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.
Kate has over 15 years experience working primarily with children, adolescence, adults and families and has experience working with complex presentations and behavioural issues. Kate’s area of expertise includes working with a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, panic disorders, depression, trauma, school refusal, substance abuse, self-harm, bipolar disorder, OCD, selective mutism, transgender issues, ADD and Autism.
She has experience working with children, adolescents, older adults and CALD communities. Sharilee has worked extensively with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and with other developmental disorders. She has experience with Attentional difficulties in both neurological/biofeedback and behavioural approaches. She has also worked extensively with Anxiety and Mood disorders.
Chiara is an experienced clinical psychologist wiith experience working with a diverse range of patients, including adults, migrants, Indigenous population and CALD people. Chiara will help you to disarm your ‘inner critic’ – the self-limiting voice that undermines our true capabilities and potential. Chiara works with you collaboratively and transparently, focusing on your strengths and teaching skills to help you to tackle challenges and work toward valued life goals.
Stephanie has had nearly three decades of working with a diversity of clients of all ages, issues and genres. Stephanie is keen to support you with with relationship issues, family issues, depression and anxiety, faulty thinking, self esteem, learning difficulties, stress, performance management and parenting.
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.
Claire works with a range of clients across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. Claire has a keen interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and is listed as an ACT therapist. She is also interested in Neurodliversity with an emphasis on autism and ADHD. Claire uses a trauma informed approach and uses schema and narrative therapy.
Tim cringes when thinking about traditional, clinical styles of therapy, so instead he’s committed to treating you as a real person and working together to help you live your best life. Tim has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, procrastination, body image concerns, low self-esteem and interpersonal difficulties.
Whether you are struggling with difficult circumstances and emotions or simply seeking to make some minor adjustments in your life, Glenda is ready to work with you to help you achieve your goals. Glenda has experience helping people with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, substance abuse, weight management and self-esteem issues.
With over 22 years experience as a psychologist and executive leader, Ross has developed a highly professional suite of organisational and clinical skills to provide compassionate, caring and committed evidence-based psychological services to individuals and couples that makes a real difference.
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.
Eyleia has worked with a broad range of people presenting with different life experiences and problems. Eyleia has worked with children who suffer from internal problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as external issues such as ADHD and ODD.
Rosa strives to help clients to gain greater insight into their lives to understand and overcome their presenting issues, develop their self-confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives. Rosa provides psychological services in both English and Spanish.
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 enjoys working with clients on skill-building across all areas of life including social skills, communication skills and assertiveness. This may include values clarification, behavioural activation, working towards improving mood and implementing healthier coping strategies. Kate works with people from diverse walks of life, from children through to senior adults.