Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder is mammoth.

 

ASD is regularly under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Symptoms mask disorder, most often in achievers.

My work with clients who have ASD is limited to this group.

My ability to treat people with this disorder comes from what I have learned from these experiences.

 

I treat ASD clients through understanding, empathy, and education.

I can teach what had been previously unseen and unknown by the client.

I am able to answer "why" questions that have arisen and gone unanswered, by both the client and people closest to them.

 

I am most familiar with working with teens and adults.

The demand on the people with whom I work is that they are asked to conceptualize what it is I am teaching.

The demand that is on me, as the teacher, is to find a path so that this can be accomplished.

Given the disorder, often the usual pathways are blocked.

I will search for another one. Then another.

There is a way in; it is up to me to locate it.

 

It is without judgment that I take on this task.

That factor alone creates an atmosphere of safety.

The absence of safety will fatally undermine treatment.

 

Regardless of these efforts, the task is immense.

Many clients, either as individuals, or accompanied by a family member, find the process too difficult.

 

Those that stay and learn derive great benefits.

An explanation of their struggle is provided.

Their agony is reduced.

Their sense of self improves.

Strengths are legitimized.

 

Clients are treated with respect and understanding instead of criticism.

They will receive help negotiating the gauntlet of feelings that arise daily.

This help is available beginning with the initial session.

This help is consistently provided during each session, throughout the course of treatment.