Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is known for often appearing quite early in a child’s development. However, this is not always recognised in early life as the symptoms can vary in severity. For example, one individual may be relatively fluent with their speech and have above average intelligence, whilst another individual with ASD may have difficulties with speech and their ability to learn in school. Therefore, some people enter their adolescent or adult years and suspect that some of their childhood experiences, or even the difficulties they have faced as an adult, may be linked to ASD. On the other hand, they may have received a diagnosis for ASD and some professional support at a young age, but recently feel as though it is bringing rise to other difficulties.
ASD is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects the way individuals relate to people and their environment. Some of the difficulties that you may have noticed throughout your life include:
Struggling to put into words what you want to say
Talking about your hobbies and interests for a long time, until maybe you notice that people walk away or stop responding with interest
Finding it difficult to contribute to a conversation which you don’t want to talk about
Struggling to maintain eye contact, feel physical contact or to use the correct body language
Being told you that you are rude or unfriendly without meaning to be
Finding it difficult to understand other people’s emotions or what they mean when they say certain things
Having a strong interest in a specific thing and spending most of your time and thoughts on this interest
Facing prejudice, bullying or exclusion from your peers
Struggling with any change to your daily routine, and feeling distressed when things unexpectedly change
Wanting to experience independence from your family or carers but not knowing how
If you have experienced some of these things, it does not mean that you have ASD. There are a number of other factors which could be causing you difficulties in social relationships and day-to-day functioning, including certain negative mood states or personality traits.
Your someone.health psychologist can help you to identify whether you have symptoms of ASD. If you have already been diagnosed in the past, they can also help you to manage any symptoms that you are currently experiencing. Some approaches they may use include:
Provide you with an understanding of any autism traits and the manner in which these present and may cause difficulties
With a greater understanding of your autism traits, we can support you in managing your behaviour
Provide you with an understanding of possible triggers and methods to manage and reduce your distress
Assist you in recognising emotions and developing emotional regulation strategies
Help you to develop appropriate social and conversational skills to initiate and maintain friendships
Support you in utilising the strategies tailored for you outside of the sessions
Meet the someone.health psychologists currently available to see new clients for counselling for autism.
Anshula has a background in paediatric psychology and the disability sector as well as demonstrated success in implementing behavioural interventions for children with neurodiversity and additional developmental needs. She also has experience supporting adults of varying mental health disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders and other significant psychological problems.
Bilyana’s 20 years’ experience is vast, having started my career in nursing before embarking on study to become a Clinical Psychologist. She sees people presenting with a broad spectrum of presentations, including trauma, depressive and anxiety based disorders, workplace bullying, phobias, relationship issues, stress disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, personality disorders, grief and relationship issues.
Bozena has an in-depth understanding of women’s issues in society and has an interest in anxiety disorders, self-worth concerns, interpersonal and relationship issues, as well as challenges related to parenting Autistic young persons. She is passionate about mindfulness-based interventions and the psychodynamic approach.
Caroline is very approachable and believes that positive change is sustainable, working holistically and using practical strategies, developing new skills and psychological interventions to achieve the best outcomes for you. She has been the principal psychologist and proprietor of Pure Gold Christian Counselling and Psychological Services for eight years.
Ellen has experience working with children, adolescents and young adults. She has supported these clients by working together to address a range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, Autism, behavioural difficulties, learning differences and working on building emotion regulation skills, social skills and resilience.
Jenny has been a registered Psychologist since 2005. Jenny’s key areas of interest are stress and health management, mood and anxiety disorders, parenting, managing life transitions, executive functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Julian’s professional style is a person-to-person clinical practice focusing on individual needs. He works in a natural and holistic style. Your personal preferences are key to the therapy that you receive. Julian delivers therapy that considers your being in the world so that you can gain positive personal relationships and satisfying personal interactions.
Marie works with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents and adults. She has extensive experience working with people with disabilities, including intellectual disability and Autism. Marie has a keen interest working with people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, low self esteem and interpersonal difficulties.
I have learned that deep and lasting change is possible, that long-term issues can be resolved, and people can be free of emotional pain they carry by making sense of difficult experiences together, both past and present, and moving towards a place of self-understanding. Michiel works with adults and adolescents using an integrative approach which is based on empathy and building a strong mutual respect and working relationship with clients.
Robert has a keen interest in working with people experiencing general anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, difficult life-transitions, and a lacking of meaning in life. Robert aims to support you on your mental health journey by offering a safe, approachable, non-judgemental, respectful, empathic, and appropriately challenging therapeutic environment.
Sanja’s approach is positive, warm, explorative, and solution-focused. Sanja has worked with adult clients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, stress management, parenting issues, relationship and life transition issues.
Simon is a qualified primary school teacher as well as a registered psychologist. Simon has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and behaviour and emotional disorders in children. He has a relaxed, easy going nature and likes to provide people with the skills to manage life’s challenges.
I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you and forming a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship that is centered on working together to create the life you wish for. I have worked extensively with young people from the ages of 5-18 and their families with the goal of always being respectful, an advocate and assisting clients to navigate their difficulties so that they can lead a rich and full life.