On the Autism Spectrum

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition that shows up differently in each person (this is why it is called a spectrum). It impacts how people communicate, interact with others, and learn. Each person on the spectrum has their own challenges and strengths.
It is not an illness.

Some of the challenges of being on the spectrum might be: difficulty understanding non-verbal communication, understanding humor and sarcasm, interruption in routine,
managing feelings, and forming relationships.

Some of the super powers of being on the autism spectrum might be: highly knowledgeable about interests, exceptional memory, strong analytic skills, sense of fairness,
and unique perspective.

But again, autism shows up differently in each person, so no one person on the spectrum will have the same strengths and challenges as another.

Perhaps you already know if you are on the spectrum, perhaps you are wondering if you are. You might be very familiar with the autism spectrum or it may be something new.

Here are some of the topics I can assist with regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder:

  • communication skills

  • interpreting social interactions

  • managing feelings

  • managing sensory input

  • self-care

  • decreasing anxiety

  • adult diagnosis

  • navigating university life

  • forming relationships

  • getting tested for ASD

  • self-care

  • diagnosis questions

  • coping with stress

  • talking to family about diagnosis

  • I got my start in the mental health world working with kids on the spectrum at the Esther B. Clark school in Palo Alto, California. I helped kids manage sensory input, figure out social interactions, manage transitions, and a whole lot more.

    In Denver, Colorado I trained at the Child and Adolescent Unit at the Denver Children’s Hospital. I worked with kids and teens on the spectrum and their families on life skills. This means helping families help their kids to shower, fix themselves something to eat, get their shoes on, and a lot of daily life stuff.

    In my 16 years of working at two counseling centers, I worked with many college students on the spectrum. Much of this work was centered on adjusting to university life, understanding social norms, and finding ways to cope with a lot of sensory input.

  • Because Autism Spectrum Disorder can look like other diagnoses (ADHD, anxiety, Down Syndrome, etc.), it is helpful and important to seek out an evaluation. This means that the person goes through a few tests and that helps narrow down diagnosis with more certainty.

    There is no one certain test for Autism Spectrum Disorder, but there a few tests that taken together, can give the provider a good understanding of whether the person meets criteria for the diagnosis.

    If you are seeking formal evaluation, please take care to find someone who is well trained to administer such tests.

    I recommend that you see someone with doctorate level training, which would be a psychologist. I am happy to help you find someone if you need help with that!

  • Not yet. I will be taking a training in late April to refresh my skills on providing testing, and then I will offer evaluations.