Autism Therapists in Washington, DC
I’m trained and experienced in helping folks with anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, family/relationship issues, perfectionism, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, BPD, and more.
We’ll explore how the past informs current thought, behavioral, and mood patterns. We’ll identify problem-solving skills to manage difficult situations and emotions, develop a greater sense of confidence, increase safety and improve mood, functioning, and behavior.
I’m trained and experienced in helping folks with anxiety, depression, autism, bipolar disorder, family/relationship issues, perfectionism, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, BPD, and more.
We’ll explore how the past informs current thought, behavioral, and mood patterns. We’ll identify problem-solving skills to manage difficult situations and emotions, develop a greater sense of confidence, increase safety and improve mood, functioning, and behavior.
I have expertise in autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as neuropsychological assessment.
My therapy practice is ideal for children and adults wanting support and guidance as they navigate general life stressors. I work with neurotypical, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ clients alike who are wrestling with clinical concerns as well, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and executive functioning differences. Clients struggling to build self-confidence, develop their identity, achieve consistency in pursuit of their goals, and manage their emotional wellness are met with compassion, patience, solutions, and integrated strategies backed by research. Contact me for more information about in-person neuropsychological testing.
I have expertise in autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, as well as neuropsychological assessment.
My therapy practice is ideal for children and adults wanting support and guidance as they navigate general life stressors. I work with neurotypical, neurodivergent, and LGBTQ+ clients alike who are wrestling with clinical concerns as well, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and executive functioning differences. Clients struggling to build self-confidence, develop their identity, achieve consistency in pursuit of their goals, and manage their emotional wellness are met with compassion, patience, solutions, and integrated strategies backed by research. Contact me for more information about in-person neuropsychological testing.
I specialize in supporting queer folks navigating autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life as a neurodivergent person can feel like a tightrope walk. There can be so many barriers to accessing essential things like education, employment, and social connections. Constantly having to adapt to environments that don't meet your needs can really impact your emotional and physical health, sometimes leading to burnout or shutdown. If you're also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense, often leading to a sense of isolation and the feeling that you're facing these struggles on your own.
I specialize in supporting queer folks navigating autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life as a neurodivergent person can feel like a tightrope walk. There can be so many barriers to accessing essential things like education, employment, and social connections. Constantly having to adapt to environments that don't meet your needs can really impact your emotional and physical health, sometimes leading to burnout or shutdown. If you're also part of the queer community, these challenges can feel even more intense, often leading to a sense of isolation and the feeling that you're facing these struggles on your own.
Dr. Francine Baffa, LCSW — Balance, Focus, Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D
Washington, DC 20005
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges.
You can gain insights and learn strategies that you can start applying right away in your everyday life to reduce stress, feel more energetic, and improve your family relationships. Based on your needs, we will draw from Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges.
You can gain insights and learn strategies that you can start applying right away in your everyday life to reduce stress, feel more energetic, and improve your family relationships. Based on your needs, we will draw from Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches.
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
New Group Open! We lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
She has experience working with children diagnosed with a range of learning disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s.
New Group Open! We lose sight of what we truly want for ourselves. Megan’s goal is to empower you to focus on your own experiences rather than on what others expect of you. Born and raised in the Washington Metro area, Megan understands firsthand how the stress of the DMV lifestyle can affect one’s personal life, work life and home life. Clients describe Megan as being creative, quirky, empathetic and reliable. Megan has seven years of experience helping children and adults work through behavioral and emotional struggles related to depression, PTSD, grief, substance abuse, eating disorders, body image, anxiety, family and sexuality.
I specialize in queer and neurodivergent clients, including folx on the Autism spectrum and/or who have ADHD.
Are you navigating the intersection of being queer and neurodivergent in a world that doesn’t seem to have been built for you? Learning to love all the parts of yourself is so much more challenging when you’re surrounded by systems and structures that aren’t affirming or flexible. Many of us in these communities navigate issues such as sensory sensitivity, relationship struggles, chronic dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. As a queer neurodivergent person, I understand the complexities and unique challenges you may face. Compassion is at the center of my approach.
I specialize in queer and neurodivergent clients, including folx on the Autism spectrum and/or who have ADHD.
Are you navigating the intersection of being queer and neurodivergent in a world that doesn’t seem to have been built for you? Learning to love all the parts of yourself is so much more challenging when you’re surrounded by systems and structures that aren’t affirming or flexible. Many of us in these communities navigate issues such as sensory sensitivity, relationship struggles, chronic dysregulation, and executive dysfunction. As a queer neurodivergent person, I understand the complexities and unique challenges you may face. Compassion is at the center of my approach.
I usually work with people whose brains all operate differently from each other, often because of ADHD, autism, general nerdiness, and/or trauma's complex impacts on the brain.
You have a quirky, sometimes difficult to live in neurodivergent brain and you want a therapist who knows something of what that's like and can help you to understand that and put it into words. We can do that together and identify personalized coping strategies, not just the same old advice. Because living with neurodivergence means a more difficult path, I've also got other clinical tools in my toolbox. For instance, we can use EMDR, Flash, behavioral strategies and parts work to help you truly integrate and move on from difficult or traumatic experiences in your past.
I usually work with people whose brains all operate differently from each other, often because of ADHD, autism, general nerdiness, and/or trauma's complex impacts on the brain.
You have a quirky, sometimes difficult to live in neurodivergent brain and you want a therapist who knows something of what that's like and can help you to understand that and put it into words. We can do that together and identify personalized coping strategies, not just the same old advice. Because living with neurodivergence means a more difficult path, I've also got other clinical tools in my toolbox. For instance, we can use EMDR, Flash, behavioral strategies and parts work to help you truly integrate and move on from difficult or traumatic experiences in your past.
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age?
My intervention approach focuses on empowering parents to effectively engage and support their children. I believe early intervention for autism and/or developmental concerns should be naturalistic and incorporated into everyday activities. I will teach you strategies to promote your child's social communication and development from home and on the go.
Did you know autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 months of age?
My intervention approach focuses on empowering parents to effectively engage and support their children. I believe early intervention for autism and/or developmental concerns should be naturalistic and incorporated into everyday activities. I will teach you strategies to promote your child's social communication and development from home and on the go.
Client issues we can help with includes grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, life issues, compulsions and obsessions, and an umbrella of sexual issues (including voyeurism, exhibitionism, pedophilia, sexuality and issues having sex, and more), neurodevelopmental disorders ( autism/ADHD), and trauma.
Two areas of intensive specialization are in autism and in trauma treatment. Working with autism and helping kids and adults better understand social norms and work through other challenges is a passion. Neuropsychological testing to assess for Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, IQ and academic testing for entrance to private schools are offered.
Client issues we can help with includes grief, stress management, anxiety, depression, life issues, compulsions and obsessions, and an umbrella of sexual issues (including voyeurism, exhibitionism, pedophilia, sexuality and issues having sex, and more), neurodevelopmental disorders ( autism/ADHD), and trauma.
Two areas of intensive specialization are in autism and in trauma treatment. Working with autism and helping kids and adults better understand social norms and work through other challenges is a passion. Neuropsychological testing to assess for Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, IQ and academic testing for entrance to private schools are offered.
I specialize in trauma treatment and Autism Spectrum Disorder and treat depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Welcome to your healing journey. Growth and healing are accomplished when we feel heard, understood, valued, and connected. I approach healing through creating a safe and encouraging space to express needs, explore and understand what is going on inside, develop a clear sense of self, and ultimately heal.
With close to 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, I have learned that therapy is collaborative and a little bit different with each person.
I specialize in trauma treatment and Autism Spectrum Disorder and treat depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Welcome to your healing journey. Growth and healing are accomplished when we feel heard, understood, valued, and connected. I approach healing through creating a safe and encouraging space to express needs, explore and understand what is going on inside, develop a clear sense of self, and ultimately heal.
With close to 30 years of experience in clinical psychology, I have learned that therapy is collaborative and a little bit different with each person.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism. I provide neurodiversity-affirming evaluations and especially enjoy helping high masking autistic/ADHD women and girls with their diagnoses. I can also help with accommodations for standardized testing and work. I serve people in TN and most other states.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming testing for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism. I provide neurodiversity-affirming evaluations and especially enjoy helping high masking autistic/ADHD women and girls with their diagnoses. I can also help with accommodations for standardized testing and work. I serve people in TN and most other states.
If you have ADHD, autism, learning differences, or mental health issues like OCD or bipolar, I can help you feel more oriented and understood.
You’re accomplished in many ways but feel like an imposter. Academics &/or social interactions were hard, but you got through it & have a seemingly successful career & personal life. But there’s always a nagging self-doubt. This shows up in your relationships, too.. you have good friends, but it’s gotten harder over years (& in this complicated world) to make new ones, and even if you’re in a long-term relationship, or married with children, you don’t feel connected to anyone in the way you feel you “should.” Why does everything seem so cryptic & beyond your reach? You wonder if you’ll ever experience true fulfillment.
If you have ADHD, autism, learning differences, or mental health issues like OCD or bipolar, I can help you feel more oriented and understood.
You’re accomplished in many ways but feel like an imposter. Academics &/or social interactions were hard, but you got through it & have a seemingly successful career & personal life. But there’s always a nagging self-doubt. This shows up in your relationships, too.. you have good friends, but it’s gotten harder over years (& in this complicated world) to make new ones, and even if you’re in a long-term relationship, or married with children, you don’t feel connected to anyone in the way you feel you “should.” Why does everything seem so cryptic & beyond your reach? You wonder if you’ll ever experience true fulfillment.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Juniper Blu Collective and mother of three, including children with autism and special needs, I combine healthcare expertise with lived experience.
As a healthcare-focused therapist and special needs mom, I blend evidence-based strategies with firsthand experience in medical advocacy and family care. My approach combines clinical expertise with genuine empathy, supporting you through healthcare decisions, family transitions, and parenting challenges.Together, we'll create practical solutions that work.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Juniper Blu Collective and mother of three, including children with autism and special needs, I combine healthcare expertise with lived experience.
As a healthcare-focused therapist and special needs mom, I blend evidence-based strategies with firsthand experience in medical advocacy and family care. My approach combines clinical expertise with genuine empathy, supporting you through healthcare decisions, family transitions, and parenting challenges.Together, we'll create practical solutions that work.
I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders.
I teach clients how to advocate for themselves at home, school or the workplace.
I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders.
I teach clients how to advocate for themselves at home, school or the workplace.
I have extensive experience in a number of areas including individuals with Autism, disabled individuals, faith based counseling, depression, anxiety, employment related issues, and general life stressors.
I am an expert in the field of Autism and have worked in this population for 15 years. I use a variety of approaches; Strength Based Therapy, Social Skills Training, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution focused approaches. I am happy to integrate spiritual support with counseling, as requested.
I have extensive experience in a number of areas including individuals with Autism, disabled individuals, faith based counseling, depression, anxiety, employment related issues, and general life stressors.
I am an expert in the field of Autism and have worked in this population for 15 years. I use a variety of approaches; Strength Based Therapy, Social Skills Training, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution focused approaches. I am happy to integrate spiritual support with counseling, as requested.
These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies.
I am teletherapy based, which I have found to be positive and productive for my clients. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, and academic needs related to giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e).
These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies.
I am teletherapy based, which I have found to be positive and productive for my clients. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, and academic needs related to giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e).
With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities.
Therapeutic Approach:
I believe in the power of collaboration and providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I draw from a wide range of therapeutic techniques, with a particular emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping individuals recognize
With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, autism, and developmental disabilities.
Therapeutic Approach:
I believe in the power of collaboration and providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I draw from a wide range of therapeutic techniques, with a particular emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on helping individuals recognize
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Family Relationships, LGBTQIA+ Support, Multicultural / Diversity Issues, Self-harm and Suicidal Feelings, Stress Management and Wellness Practices.
Dr. Sharnet Chavis is a clinical social worker that is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have been dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and adults with diverse needs for over 30 years, specializing in helping them regulate their emotions and develop self-management skills. My background includes Special Education (MS), Mindfulness (CMIP, RYT-200), Wellness (CWP) and DEI initiatives. Additionally, I am committed to promoting mindfulness and movement-based practices to enhance self-management for individuals and those in caregiving roles.
Specializes in ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum, Depression, Developmental Disabilities, Family Relationships, LGBTQIA+ Support, Multicultural / Diversity Issues, Self-harm and Suicidal Feelings, Stress Management and Wellness Practices.
Dr. Sharnet Chavis is a clinical social worker that is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have been dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and adults with diverse needs for over 30 years, specializing in helping them regulate their emotions and develop self-management skills. My background includes Special Education (MS), Mindfulness (CMIP, RYT-200), Wellness (CWP) and DEI initiatives. Additionally, I am committed to promoting mindfulness and movement-based practices to enhance self-management for individuals and those in caregiving roles.
With a Doctoral Degree and Certification in School Psychology, I specialize in testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, IEP and 504 Plans, special needs, autism, trauma, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more.
Are you ready to get top notch psych-educational evaluations, with no wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
With a Doctoral Degree and Certification in School Psychology, I specialize in testing for ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, IEP and 504 Plans, special needs, autism, trauma, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, and more.
Are you ready to get top notch psych-educational evaluations, with no wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
I also work with clients around ADHD, Autism, and/or gender/sexual identity exploration.
NOT accepting new clients as of 4/16/25. As a Black, Queer, therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D.C area. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lived experiences and that my role is to empower you through cultivating a space of healing. While I use a variety of techniques, my approach to therapy is trauma-informed, holistic, and anti-oppressive. I want clients to feel comfortable bringing all of their identities into our sessions.
I also work with clients around ADHD, Autism, and/or gender/sexual identity exploration.
NOT accepting new clients as of 4/16/25. As a Black, Queer, therapist I am passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds, specifically individuals who identify as BIPOC, Queer, and/or neurodivergent in the D.C area. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lived experiences and that my role is to empower you through cultivating a space of healing. While I use a variety of techniques, my approach to therapy is trauma-informed, holistic, and anti-oppressive. I want clients to feel comfortable bringing all of their identities into our sessions.
See more therapy options for Washington
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.