Autism Therapists in 60169
Julie Field
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
At Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago, I specialize in working with adults going through life transitions and those with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression.
It is inevitable that at some point in your life, you will experience challenges. And when you’re struggling, it is important to have the support you need to move forward. Whether you are a parent or guardian looking for therapy for your child or an adolescent or an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or experiencing a life transition, we can work together to meet your goals. I work with children and adolescents at Pediatric Therapy Practice in Hoffman Estates and adults at Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago.
At Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago, I specialize in working with adults going through life transitions and those with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression.
It is inevitable that at some point in your life, you will experience challenges. And when you’re struggling, it is important to have the support you need to move forward. Whether you are a parent or guardian looking for therapy for your child or an adolescent or an adult dealing with anxiety, depression, or experiencing a life transition, we can work together to meet your goals. I work with children and adolescents at Pediatric Therapy Practice in Hoffman Estates and adults at Balanced Life Counseling in Chicago.
Kaitlyn Ayala
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA/SSP, PEL, LPC, NCSP
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I also have a background providing play-based and child-centered cognitive-behavioral therapy to children and adolescents through my work as a psychotherapist, as well as providing ABA therapy to individuals with autism through my work as a registered behavior technician.
I am a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed professional educator. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics, with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, from Northwestern University. I subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology degrees. I currently work full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist. I have considerable experience conducting psychological assessments for individuals ages 2-22 in educational and clinical settings.
I also have a background providing play-based and child-centered cognitive-behavioral therapy to children and adolescents through my work as a psychotherapist, as well as providing ABA therapy to individuals with autism through my work as a registered behavior technician.
I am a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified school psychologist, and licensed professional educator. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Linguistics, with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies, from Northwestern University. I subsequently attended Northern Illinois University, where I earned my Master of Arts in Psychology and Specialist in School Psychology degrees. I currently work full-time as an Early Childhood School Psychologist. I have considerable experience conducting psychological assessments for individuals ages 2-22 in educational and clinical settings.
I also specialize in helping clients manage peer issues, stress, and anxiety, develop effective coping skills, and support individuals on the autism spectrum.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that honors the individual as a whole within a safe, nonjudgmental space. My approach is person-centered, focusing on each client’s unique experiences and empowering them to strive toward their goals. I integrate mindfulness, strength identification, and artmaking into my therapeutic practice to help clients navigate their journeys. Through artistic expression, I guide clients in finding their voice to convey these complex thoughts and feelings.
I also specialize in helping clients manage peer issues, stress, and anxiety, develop effective coping skills, and support individuals on the autism spectrum.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that honors the individual as a whole within a safe, nonjudgmental space. My approach is person-centered, focusing on each client’s unique experiences and empowering them to strive toward their goals. I integrate mindfulness, strength identification, and artmaking into my therapeutic practice to help clients navigate their journeys. Through artistic expression, I guide clients in finding their voice to convey these complex thoughts and feelings.
I specialize in pediatric evaluation of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disabilities and ADHD. I complete initial evaluations as well as re-evaluations for services. I also complete evaluations for transition age youth.
I specialize in pediatric evaluation of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disabilities and ADHD. I complete initial evaluations as well as re-evaluations for services. I also complete evaluations for transition age youth.
I believe that even the littlest of moments can be deeply meaningful, that mistakes are sometimes the best way to learn, and that we have the power to create our own destinies. It is my belief that change happens at the level of movement, making therapy an active, conscious process. As a therapist, I view my role as that of a co-pilot. Together, we will navigate your therapeutic journey in a way that is empowering and right for you. I specialize in school-aged children/teens, emotional and behavioral disorders, LGBTQ youth, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
I believe that even the littlest of moments can be deeply meaningful, that mistakes are sometimes the best way to learn, and that we have the power to create our own destinies. It is my belief that change happens at the level of movement, making therapy an active, conscious process. As a therapist, I view my role as that of a co-pilot. Together, we will navigate your therapeutic journey in a way that is empowering and right for you. I specialize in school-aged children/teens, emotional and behavioral disorders, LGBTQ youth, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
I use a variety of creative approaches to empower my clients as they develop insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I have a diverse background of experiences working with adults, children, adolescents and their families. I offer my clients emotional support and teach practical skills as they navigate challenges in their unique seasons of life. I promote a trusting atmosphere where transparency and vulnerability are nurtured for positive life change.
I use a variety of creative approaches to empower my clients as they develop insight into their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I have a diverse background of experiences working with adults, children, adolescents and their families. I offer my clients emotional support and teach practical skills as they navigate challenges in their unique seasons of life. I promote a trusting atmosphere where transparency and vulnerability are nurtured for positive life change.
Hello, have you been feeling stuck lately? Are life’s issues starting to take a toll on you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I understand the decision to begin counseling is not easy and shows an internal strength we don’t always recognize in ourselves. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I am passionate about empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve recovery.
Hello, have you been feeling stuck lately? Are life’s issues starting to take a toll on you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. I understand the decision to begin counseling is not easy and shows an internal strength we don’t always recognize in ourselves. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I am passionate about empowering you to overcome obstacles and achieve recovery.
Kelly Hess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 2 years of professional experience and a lifelong desire to help others. She specializes in assisting those struggling with chronic depression and anxiety, interpersonal relationship concerns, stress management, and parenting challenges. Kelly has worked in crisis intervention, medical social work, community mental health, and youth mentoring. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds and promises a nonjudgmental space where they can explore healing at their own pace.
Kelly Hess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 2 years of professional experience and a lifelong desire to help others. She specializes in assisting those struggling with chronic depression and anxiety, interpersonal relationship concerns, stress management, and parenting challenges. Kelly has worked in crisis intervention, medical social work, community mental health, and youth mentoring. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds and promises a nonjudgmental space where they can explore healing at their own pace.
Christina N Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 (Online Only)
Christina N. Garcia, LPC, has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has experience working with children ages 10+, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She believes therapy must be tailored to each unique individual and she not only respects but embraces diversity. With warmth and authenticity, she strives to provide safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative support to individuals throughout the therapeutic process. Christina believes no child or person of any age is “bad” or “broken” and that all individuals have strengths, gifts and the ability to make desired positive changes.
Christina N. Garcia, LPC, has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has experience working with children ages 10+, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She believes therapy must be tailored to each unique individual and she not only respects but embraces diversity. With warmth and authenticity, she strives to provide safe, nonjudgmental, and collaborative support to individuals throughout the therapeutic process. Christina believes no child or person of any age is “bad” or “broken” and that all individuals have strengths, gifts and the ability to make desired positive changes.
No one should be expected to face life's challenges alone. My experience has proven that therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of the client. Together, we will develop and equip you with personalized strategies to understand and break free of the challenges that prevent you from living your authentic life. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who want to create a better life for themselves.
No one should be expected to face life's challenges alone. My experience has proven that therapy is most effective when it is collaborative and tailored to the unique needs of the client. Together, we will develop and equip you with personalized strategies to understand and break free of the challenges that prevent you from living your authentic life. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who want to create a better life for themselves.
Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, have racing thoughts or trouble focusing? Do you just want to be heard, for someone to listen? You're in the right place, and I’m so glad you’re here, taking this first step toward finding a more fulfilling and balanced life! I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside you within a culture of compassion, empowerment, collaboration and open communication.
Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, have racing thoughts or trouble focusing? Do you just want to be heard, for someone to listen? You're in the right place, and I’m so glad you’re here, taking this first step toward finding a more fulfilling and balanced life! I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside you within a culture of compassion, empowerment, collaboration and open communication.
Danika Varady
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
I believe that creative expression has the ability to reach the deepest part of us, where words may not exist. It can be difficult for clients to talk about the issues that bother them, but I find that making art can open up those conversations easily. I embrace having empathy and understanding for my client's stories in order to accentuate their own strengths and values.
I believe that creative expression has the ability to reach the deepest part of us, where words may not exist. It can be difficult for clients to talk about the issues that bother them, but I find that making art can open up those conversations easily. I embrace having empathy and understanding for my client's stories in order to accentuate their own strengths and values.
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Autism Therapists
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.