Autism Therapists in Ottawa, ON
Or perhaps, you are neurodivergent yourself, navigating a world that often misunderstands you.
As a psychotherapist-in-training, my approach is grounded in compassion, understanding and real-life experience. As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle emotional demands, family needs, your own well-being, and a neurodiverse child. My work includes a focus on neurodiversity whether its your child or yourself.
Or perhaps, you are neurodivergent yourself, navigating a world that often misunderstands you.
As a psychotherapist-in-training, my approach is grounded in compassion, understanding and real-life experience. As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle emotional demands, family needs, your own well-being, and a neurodiverse child. My work includes a focus on neurodiversity whether its your child or yourself.
I am also a certified ASD-Informed Professional, and support concerns relating to autism & high sensitivity, burnout & boundary-setting, ADHD, and giftedness.
At the end of the day, therapy is about being listened to, being heard. There may be difficult experiences in your life that you are carrying alone right now. I can assure you, it doesn’t have to be that way. My job as therapist is to make it easy to sit with and explore the difficult stuff. I do this by removing many of the barriers that ever made it hard: by listening attentively without judgement, meeting you wherever you’re at, and showing up with patience, curiosity, and compassion. In this, I support clients to build new habits and change their relationship with themselves and others for the better.
I am also a certified ASD-Informed Professional, and support concerns relating to autism & high sensitivity, burnout & boundary-setting, ADHD, and giftedness.
At the end of the day, therapy is about being listened to, being heard. There may be difficult experiences in your life that you are carrying alone right now. I can assure you, it doesn’t have to be that way. My job as therapist is to make it easy to sit with and explore the difficult stuff. I do this by removing many of the barriers that ever made it hard: by listening attentively without judgement, meeting you wherever you’re at, and showing up with patience, curiosity, and compassion. In this, I support clients to build new habits and change their relationship with themselves and others for the better.
My ideal clients include individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, as well as children who need support with behavior, communication, or emotional regulation. They often come feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Our team provides practical, evidence-based support, helping clients build skills, develop healthier patterns, and gain confidence through small, meaningful steps tailored to their needs.
My ideal clients include individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, as well as children who need support with behavior, communication, or emotional regulation. They often come feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Our team provides practical, evidence-based support, helping clients build skills, develop healthier patterns, and gain confidence through small, meaningful steps tailored to their needs.
You're a highly sensitive human in your 20's or 30's who needs a therapist who "gets" your neurodivergent brain.
It's time to get back to basics: set better boundaries, regulate your emotions, calm your nervous system, and stop people pleasing. You need to work through your childhood trauma AND take action to creating the life you truly dream of. You want the confidence to show up as authentically you, and to uncover the blocks and patterns that have kept you stuck
You're a highly sensitive human in your 20's or 30's who needs a therapist who "gets" your neurodivergent brain.
It's time to get back to basics: set better boundaries, regulate your emotions, calm your nervous system, and stop people pleasing. You need to work through your childhood trauma AND take action to creating the life you truly dream of. You want the confidence to show up as authentically you, and to uncover the blocks and patterns that have kept you stuck
Managing ADHD & Relationships - Marina
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also support other neurodivergent clients who want to understand their unique brain wiring and find strategies that actually fit.
In our work, we’ll identify what’s getting in your way and build tools that work for your brain, not against it. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where we can explore challenges, discover strengths, and create realistic strategies so daily life feels less like a struggle and more like your own.
I also support other neurodivergent clients who want to understand their unique brain wiring and find strategies that actually fit.
In our work, we’ll identify what’s getting in your way and build tools that work for your brain, not against it. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where we can explore challenges, discover strengths, and create realistic strategies so daily life feels less like a struggle and more like your own.
Madison Strong
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q)
Ottawa, ON K2G
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating life as a neurodivergent person?
I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism, helping them build self-understanding, self-compassion, and practical coping tools. I also work with couples to strengthen relationships, improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate neurodivergent dynamics using evidence-based approaches for deeper connection.
Do you feel misunderstood or overwhelmed by the challenges of navigating life as a neurodivergent person?
I specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and Autism, helping them build self-understanding, self-compassion, and practical coping tools. I also work with couples to strengthen relationships, improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate neurodivergent dynamics using evidence-based approaches for deeper connection.
If you’re looking for a supportive space to slow down, reconnect, and explore the things that may feel difficult to put into words, art therapy can offer you a gentle path forward. Through creative expression, you can allow your inner experiences to be communicated and explored, especially in moments when spoken language feels limiting or restrictive.
If you’re looking for a supportive space to slow down, reconnect, and explore the things that may feel difficult to put into words, art therapy can offer you a gentle path forward. Through creative expression, you can allow your inner experiences to be communicated and explored, especially in moments when spoken language feels limiting or restrictive.
For some, you may have issues with food textures, smells, or the feel of certain foods, which makes eating even harder, especially for those with Autism Level 1 or ARFID.
During therapy, we will take time to understand your experiences with food, emotions, and self-worth. My approach blends different therapy approaches like, CBT, ACT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help you build awareness, reduce self-criticism, and develop tools that make eating, coping, and daily life feel more manageable and grounded.
For some, you may have issues with food textures, smells, or the feel of certain foods, which makes eating even harder, especially for those with Autism Level 1 or ARFID.
During therapy, we will take time to understand your experiences with food, emotions, and self-worth. My approach blends different therapy approaches like, CBT, ACT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help you build awareness, reduce self-criticism, and develop tools that make eating, coping, and daily life feel more manageable and grounded.
Nadine Ivall-Boileau
Occupational Therapist, MScOT
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K4A
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Nadine and I am a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist located in Ottawa, ON.
Together we will set clear treatment goals, identify your strengths, and explore your barriers to develop personalized strategies that work for you. I consider all aspects of health, your social and physical environments, and the demands of your daily occupations to ensure we find solutions that fit your life style.
My name is Nadine and I am a neurodivergent Occupational Therapist located in Ottawa, ON.
Together we will set clear treatment goals, identify your strengths, and explore your barriers to develop personalized strategies that work for you. I consider all aspects of health, your social and physical environments, and the demands of your daily occupations to ensure we find solutions that fit your life style.
As a highly sensitive, neurodivergent therapist who HAS a therapist myself, I truly understand the challenges of finding the right fit.
NEW May 2026 - You're a woman in your 20s or 30s who needs a therapist who gets your ADHD brain. You've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just talking about your problems - you need somebody who will help you actually PROCESS what's going on, not just listen. You need somebody to hold you accountable to making real change in your life, and call you on your shit. You tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've watched all the therapy tiktoks but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making real change
As a highly sensitive, neurodivergent therapist who HAS a therapist myself, I truly understand the challenges of finding the right fit.
NEW May 2026 - You're a woman in your 20s or 30s who needs a therapist who gets your ADHD brain. You've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just talking about your problems - you need somebody who will help you actually PROCESS what's going on, not just listen. You need somebody to hold you accountable to making real change in your life, and call you on your shit. You tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've watched all the therapy tiktoks but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making real change
Therapy for individuals with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence.
I offer an alternative to addressing this: I offer neuroaffirmative psychotherapy grounded in acceptance and compassion-Focused Therapies. I support emotional regulation, executive functioning, identity exploration, and burnout. I can also help you navigate pathways toward diagnostic clarification and access to supports or accommodations.
Therapy for individuals with ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence.
I offer an alternative to addressing this: I offer neuroaffirmative psychotherapy grounded in acceptance and compassion-Focused Therapies. I support emotional regulation, executive functioning, identity exploration, and burnout. I can also help you navigate pathways toward diagnostic clarification and access to supports or accommodations.
I come to this work as someone who is both queer and neurodivergent, and my practice is especially welcoming to clients who feel overlooked in traditional settings, including those with neurodivergent experiences, gender or sexual identity questions, or chronic internal stress.
I draw on ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and humanistic therapies to help you:
Reduce emotional spirals and increase self-regulation;
Understand how your nervous system works under stress;
Build affirming habits and values-driven goals;
Gain confidence and clarity in who you are becoming.
I come to this work as someone who is both queer and neurodivergent, and my practice is especially welcoming to clients who feel overlooked in traditional settings, including those with neurodivergent experiences, gender or sexual identity questions, or chronic internal stress.
I draw on ACT, CBT, mindfulness, and humanistic therapies to help you:
Reduce emotional spirals and increase self-regulation;
Understand how your nervous system works under stress;
Build affirming habits and values-driven goals;
Gain confidence and clarity in who you are becoming.
I work with neurodivergent clients, including Autistic and ADHD individuals, as well as parents, caregivers, and loved ones supporting neurodivergent children or family members.
My approach is grounded in the belief that neurodivergence is not something to fix. Instead, therapy can be a space to better understand your needs, reduce shame, build supportive strategies, and explore what feels more sustainable, accessible, and authentic. Whether you are feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, disconnected...
I work with neurodivergent clients, including Autistic and ADHD individuals, as well as parents, caregivers, and loved ones supporting neurodivergent children or family members.
My approach is grounded in the belief that neurodivergence is not something to fix. Instead, therapy can be a space to better understand your needs, reduce shame, build supportive strategies, and explore what feels more sustainable, accessible, and authentic. Whether you are feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, disconnected...
As a highly sensitive, neurodivergent therapist who HAS a therapist myself, I truly understand the challenges of finding the right fit.
You're a woman in your 20's or 30's who needs a therapist who "gets" your ADHD brain. You've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just talking about your problems - you need somebody who will help you actually PROCESS what's going on, not just listen. You need somebody who can hold you accountable to making real change in your life, and call you on your shit. You've tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've watched all the therapy tiktoks but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making real change
As a highly sensitive, neurodivergent therapist who HAS a therapist myself, I truly understand the challenges of finding the right fit.
You're a woman in your 20's or 30's who needs a therapist who "gets" your ADHD brain. You've tried therapy before, but felt like you were just talking about your problems - you need somebody who will help you actually PROCESS what's going on, not just listen. You need somebody who can hold you accountable to making real change in your life, and call you on your shit. You've tried all the things - meditation, journaling, breathwork, medication, positive thinking, you've watched all the therapy tiktoks but you're still stuck. You have felt this way for a while and are not only ready, but are fully committed to making real change
My specialized training involved extensive work in child development as well as the Autism Spectrum.
Currently unable to accept new clients up to the age 29. If you are unsatisfied with your life, struggling with your relationships, experiencing anxiety or feel hopeless, please reach out. I'm here for you. My ideal client would be open to discussing both what they enjoy in their life as well as being able to address their struggles and difficulties. They would be willing to learn how to be honest with themselves, with me, and would want to learn how to grow and change in positive ways. In short, my ideal client is anyone who is willing to try to help themselves. I will gladly help anyone.
My specialized training involved extensive work in child development as well as the Autism Spectrum.
Currently unable to accept new clients up to the age 29. If you are unsatisfied with your life, struggling with your relationships, experiencing anxiety or feel hopeless, please reach out. I'm here for you. My ideal client would be open to discussing both what they enjoy in their life as well as being able to address their struggles and difficulties. They would be willing to learn how to be honest with themselves, with me, and would want to learn how to grow and change in positive ways. In short, my ideal client is anyone who is willing to try to help themselves. I will gladly help anyone.
It is exhausting to camouflage or conform in a world that hasn’t always felt welcoming, often leading to a profound disconnection from self, community, and land. You may carry the weight of masking, isolation, or the shame internalized through systemic and intersectional harm. You deserve support that recognizes these realities and how they impact you, rather than pressuring you to simply "cope." Together, we can create room for your whole self to be seen without the pressure to perform. I invite you to a collaborative space guided by a curiosity that is meaningful to your specific values. Your unique story is held here with care.
It is exhausting to camouflage or conform in a world that hasn’t always felt welcoming, often leading to a profound disconnection from self, community, and land. You may carry the weight of masking, isolation, or the shame internalized through systemic and intersectional harm. You deserve support that recognizes these realities and how they impact you, rather than pressuring you to simply "cope." Together, we can create room for your whole self to be seen without the pressure to perform. I invite you to a collaborative space guided by a curiosity that is meaningful to your specific values. Your unique story is held here with care.
I can support you through anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, life transitions, and identity concerns.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I can help you find new ways of coping and processing life experiences-big or small. I draw upon a wide range of evidence-based practices that are tailored towards your unique experiences.
I can support you through anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, life transitions, and identity concerns.
Life can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I can help you find new ways of coping and processing life experiences-big or small. I draw upon a wide range of evidence-based practices that are tailored towards your unique experiences.
Anastasia Marie Machan
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA, RECE
1 Endorsed
Ottawa, ON K2E
As a mother of three neurodivergent children, I know how hard it can be to parent positively, especially when you're struggling to get through the everyday!
My name is Anastasia and I am the Owner of Second Nature Family Health & Wellness Centre and Second Nature School. More importantly, though, I'm a mother of three little, neurospicey children.
I know the struggle of trying to positively parent in a world that doesn't always celebrate children and adolescents who operate outside of the box. I know the feeling of navigating a diagnosis, of carrying the mental load, and of yearning for the instruction manual that was supposed to come with your kid!
Contact me if you like a solution-focused, attachment-based, and strengths-based approach to whole family issues...mixed with caffeine!
As a mother of three neurodivergent children, I know how hard it can be to parent positively, especially when you're struggling to get through the everyday!
My name is Anastasia and I am the Owner of Second Nature Family Health & Wellness Centre and Second Nature School. More importantly, though, I'm a mother of three little, neurospicey children.
I know the struggle of trying to positively parent in a world that doesn't always celebrate children and adolescents who operate outside of the box. I know the feeling of navigating a diagnosis, of carrying the mental load, and of yearning for the instruction manual that was supposed to come with your kid!
Contact me if you like a solution-focused, attachment-based, and strengths-based approach to whole family issues...mixed with caffeine!
Julia Vlaming: Does not reside in a castle, but will hold down the fort nonetheless. Taught the Ice Queen to love summertime. Fluent at deciphering treasure maps. Says she's not responsible for Rapunzel's escape, but we all know the truth.... Working on bringing peace to Narnia.
Julia Vlaming: Does not reside in a castle, but will hold down the fort nonetheless. Taught the Ice Queen to love summertime. Fluent at deciphering treasure maps. Says she's not responsible for Rapunzel's escape, but we all know the truth.... Working on bringing peace to Narnia.
Psycho-educational assessments are comprehensive and examine difficulties such as possible ADHD, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and the impact of mental health concerns such as anxiety.
I am a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to help them achieve their optimal mental health. I especially love working with children and teens, and I have extensive experience with this age group. Currently, my focus is on providing psycho-educational assessments to help children and adolescents achieve their maximum potential in their schooling.
Psycho-educational assessments are comprehensive and examine difficulties such as possible ADHD, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and the impact of mental health concerns such as anxiety.
I am a clinical psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I work with children, adolescents, and adults to help them achieve their optimal mental health. I especially love working with children and teens, and I have extensive experience with this age group. Currently, my focus is on providing psycho-educational assessments to help children and adolescents achieve their maximum potential in their schooling.
See more therapy options for Ottawa
Nearby Autism Counsellors Searches for Ottawa
- Almonte
- Arnprior
- Carleton Place
- Embrun
- Gloucester
- Kanata
- Nepean
- Orleans
- Richmond
- Russell
- Smiths Falls
- Stittsville
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.