Autism Therapists in San Diego, CA
Suffering from stress, depression, anxiety? Feeling stuck in a harmful relationship? Are you grappling with your identity? Or just feeling overwhelmed? I would like to bring in the available resources within yourself for a lasting solution. My approach is adaptive to my clients' needs, with the objective of achieving long-term emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. Some people benefit from talking, a reflection into who they really are, and others would like to explore and understand why, or to solve specific problems and achieve specific goals. And others wish to learn how to better communicate and be more assertive.
Suffering from stress, depression, anxiety? Feeling stuck in a harmful relationship? Are you grappling with your identity? Or just feeling overwhelmed? I would like to bring in the available resources within yourself for a lasting solution. My approach is adaptive to my clients' needs, with the objective of achieving long-term emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. Some people benefit from talking, a reflection into who they really are, and others would like to explore and understand why, or to solve specific problems and achieve specific goals. And others wish to learn how to better communicate and be more assertive.
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 work with couples where one or both partners has experienced trauma and help them gain insight into how they can be healing to each other. I offer couples EMDR sessions, which is a unique way to do trauma work together and share vulnerability. If you are not ready to do trauma work together, we can focus on skills and exercises to assist communication.
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 work with couples where one or both partners has experienced trauma and help them gain insight into how they can be healing to each other. I offer couples EMDR sessions, which is a unique way to do trauma work together and share vulnerability. If you are not ready to do trauma work together, we can focus on skills and exercises to assist communication.
I provide neurodiversity affirming psychological assessments for those wondering if they may be Autistic or PDA later in life.
With over 17 years of clinical experience, I bring a diverse set of training and experience to assessments. Along with evaluating for Autism, I may assess for any co-occuring concerns you may have including ADHD, anxiety/depression, OCD, PDA, PTSD, and any other relevant diagnosis.
I provide neurodiversity affirming psychological assessments for those wondering if they may be Autistic or PDA later in life.
With over 17 years of clinical experience, I bring a diverse set of training and experience to assessments. Along with evaluating for Autism, I may assess for any co-occuring concerns you may have including ADHD, anxiety/depression, OCD, PDA, PTSD, and any other relevant diagnosis.
Welcome! I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, CA) and worked with children, youth, families and adults for over 30 years. Areas of specialty include: children/teens and families (including special education) and adults who are neurodiverse or experiencing anxiety, depression or life transitions. I also serve first responders and military families. My background includes nation-wide training to school/mental health professionals, ERMHS assessments/consultation, a prior teacher (k-5), a parent (2 and 4 legs) and I am a member of the neurodiverse community. My goal is for you to feel validated, safe and supported.
Welcome! I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, CA) and worked with children, youth, families and adults for over 30 years. Areas of specialty include: children/teens and families (including special education) and adults who are neurodiverse or experiencing anxiety, depression or life transitions. I also serve first responders and military families. My background includes nation-wide training to school/mental health professionals, ERMHS assessments/consultation, a prior teacher (k-5), a parent (2 and 4 legs) and I am a member of the neurodiverse community. My goal is for you to feel validated, safe and supported.
Many neurodivergent adolescents want peer connections but need explicit instruction and adaptive skills training.
I also offer Educational Therapy, Special Education Advocacy, and Neurodiverse Career Coaching. My programs empower children and young adults with autism, ADHD, LD, and anxiety to forge lasting friendships, conquer social hurdles, resolve conflicts with ease, stand strong against bullying, supercharge attention, be productive, and get hired and stay hired.
Many neurodivergent adolescents want peer connections but need explicit instruction and adaptive skills training.
I also offer Educational Therapy, Special Education Advocacy, and Neurodiverse Career Coaching. My programs empower children and young adults with autism, ADHD, LD, and anxiety to forge lasting friendships, conquer social hurdles, resolve conflicts with ease, stand strong against bullying, supercharge attention, be productive, and get hired and stay hired.
Blooming Behavior Services
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michelle Felix, MEd , BCBA
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?
We focus on the client and family as a whole unit. If your child or adolescent has difficulty attending to a task this could affect their social skills, learning new topics, and/or adaptive skills. We use Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to increase wanted skills and decrease maladaptive behaviors that can impede your child or adolescent's learning.
Was your child recently diagnosed with Autism, at risk for Autism, intellectual, developmental, neurological disability, and/or has comorbidity diagnosis?
We focus on the client and family as a whole unit. If your child or adolescent has difficulty attending to a task this could affect their social skills, learning new topics, and/or adaptive skills. We use Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to increase wanted skills and decrease maladaptive behaviors that can impede your child or adolescent's learning.
Child Therapy San Diego (Patty Palmer)
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for children to feel their emotions and find tools to support themselves.
I use humor in therapy and I find that opens the door to creating a bond quickly where a trusting relationship can begin. From there, we can begin to explore feelings from a child friendly place, which often leads to greater self awareness, self compassion, and ability to regulate emotions.
I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for children to feel their emotions and find tools to support themselves.
I use humor in therapy and I find that opens the door to creating a bond quickly where a trusting relationship can begin. From there, we can begin to explore feelings from a child friendly place, which often leads to greater self awareness, self compassion, and ability to regulate emotions.
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.
I work from a cognitive behavioral theoretical orientation, which is a hands-on, practical approach to therapy. It is all about practice and opening yourself up in order to change the way you think and or act. As a native Spanish speaker, I frequently provide services in Spanish and English and enjoy working with children and families of diverse backgrounds.
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.
I work from a cognitive behavioral theoretical orientation, which is a hands-on, practical approach to therapy. It is all about practice and opening yourself up in order to change the way you think and or act. As a native Spanish speaker, I frequently provide services in Spanish and English and enjoy working with children and families of diverse backgrounds.
Aileen Tran: Trauma + Neurodiversity Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for processing trauma from a neurodivergent affirming lens.
In trauma therapy, I work from an IFS lens, which means we will identify and understand different parts of yourself and gain more compassion and understanding for every part. Symptoms are survival strategies and together we can understand the deeper "why" and approach change from a gentle place.
I have a passion for working with the neurodivergent community (ADHD, Autistic or PDA clients) and providing a safe space for processing trauma from a neurodivergent affirming lens.
In trauma therapy, I work from an IFS lens, which means we will identify and understand different parts of yourself and gain more compassion and understanding for every part. Symptoms are survival strategies and together we can understand the deeper "why" and approach change from a gentle place.
We all have the capacity to grow, learn, and make positive changes no matter what life throws our way. Psychotherapy is a way of understanding personal conflicts and creating meaning through self-discovery. It is one of the first steps towards achieving change. My style of treatment aims at exploring and understanding ways of thinking, behaving and relating to others that are outside of the one's personal awareness. This lack of awareness can often result in repetitive patterns of behavior that leads to dissatisfaction and emotional anguish in a person's life.
We all have the capacity to grow, learn, and make positive changes no matter what life throws our way. Psychotherapy is a way of understanding personal conflicts and creating meaning through self-discovery. It is one of the first steps towards achieving change. My style of treatment aims at exploring and understanding ways of thinking, behaving and relating to others that are outside of the one's personal awareness. This lack of awareness can often result in repetitive patterns of behavior that leads to dissatisfaction and emotional anguish in a person's life.
Allison Radoff, ADHD + Autism Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
As a neurodivergent therapist, I enjoy working with mixed-neurotype relationships (where one or more partners identifies as ADHD, autistic, PDA / demand avoidant, or OCD).
I work from a sex positive lens, and work with all relationship configurations including working with consensual non-monogamy, kink/BDSM, and LGBTQ+ communities. I focus on making my office a safe space for all humans and a place where partners can heal together from what has been holding them back.
As a neurodivergent therapist, I enjoy working with mixed-neurotype relationships (where one or more partners identifies as ADHD, autistic, PDA / demand avoidant, or OCD).
I work from a sex positive lens, and work with all relationship configurations including working with consensual non-monogamy, kink/BDSM, and LGBTQ+ communities. I focus on making my office a safe space for all humans and a place where partners can heal together from what has been holding them back.
I work with Neurodivergent kids and Adults including Autistics, ADHD'ers, PDA'ers, nervous sensory sensitive, high energy sensory seekers or kids with big emotions.
We offer playful, connection focused OT to support your child individually, in groups, with siblings and with parent coaching. I have Advanced Sensory Integration Training, DIR Floortime Training and am a Certified Unyte Safe and Sound Provider.
I work with Neurodivergent kids and Adults including Autistics, ADHD'ers, PDA'ers, nervous sensory sensitive, high energy sensory seekers or kids with big emotions.
We offer playful, connection focused OT to support your child individually, in groups, with siblings and with parent coaching. I have Advanced Sensory Integration Training, DIR Floortime Training and am a Certified Unyte Safe and Sound Provider.
I specialize in therapy for Autistic adults.
I want to help you make a life that works for you, represents your values, and lets you live with peace and comfort, just as you are. I provide a warm, validating, and empowering environment for my clients, and I don’t make assumptions about their experiences. My therapeutic approach includes the interplay between mental, emotional, and physical health.
I specialize in therapy for Autistic adults.
I want to help you make a life that works for you, represents your values, and lets you live with peace and comfort, just as you are. I provide a warm, validating, and empowering environment for my clients, and I don’t make assumptions about their experiences. My therapeutic approach includes the interplay between mental, emotional, and physical health.
Are you or your child facing learning, social, behavioral, or mental health challenges? You’re not alone, and seeking support is a powerful first step. With over 30 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked with both neurodiverse and neurotypical children, teens, and adults to improve educational, social, mental health, and behavioral functioning. Together, we’ll identify your unique strengths and concerns, set meaningful goals, and create a personalized and strength-based plan. My philosophy is to provide a validating and safe therapeutic journey together.
Are you or your child facing learning, social, behavioral, or mental health challenges? You’re not alone, and seeking support is a powerful first step. With over 30 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked with both neurodiverse and neurotypical children, teens, and adults to improve educational, social, mental health, and behavioral functioning. Together, we’ll identify your unique strengths and concerns, set meaningful goals, and create a personalized and strength-based plan. My philosophy is to provide a validating and safe therapeutic journey together.
Attention Deficit/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, and being Gifted, qualify for school assistance to help students succeed.
I enjoy assisting clients after a major life change or injury to redefine their identify in order to resume meaningful lives and relationships. I also find it very rewarding to assist children achieve academic success after struggling in the school setting.
Attention Deficit/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, and being Gifted, qualify for school assistance to help students succeed.
I enjoy assisting clients after a major life change or injury to redefine their identify in order to resume meaningful lives and relationships. I also find it very rewarding to assist children achieve academic success after struggling in the school setting.
Lauren Goebel ADHD and Autism Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
I work with PDA, Autism, and ADHD in children, teens and adults.
Many neurodivergent people have attachment trauma from being told that they are lazy, too sensitive or have been told that their reactions don't make sense. They are often identified as a problem at school or in their family systems at a young age. I am here to help you process any trauma you are carrying from these experiences.
I work with PDA, Autism, and ADHD in children, teens and adults.
Many neurodivergent people have attachment trauma from being told that they are lazy, too sensitive or have been told that their reactions don't make sense. They are often identified as a problem at school or in their family systems at a young age. I am here to help you process any trauma you are carrying from these experiences.
Hi, I am Brookelynn and I work with neurodivergent adults and teens in therapy!
Along with my work with individuals, I also work with couples / families. Within couple and family relationships there are often "mixed neurotype" relationships- where we misunderstand each other because of the difference in the ways we communicate, show love and process information. I am here to help you with these dynamics!
Hi, I am Brookelynn and I work with neurodivergent adults and teens in therapy!
Along with my work with individuals, I also work with couples / families. Within couple and family relationships there are often "mixed neurotype" relationships- where we misunderstand each other because of the difference in the ways we communicate, show love and process information. I am here to help you with these dynamics!
As a dually licensed MFT and BCBA with 23 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.
Utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, anchored in CBT and family systems theory, I provide behavior consultation, individual & family therapy, parent training, play therapy, and social skills support. I am available for in-person, in-home, or teletherapy sessions, determined by case.
As a dually licensed MFT and BCBA with 23 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.
Utilizing a positive and solution-focused approach, anchored in CBT and family systems theory, I provide behavior consultation, individual & family therapy, parent training, play therapy, and social skills support. I am available for in-person, in-home, or teletherapy sessions, determined by case.
Lauren Goebel Neurodiversity Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
San Diego, CA 92102
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples?
A little more about my approach: I am attachment and trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming and knowledgable, poly/kink affirming, and sex positive. I currently see clients in-person (my office is in Golden Hill) and virtually. I offer day time and evening appointments and my scheduling is very flexible to the needs of each couple I work with.
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples?
A little more about my approach: I am attachment and trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming and knowledgable, poly/kink affirming, and sex positive. I currently see clients in-person (my office is in Golden Hill) and virtually. I offer day time and evening appointments and my scheduling is very flexible to the needs of each couple I work with.
I work with youth with Autism and support families to ensure that their child's educational and social needs are being met.
For over 20 years, I have been working with children, teenagers, and young adults to develop the skills necessary to navigate through life successfully. I assist clients in developing insight into their current life situation, broaden their ability to cope with some of life's greatest challenges, nurture their resiliency and developing effective communication skills. I use a combination of Play Therapy interventions, Animal Assisted Human Health (therapy dogs) and traditional talk therapy in my practice. I believe in a holistic approach and will collaborate with families and providers to ensure that the best treatment is provided.
I work with youth with Autism and support families to ensure that their child's educational and social needs are being met.
For over 20 years, I have been working with children, teenagers, and young adults to develop the skills necessary to navigate through life successfully. I assist clients in developing insight into their current life situation, broaden their ability to cope with some of life's greatest challenges, nurture their resiliency and developing effective communication skills. I use a combination of Play Therapy interventions, Animal Assisted Human Health (therapy dogs) and traditional talk therapy in my practice. I believe in a holistic approach and will collaborate with families and providers to ensure that the best treatment is provided.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for San Diego
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- La Jolla
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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.