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.
Emma has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with a range of presenting concerns. She has extensive experience working with clients who may be struggling with adjustment and mood disorders, anxiety disorders, interpersonal difficulties, trauma, eating and body image concerns and psychotic illnesses.
Nick has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents and adults. He also has extensive experience working with people with post -traumatic stress and anxiety disorder, including survivors of natural disaster s who may be recovering from bushfires cyclones and floods.
Nick has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination, low self -esteem and interpersonal difficulties.
Louise has gained a wealth of experience working with clients from a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, seeing clients ranging from school age to the elderly population. Louise is passionate about working with anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, perfectionistic/obsessive, compulsive traits, sleep difficulties and interpersonal issues.
Christine has extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Her work has involved working in private practice, in schools and as a therapist for children, adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum.
Kate has been working with people from many different walks of life, struggling to make many different changes in their lives, for over 40 years. Her work now is primarily with people overcoming anxiety and depression, with a special area of interest in counselling trauma from a positive psychology perspective.
Ilan has worked as senior clinical psychologist in some of Sydney‘s best known clinics including Bronte’s Sydney Clinic, St Vincent Hospital and numerous medical centres. He has worked with all population groups including children, adolescents, men and women of all ages.