Autism Therapists in Encinitas, CA
As a parent of five, including two children with Autism and one with ADHD, I understand the love, advocacy, exhaustion, and isolation that can come with parenting medically complex and neurodivergent children.
I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers of medically complex and neurodivergent children. I offer compassionate, judgment-free care focused on caregiver burnout, Autism and ADHD family support, anxiety, grief, parenting stress, and relationship challenges while helping families build resilience and connection.
As a parent of five, including two children with Autism and one with ADHD, I understand the love, advocacy, exhaustion, and isolation that can come with parenting medically complex and neurodivergent children.
I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers of medically complex and neurodivergent children. I offer compassionate, judgment-free care focused on caregiver burnout, Autism and ADHD family support, anxiety, grief, parenting stress, and relationship challenges while helping families build resilience and connection.
In addition, I specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
In addition, I specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Asking for help is one of the most difficult things to do for yourself or your family. You've taken the first step, so let us help you with the next. My goal is to provide a safe space and build strong therapeutic alliances with all of my clients. I promise to make each treatment plan unique to you in order to fully capture your individual needs and facilitate lasting change. My therapy dog, Bowlby, may greet you at the door and is present to provide comfort and cuddles.
Sara Walpole - Tesserae Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I also have extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
I also have extensive experience working with individuals with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
What I love about my work is encouraging and empowering children, teens and families. This is why Francesca Riddell and I started Tesserae Family Therapy. Families come to us for support with depression, anxiety, difficult behaviors as well as learning how to make and keep friends through the PEERS program. Our goal is to help families, adolescents, children and young adults learn concrete skills to help better manage emotions, behaviors and have more positive social interactions. We will provide the support and guidance to assist you in meeting your goals.
I also provide neuroaffirming therapy for older adolescents and adults, specific to autism treatment.
I specialize in providing neuroaffirming assessments for autism and ADHD in adults. I also evaluate for neurodevelopmental, psychological disorders, personality disorders, and learning disabilities in ages 6 and up. Additionally, I provide re-evaluations for reinstatement of services for children that have have already been diagnosed with autism.
I also provide neuroaffirming therapy for older adolescents and adults, specific to autism treatment.
I specialize in providing neuroaffirming assessments for autism and ADHD in adults. I also evaluate for neurodevelopmental, psychological disorders, personality disorders, and learning disabilities in ages 6 and up. Additionally, I provide re-evaluations for reinstatement of services for children that have have already been diagnosed with autism.
I focus primarily on neurodivergent women in their thirties.
I am a digital nomad with a telehealth practice. I believe therapy is a sacred space and I'm honored to share it with you. I practice from a place of authenticity and curiosity. My style is empowering, warm, and humorous. My vibe is casual and light hearted.
I focus primarily on neurodivergent women in their thirties.
I am a digital nomad with a telehealth practice. I believe therapy is a sacred space and I'm honored to share it with you. I practice from a place of authenticity and curiosity. My style is empowering, warm, and humorous. My vibe is casual and light hearted.
I provide comprehensive adult psychological evaluations for Autism, ADHD, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, and other mental health concerns.
I specialize in adult Autism evaluations, adult ADHD testing, personality disorder assessment, and diagnostic clarification for anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, mood disorders, and complex clinical presentations. Evaluations include clinical interviews, standardized testing, rating scales, and feedback sessions with clear next steps.
I provide comprehensive adult psychological evaluations for Autism, ADHD, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, and other mental health concerns.
I specialize in adult Autism evaluations, adult ADHD testing, personality disorder assessment, and diagnostic clarification for anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, mood disorders, and complex clinical presentations. Evaluations include clinical interviews, standardized testing, rating scales, and feedback sessions with clear next steps.
You may be a late-diagnosed or self-diagnosed neurodivergent adult— autistic, ADHD, or both—who functions well on the surface but feels chronically exhausted beneath it.
Typically, my clients are resourceful, insightful, and self-aware, yet struggle with executive functioning, emotional overload, decision fatigue, or consistency. A late diagnosis can bring relief alongside grief or confusion. I take a collaborative approach to reduce burnout and masking exhaustion, to build stability, autonomy, and self-trust.
You may be a late-diagnosed or self-diagnosed neurodivergent adult— autistic, ADHD, or both—who functions well on the surface but feels chronically exhausted beneath it.
Typically, my clients are resourceful, insightful, and self-aware, yet struggle with executive functioning, emotional overload, decision fatigue, or consistency. A late diagnosis can bring relief alongside grief or confusion. I take a collaborative approach to reduce burnout and masking exhaustion, to build stability, autonomy, and self-trust.
If you’re autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, you may have spent years calibrating yourself to environments that never quite fit.
My approach is somatic and trauma-informed, grounded in Brainspotting and nervous system science to support lasting change. We work directly with your body’s intelligence rather than forcing insight from the mind. Together, we identify looping patterns, honor the parts that protected you, and build ways of being that feel sustainable for your system.
If you’re autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, you may have spent years calibrating yourself to environments that never quite fit.
My approach is somatic and trauma-informed, grounded in Brainspotting and nervous system science to support lasting change. We work directly with your body’s intelligence rather than forcing insight from the mind. Together, we identify looping patterns, honor the parts that protected you, and build ways of being that feel sustainable for your system.
I offer ASD assessments as well.
Although interpersonal traumas, difficult life transitions, and questioning our worth are very painful experiences, they are important to explore. When we meet, my goals are to fully understand your feelings and experiences and empower you to prioritize your needs so you and those you love and care for can all benefit.
I offer ASD assessments as well.
Although interpersonal traumas, difficult life transitions, and questioning our worth are very painful experiences, they are important to explore. When we meet, my goals are to fully understand your feelings and experiences and empower you to prioritize your needs so you and those you love and care for can all benefit.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
We specialize in psychological and educational testing for individuals across the lifespan. We provide testing for ADHD/ADD, learning disorders, Autism/Asperger's disorder, dementia evaluations, traumatic brain injury evaluations, neuropsychological testing, substance abuse evaluations, trauma assessments, career assessments, and personality assessments. Our testing assessments evaluate IQ, memory, executive functioning, academic achievement, language, trauma symptomology and psychological/emotional functioning.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, I understand how overwhelming it can be for families navigating diagnoses like autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.
Seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming, and I want you to feel assured that our time together will be built on trust, understanding, and respect. My approach is warm, patient, and compassionate—I meet children where they are and create a safe space where they feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, I understand how overwhelming it can be for families navigating diagnoses like autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.
Seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming, and I want you to feel assured that our time together will be built on trust, understanding, and respect. My approach is warm, patient, and compassionate—I meet children where they are and create a safe space where they feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
Tokar has extensive experience working with specialized populations, including first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum, and military veterans.
Dr. Tokar is particularly passionate about treating individuals dealing with trauma, midlife transitions, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, she helps clients navigate complex life challenges, empowering them to find clarity and peace. Her work with trauma, including PTSD, provides a safe and supportive space for those seeking to process their experiences and reclaim their well-being. For individuals facing midlife transitions or the loss of a loved one, Dr. Tokar offers thoughtful, compassionate guidance to help them move forward with confidence and hope. In her practice, Dr.
Tokar has extensive experience working with specialized populations, including first responders, individuals on the autism spectrum, and military veterans.
Dr. Tokar is particularly passionate about treating individuals dealing with trauma, midlife transitions, and grief. Drawing on decades of experience, she helps clients navigate complex life challenges, empowering them to find clarity and peace. Her work with trauma, including PTSD, provides a safe and supportive space for those seeking to process their experiences and reclaim their well-being. For individuals facing midlife transitions or the loss of a loved one, Dr. Tokar offers thoughtful, compassionate guidance to help them move forward with confidence and hope. In her practice, Dr.
You’re here because you expect more—from your performance, your mindset, and your life. As an athlete or high-performer, pressure, burnout, injury, or identity challenges can impact focus, confidence, and balance. I work with driven individuals to strengthen mental performance, resilience, and emotional regulation. My approach blends awareness-based practices and practical tools to uncover unintentional patterns and support purposeful action. I meet you where you are with patience and presence, helping you navigate life’s peaks and valleys while building sustainable performance and a life where you can truly thrive.
You’re here because you expect more—from your performance, your mindset, and your life. As an athlete or high-performer, pressure, burnout, injury, or identity challenges can impact focus, confidence, and balance. I work with driven individuals to strengthen mental performance, resilience, and emotional regulation. My approach blends awareness-based practices and practical tools to uncover unintentional patterns and support purposeful action. I meet you where you are with patience and presence, helping you navigate life’s peaks and valleys while building sustainable performance and a life where you can truly thrive.
I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and specialize in supporting people who are on journeys of identity exploration, neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who have been negatively impacted by religious experiences.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are and have everything figured out, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward. I am committed to providing therapy that honors your unique story.
I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and specialize in supporting people who are on journeys of identity exploration, neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who have been negatively impacted by religious experiences.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are and have everything figured out, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward. I am committed to providing therapy that honors your unique story.
I work with people who have a wide range of symptoms and goals for individuals, couples and families, especially in the areas of trauma, as well as working with parents with children on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There is no way around the fact that life throws ongoing curve balls, and sometimes those balls feel enormously overwhelming. I see therapy as a means to help people move through their suffering and finds better ways to experience their life and develop aspects of their mind that equip them to feel more joy, inner comfort, inner integration and meaning. I work empathically to build awareness of repetitive patterns, gain relief from emotional pain and help build deeper connections to oneself and others. My careful use of attunement and connecting one's core self to "parts" of the mind, one can experience deep and lasting change.
I work with people who have a wide range of symptoms and goals for individuals, couples and families, especially in the areas of trauma, as well as working with parents with children on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
There is no way around the fact that life throws ongoing curve balls, and sometimes those balls feel enormously overwhelming. I see therapy as a means to help people move through their suffering and finds better ways to experience their life and develop aspects of their mind that equip them to feel more joy, inner comfort, inner integration and meaning. I work empathically to build awareness of repetitive patterns, gain relief from emotional pain and help build deeper connections to oneself and others. My careful use of attunement and connecting one's core self to "parts" of the mind, one can experience deep and lasting change.
My goal is to offer a calm and compassionate environment where you can feel truly heard, supported, and understood—without judgment. I work with children, teens, and adults who may be facing emotional struggles, low self-esteem, or relational difficulties. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and work toward restoring balance, confidence, and self-trust.
My goal is to offer a calm and compassionate environment where you can feel truly heard, supported, and understood—without judgment. I work with children, teens, and adults who may be facing emotional struggles, low self-esteem, or relational difficulties. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and work toward restoring balance, confidence, and self-trust.
I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Additionally, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I also do ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic evaluations, risk assessment (violence/sexual), drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness-for-duty evaluations, immigration evaluations, pre-adoption evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Additionally, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I am open to working with individuals in an outpatient setting who are coping with depression/anxiety, family issues, mood disorders, relationship problems, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, ASD, Adjustment Disorders, and various other concerns.
Hello, I'm Stephanie Holder, LCSW. My approach to therapy is wholistic and fluid, depending on what is right for each client, and I use evidenced based practices. My areas of practice include supporting people through periods of transition, loss/grief, depression, and/or anxiety, and supporting them in personal goals. Typically, this includes improving relationships with themselves and others, working toward better quality of life, and creating meaning in life experiences.
I am open to working with individuals in an outpatient setting who are coping with depression/anxiety, family issues, mood disorders, relationship problems, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, ASD, Adjustment Disorders, and various other concerns.
Hello, I'm Stephanie Holder, LCSW. My approach to therapy is wholistic and fluid, depending on what is right for each client, and I use evidenced based practices. My areas of practice include supporting people through periods of transition, loss/grief, depression, and/or anxiety, and supporting them in personal goals. Typically, this includes improving relationships with themselves and others, working toward better quality of life, and creating meaning in life experiences.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
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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.