Autism Therapists in San Diego, CA
Is your child struggling in school? Are you seeking compensation after an injury? Are you experiencing memory problems? I am Board Certified Neuropsychologist with over 9 years of experience in hospital settings helping patients with neurological complications after stroke, heart attack, or brain injury. If your loved one struggles with memory problems and is no longer independent, an evaluation may help your family plan for their care. Attention Deficit/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, and being Gifted, qualify for school assistance to help students succeed. Let's meet to discuss if an evaluation may help!
Is your child struggling in school? Are you seeking compensation after an injury? Are you experiencing memory problems? I am Board Certified Neuropsychologist with over 9 years of experience in hospital settings helping patients with neurological complications after stroke, heart attack, or brain injury. If your loved one struggles with memory problems and is no longer independent, an evaluation may help your family plan for their care. Attention Deficit/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, and being Gifted, qualify for school assistance to help students succeed. Let's meet to discuss if an evaluation may help!
She specializes in youth diagnostics including Autism, ADHD, trauma and mood disorders.
Dr. Patel is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychological assessment. She uses gold standard measures and customizes psychological evaluations to each individual child. Her evaluations provide tailored and detailed recommendations to best assist children and their families to thrive.
She specializes in youth diagnostics including Autism, ADHD, trauma and mood disorders.
Dr. Patel is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychological assessment. She uses gold standard measures and customizes psychological evaluations to each individual child. Her evaluations provide tailored and detailed recommendations to best assist children and their families to thrive.
I have been in private practice in the San Diego area for over 25 years. I dedicate my practice to serve children with autism and their families. From early intervention for young children through psychotherapy and social skills training for elementary age children and teenagers, I provide state of the art treatments to meet specific, individual needs. I collaborate with families to determine and meet treatment goals.
I have been in private practice in the San Diego area for over 25 years. I dedicate my practice to serve children with autism and their families. From early intervention for young children through psychotherapy and social skills training for elementary age children and teenagers, I provide state of the art treatments to meet specific, individual needs. I collaborate with families to determine and meet treatment goals.
Kelly Hutton, Autism and ADHD therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I specifically work with neurodiversity at my practice. Neurodiversity is a fancy way of saying that I work with all different brain types or "neurotypes" in my practice. I work with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing issues, among other neurotypes. I am a neurodivergent therapist myself, and my lived experience helps me to empathize and relate to my clients deeply. I take an affirming lens in my sessions, combating stigma and ableism, and assisting my clients to become more fully themselves. I am EMDR trained and trauma informed in my approach to therapy.
Welcome! I specifically work with neurodiversity at my practice. Neurodiversity is a fancy way of saying that I work with all different brain types or "neurotypes" in my practice. I work with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing issues, among other neurotypes. I am a neurodivergent therapist myself, and my lived experience helps me to empathize and relate to my clients deeply. I take an affirming lens in my sessions, combating stigma and ableism, and assisting my clients to become more fully themselves. I am EMDR trained and trauma informed in my approach to therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA. I also hold a master’s and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have over 20 years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a variety of other presenting issues. For the past several years, I have served as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Psychology.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA. I also hold a master’s and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and have over 20 years of experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a variety of other presenting issues. For the past several years, I have served as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Board of Psychology.
Barbara Morett, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes ( Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.
Are you looking for a therapist who can hold space for all of your unique identities, neurotypes, culture and relationship dynamics? That's me! I specialize in working with couples who want to understand each other better, but are struggling to find common ground. I work with couples who are from different cultures, backgrounds, or have different neurotypes ( Autism, ADHD, PDA) nor where there are a mix of different neurotypes in the relationship. My lived experience with neurodiversity adds to a fuller understanding for the ways neurodiversity affects relationship dynamics.
Lauren Goebel Neurodiversity Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
I have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of children with autism and Asperger's.
As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing treatment to children, adolescents, and their families in a warm, caring environment. Coping with your child's behavior, diagnosis, or disability can be quite distressing. I identify both your child's strengths as well as challenges to determine the focus of treatment. Therapy is a collaborative model with parents to foster the development of social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills. I believe it is important to coordinate services with psychiatrists, school staff, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to provide the most comprehensive treatment for your child.
I have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of children with autism and Asperger's.
As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing treatment to children, adolescents, and their families in a warm, caring environment. Coping with your child's behavior, diagnosis, or disability can be quite distressing. I identify both your child's strengths as well as challenges to determine the focus of treatment. Therapy is a collaborative model with parents to foster the development of social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills. I believe it is important to coordinate services with psychiatrists, school staff, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to provide the most comprehensive treatment for your child.
Miranda Millican, PDA Affirming Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I work with autistic people and those who love them! I have personal experience in this area, I am a neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic/PDA) therapist who is a parent to a "neurospicy" PDA chid. PDA is pathological demand avoidance, or as I like to call it “persistent drive for autonomy". Although not yet an official diagnosis in the US, my goal is to create community and support around folks who identify themselves with these traits. I support pre-teens, teens, adults, and couples/families around autism, PDA and ADHD and better understanding and communicating their needs to others.
Welcome! I work with autistic people and those who love them! I have personal experience in this area, I am a neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic/PDA) therapist who is a parent to a "neurospicy" PDA chid. PDA is pathological demand avoidance, or as I like to call it “persistent drive for autonomy". Although not yet an official diagnosis in the US, my goal is to create community and support around folks who identify themselves with these traits. I support pre-teens, teens, adults, and couples/families around autism, PDA and ADHD and better understanding and communicating their needs to others.
Lauren Goebel ADHD Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
In addition to my work with ADHD, I also work with the following issues/populations: depression, anxiety, trauma, late diagnosis autism, teens, couples (affirming of all relationship configurations), LGBTQIA+ issues.
Welcome to my page! I work with ADHD, specifically late diagnosis. I myself was late diagnosed, and I have a passion for helping others navigate the emotional experience of understanding this part of yourself. ADHD doesn't just show up in academic settings, it shows up in how we are in relationships, how we communicate, regulate our emotions, and how we perceive sensory input. Our neurotype is the lens that we see the world from, and understanding your neurotype can be incredibly empowering. I come from a neurodiversity affirming lens which means all brains are different, and no brains are disordered.
In addition to my work with ADHD, I also work with the following issues/populations: depression, anxiety, trauma, late diagnosis autism, teens, couples (affirming of all relationship configurations), LGBTQIA+ issues.
Welcome to my page! I work with ADHD, specifically late diagnosis. I myself was late diagnosed, and I have a passion for helping others navigate the emotional experience of understanding this part of yourself. ADHD doesn't just show up in academic settings, it shows up in how we are in relationships, how we communicate, regulate our emotions, and how we perceive sensory input. Our neurotype is the lens that we see the world from, and understanding your neurotype can be incredibly empowering. I come from a neurodiversity affirming lens which means all brains are different, and no brains are disordered.
Lauren Goebel, Neurospicy Teen Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
I am a neurodiveristy affirming provider, which means that I do not believe that ADHD or Autism are disorders, rather neurological differences.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with teens (ages 13 to 18) and young adults (18-21). I work with a variety of issues/topics including: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA), depression, anxiety, academic issues, bullying/peer issues, trauma and family relationships. I work with the LGBTQIA+ community and enjoy working with teens who are questioning or having concerns around sexuality or gender identity. When working with teens, establishing a connection and safety is my first goal. Once we have a trusting relationship, I work with them find their own goals that will enhance their life and relationships.
I am a neurodiveristy affirming provider, which means that I do not believe that ADHD or Autism are disorders, rather neurological differences.
Welcome to my practice! I specialize in working with teens (ages 13 to 18) and young adults (18-21). I work with a variety of issues/topics including: neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, PDA), depression, anxiety, academic issues, bullying/peer issues, trauma and family relationships. I work with the LGBTQIA+ community and enjoy working with teens who are questioning or having concerns around sexuality or gender identity. When working with teens, establishing a connection and safety is my first goal. Once we have a trusting relationship, I work with them find their own goals that will enhance their life and relationships.
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Amaya Tueller ADHD and Autism Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
I stand against ABA and other "treatments" for autism.
Welcome to my page! I work primarily with neurodivergent ( autism, ADHD, PDA) clients and mixed neurotype couples/polycules . As a queer, and late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I love helping others to understand themselves better and advocate for their needs. Receiving my own diagnosis in adulthood came with grief and I’d love opportunity to help you work through the complicated emotions inherent in this type of identity exploration. Working with my brain instead of against it as been incredibly healing and has drastically improved my mental health; I hope to help my clients achieve the same freedom.
I stand against ABA and other "treatments" for autism.
Welcome to my page! I work primarily with neurodivergent ( autism, ADHD, PDA) clients and mixed neurotype couples/polycules . As a queer, and late diagnosed neurodivergent therapist, I love helping others to understand themselves better and advocate for their needs. Receiving my own diagnosis in adulthood came with grief and I’d love opportunity to help you work through the complicated emotions inherent in this type of identity exploration. Working with my brain instead of against it as been incredibly healing and has drastically improved my mental health; I hope to help my clients achieve the same freedom.
Blooming Behavior Services
Michelle Felix, MEd , BCBA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
Was your child recently diagnosed with Autism, at risk for Autism, intellectual, developmental, neurological disability, and/or has comorbidity diagnosis? Do they have difficulty completing daily life skills, in school, or making friends? If so we would love to help you and your family by creating tailored treatment goals that have lasting change.
Was your child recently diagnosed with Autism, at risk for Autism, intellectual, developmental, neurological disability, and/or has comorbidity diagnosis? Do they have difficulty completing daily life skills, in school, or making friends? If so we would love to help you and your family by creating tailored treatment goals that have lasting change.
Ruth Millican, Testing Psychologist: ADHD + Autism
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Autism assessments are available online, where as ADHD assessments (and assessments for Autism and ADHD) are done in-person at my office in San Diego.
Welcome to my page! I provide neurodiversity affirming testing for those wondering if they may be Autistic or ADHD, later in life. Many times, people who fall into these categories have been missed or mis-diagnosed (especially those who are assigned female at birth, or BIPOC). You may have also been missed if you are high masking or have low support needs. The testing I provide takes all of these factors into consideration to give you the most accurate understanding of your identity. Neurotypes ( Autism/ADHD) are differences and not disorders, and I provide an evaluations in a way that honors the whole person.
Autism assessments are available online, where as ADHD assessments (and assessments for Autism and ADHD) are done in-person at my office in San Diego.
Welcome to my page! I provide neurodiversity affirming testing for those wondering if they may be Autistic or ADHD, later in life. Many times, people who fall into these categories have been missed or mis-diagnosed (especially those who are assigned female at birth, or BIPOC). You may have also been missed if you are high masking or have low support needs. The testing I provide takes all of these factors into consideration to give you the most accurate understanding of your identity. Neurotypes ( Autism/ADHD) are differences and not disorders, and I provide an evaluations in a way that honors the whole person.
Amaya Tueller Eating Disorder Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
As a subspecialty, work with neurodiversity (ADHD, autism) and have an understanding of how your neurotype can affect body image and eating.
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
As a subspecialty, work with neurodiversity (ADHD, autism) and have an understanding of how your neurotype can affect body image and eating.
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
Barbara Morett, Neurodiveristy Affirming Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome to my practice! Have you been looking for a therapist to support you in your healing process who is affirming of your multiple identities? If so, I might be the right fit for you! I work with the LGBTQIA+ community, and have experience working with trans, non-binary and gender fluid clients. Additionally, I work with neurodiversity in my practice, specifically with Autism and ADHD. I work from a neurodiveristy affirming lens, meaning I see all neurotypes as equal and give them the respect they deserve in the therapeutic space. I have lived experience with neurodiveristy and I have a personal passion in this area.
Welcome to my practice! Have you been looking for a therapist to support you in your healing process who is affirming of your multiple identities? If so, I might be the right fit for you! I work with the LGBTQIA+ community, and have experience working with trans, non-binary and gender fluid clients. Additionally, I work with neurodiversity in my practice, specifically with Autism and ADHD. I work from a neurodiveristy affirming lens, meaning I see all neurotypes as equal and give them the respect they deserve in the therapeutic space. I have lived experience with neurodiveristy and I have a personal passion in this area.
Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, LGBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist, and I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a trauma informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Compass Family Therapy Solutions, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92126
As a dually licensed MFT and BCBA with 20 years of experience, I am passionate about working with children, teens, adults and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other developmental, behavioral, and learning differences. Primarily utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, I aim to enlighten and empower the strengths already within my clients and their families, so that they can thrive and meet their goals. I have a unique understanding of behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities, but also the impact both the symptoms and the treatment itself can have on the family system.
As a dually licensed MFT and BCBA with 20 years of experience, I am passionate about working with children, teens, adults and families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other developmental, behavioral, and learning differences. Primarily utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, I aim to enlighten and empower the strengths already within my clients and their families, so that they can thrive and meet their goals. I have a unique understanding of behavioral, emotional, and developmental disabilities, but also the impact both the symptoms and the treatment itself can have on the family system.
I specialize in therapy for Autistic adults. Whether you’ve known you were Autistic your whole life, are newly diagnosed, or self-diagnosed, I can meet you where you’re at in this journey. I believe it is the journey of a lifetime to learn to live in your own body and care for yourself well. I want to help you meet your goals with compassion and the most up-to-date science. We now know that autism doesn’t look the way our culture often expects it to, and we see the harms of treatment models that aim to make you fit in with the neurotypical world. It’s hard living in a world that was not created for you or by you.
I specialize in therapy for Autistic adults. Whether you’ve known you were Autistic your whole life, are newly diagnosed, or self-diagnosed, I can meet you where you’re at in this journey. I believe it is the journey of a lifetime to learn to live in your own body and care for yourself well. I want to help you meet your goals with compassion and the most up-to-date science. We now know that autism doesn’t look the way our culture often expects it to, and we see the harms of treatment models that aim to make you fit in with the neurotypical world. It’s hard living in a world that was not created for you or by you.
Kathryn Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128
Waitlist for new clients
My role is to help individuals and families experiencing challenges due to (or associated with) autism, bipolar, depression, ADHD, separation anxiety, school anxiety, and symptoms related to trauma.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
My role is to help individuals and families experiencing challenges due to (or associated with) autism, bipolar, depression, ADHD, separation anxiety, school anxiety, and symptoms related to trauma.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
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.