respect the diverse ways in which their brains functions. I work hard to actively reduce the stigma neurodivergent individuals face and advocate promoting inclusivity for all. I teach food mood psychology and share that a gluten free diet may improve mood greatly.

#actuallyautistic and #autisticwhileblack, It is absolutely ridiculous how ableist the current diagnostic system is toward autistic individuals. Most of the treatment and therapy options have surrounded forcing the individual to conform to society instead of asking society to make changes. Also, allistic therapists have caught on to the hashtag so, that means there will be some preliminary questions. 1. Have you seen avatar? 2. Mass Effect? 3. Skyrim? 4. Star Trek? 5. Samefoods?

I am an autism affirming therapist.

I enjoy working with autistic folks and neurodivergent folks. I use a neurodiverse affirming model to help you identify your needs, and lean into the traits that make you who you are.

Neurodivergence, executive functioning, and autism are central to my approach as a therapist. I work both to keep this topic in-mind when considering identity, capacity, and other such topics, but also when working through prior trauma. Neurodivergence often means alienation, neglect, and guilt, and I work to process these feelings with clients.

My approach? It's assertive, dynamic, and, above all, tailored to you. For individuals with ASD, I create a sanctuary of understanding and acceptance. We work on social communication and behavior in a way that respects your unique way of interacting with the world. With ADHD clients, I focus on harnessing your boundless energy and creativity. For those dealing with complex trauma, I offer a path to healing one step at a time.

I have many years of experience working with neurodiversity in children, teens, and adults. This includes adults who did not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Whatever your goals related to neurodiversity, I am here to support and help you achieve them. 

Social and environmental overwhelm, somatic awareness, food issues, sensory processing, neurodiversity education

I have many years of experience working with individuals who fall within the neurodivergent population. Regardless if individuals are self-diagnosed or are diagnosed with ASD I value being able to meet each client where they are at. Being able to empower individuals within the neurodivergent community is a passion of mine because labels only say so much as to the capabilities individuals have. I will work with you to better understand yourself as an individual and to build upon your confidence.

With the increasing awareness of autism, it is very important to me that clients feel like they can have someone to discuss those symptoms with who won't approach it from a neurotypical lens and help those clients actually understand their experience from an autistic lens. Similarly to ADHD, it is something that needs to be adapted to not eliminated.

My practice specializes in neurodivergence, and I have worked with ADHDer's, autistic people, and Audhd identified clients. I am passionate about helping neurodivergent clients with their executive functioning and manifesting their identities in ways that feel authentic to them. I have lived experience of my own neurodivergence and learning how to show up to relationships in my life authentically. I work with autistic clients particularly on themes of unmasking in their life.

I provide neuro-affirming care for anyone who identifies as neurodivergent (for example, autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or OCD neurotypes). This work may focus on personal identity, healing from harmful interventions experienced in childhood, burnout, masking, or relationships, but most importantly we will focus on whatever feels most helpful to you.

Currently in a certification program to be an AutPlay Therapist who uses play interventions to work with Autistic and Nerodivergent clients.

Quintessential Health provides comprehensive assessment and testing service for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In addition to my clinical psychotherapy experience I am also a Licensed Special Education Teacher who has worked for the NYC public school system and worked with many children who were diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. I currently see clients who are on the autism spectrum.