Autism Therapists in Freeport, ME
In particular, I have extensive training in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders using the ADOS-2.
Parenting is often one of the most fulfilling and challenging roles we will have in our lives. Recognizing that our child is struggling and advocating for them takes a lot of effort and time. One important aspect of advocating for your child is having an accurate diagnosis that is based on a thorough assessment. I can help you with that process. I have 19 years of experience assessing children ages 3-18, and I have worked in the Maine mental health system throughout that time.
In particular, I have extensive training in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders using the ADOS-2.
Parenting is often one of the most fulfilling and challenging roles we will have in our lives. Recognizing that our child is struggling and advocating for them takes a lot of effort and time. One important aspect of advocating for your child is having an accurate diagnosis that is based on a thorough assessment. I can help you with that process. I have 19 years of experience assessing children ages 3-18, and I have worked in the Maine mental health system throughout that time.
Now Accepting New Clients! (Current availability - morning, nighttime, and weekend sessions) Hello! I'm Katie Sankare and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 11 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I strive to create a safe, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and understood. My goal is to create a space where we can explore past experiences, navigate current challenges, and learn new skills to improve your mental health and emotional well-being. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Now Accepting New Clients! (Current availability - morning, nighttime, and weekend sessions) Hello! I'm Katie Sankare and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 11 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I strive to create a safe, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment where you feel heard and understood. My goal is to create a space where we can explore past experiences, navigate current challenges, and learn new skills to improve your mental health and emotional well-being. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Many Moons is an arts-based private practice with 5 clinicians. By combining creative arts with psychotherapy, the process offers a safe holding container for personal content, as well as a pathway to explore current struggles. Arts-based modalities include drawing, painting, and clay sculpture, as well as mixed-media collage, music, poetry, and guided imagery/meditation.
Many Moons is an arts-based private practice with 5 clinicians. By combining creative arts with psychotherapy, the process offers a safe holding container for personal content, as well as a pathway to explore current struggles. Arts-based modalities include drawing, painting, and clay sculpture, as well as mixed-media collage, music, poetry, and guided imagery/meditation.
Life can be hard. Being able to talk about what’s happening in your life is important although sometimes challenging. I hope during our time together we will create a relationship of trust. Trust that it’s safe to open up. Trust to see that your feelings are valid and that with support and learning new skills you will reach the other side stronger and wiser.
Life can be hard. Being able to talk about what’s happening in your life is important although sometimes challenging. I hope during our time together we will create a relationship of trust. Trust that it’s safe to open up. Trust to see that your feelings are valid and that with support and learning new skills you will reach the other side stronger and wiser.
Audrey Shaw, MS, LCPC, brings over a decade of experience to LifeStance Health, serving the state of Maine. She is dedicated to helping clients by fostering genuine connections, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel understood and accepted. Audrey leverages her extensive expertise to tailor therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client, facilitating their journey towards personal growth and goal achievement.
Audrey Shaw, MS, LCPC, brings over a decade of experience to LifeStance Health, serving the state of Maine. She is dedicated to helping clients by fostering genuine connections, creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel understood and accepted. Audrey leverages her extensive expertise to tailor therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client, facilitating their journey towards personal growth and goal achievement.
Tia Sprague, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and solution-focused therapy to individuals across the state of Maine. She offers a supportive space for clients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors, specializing in crisis intervention and safety planning. With years of experience working in crisis settings, Tia helps patients navigate challenging moments while focusing on their safety and emotional well-being. Whether managing anxiety, depression, or life transitions, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.Tia Sprague, a Licensed Cl
Tia Sprague, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at LifeStance Health, provides compassionate and solution-focused therapy to individuals across the state of Maine. She offers a supportive space for clients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors, specializing in crisis intervention and safety planning. With years of experience working in crisis settings, Tia helps patients navigate challenging moments while focusing on their safety and emotional well-being. Whether managing anxiety, depression, or life transitions, she tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual.Tia Sprague, a Licensed Cl
Life can feel really heavy at times. We can feel pulled in so many directions: by the people who rely on us, the expectations we place on ourselves, and the responsibilities that come with school, work, family, and simply being human. It’s easy to slip into survival mode and push our own needs to the side. Therapy can be a place to set all of that down for a moment, breathe, and sort through what’s going on inside. Sometimes having someone walk beside you through those ups and downs can make all the difference.
Life can feel really heavy at times. We can feel pulled in so many directions: by the people who rely on us, the expectations we place on ourselves, and the responsibilities that come with school, work, family, and simply being human. It’s easy to slip into survival mode and push our own needs to the side. Therapy can be a place to set all of that down for a moment, breathe, and sort through what’s going on inside. Sometimes having someone walk beside you through those ups and downs can make all the difference.
Michael Scheib
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT, MS Ed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I often work with individuals that are struggling with Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Intimate relationship issues, Sexual issues, and Autism.
My practice (Twin Suns Therapy) is accepting patients, but I have a waitlist 9/2/25
Hello! I am glad you have taken a step to better your mental health! I am primarily working with Adults at this time, but will work with children 14+. I use goal-oriented therapy that involves the individual in every step of the process. The modalities of therapy I use, are evidence-based (CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.), which aim to decrease interfering thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as increase happiness and success in life. We will work together holistically to ensure we are addressing all aspects of your life that could affect mental health!
I often work with individuals that are struggling with Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Intimate relationship issues, Sexual issues, and Autism.
My practice (Twin Suns Therapy) is accepting patients, but I have a waitlist 9/2/25
Hello! I am glad you have taken a step to better your mental health! I am primarily working with Adults at this time, but will work with children 14+. I use goal-oriented therapy that involves the individual in every step of the process. The modalities of therapy I use, are evidence-based (CBT, ACT, DBT, etc.), which aim to decrease interfering thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as increase happiness and success in life. We will work together holistically to ensure we are addressing all aspects of your life that could affect mental health!
Freddie Grunhuvd, LCSW, is a compassionate and skilled therapist at LifeStance Health, who has been dedicated to serving individuals and families across Maine since 2007. Freddie excels in building strong connections and rapport with her clients, providing a supportive and challenging environment that fosters growth and healing. Her relatable approach and extensive experience make her particularly adept at working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Freddie Grunhuvd, LCSW, is a compassionate and skilled therapist at LifeStance Health, who has been dedicated to serving individuals and families across Maine since 2007. Freddie excels in building strong connections and rapport with her clients, providing a supportive and challenging environment that fosters growth and healing. Her relatable approach and extensive experience make her particularly adept at working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Creativity can be a powerful tool, and modality for expression. With my extensive experience and training in Expressive Therapies, I specialize in Art Therapy and Play Therapy to treat a variety of emotional and behavioral issues with children. In my practice I believe that everyone has the ability to be creative, and I work with clients to utilize their strengths in traditional and non-traditional treatment approaches to work towards goals. Through a trusting therapeutic rapport I work with clients to explore and address issues, so that they may access and obtain healthy growth and change.
Creativity can be a powerful tool, and modality for expression. With my extensive experience and training in Expressive Therapies, I specialize in Art Therapy and Play Therapy to treat a variety of emotional and behavioral issues with children. In my practice I believe that everyone has the ability to be creative, and I work with clients to utilize their strengths in traditional and non-traditional treatment approaches to work towards goals. Through a trusting therapeutic rapport I work with clients to explore and address issues, so that they may access and obtain healthy growth and change.
I have significant experience working with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, marital and relationship issues, as well as life changes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 25 years experience, providing treatment for adolescents, adults and families.
I have significant experience working with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorders, PTSD, marital and relationship issues, as well as life changes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 25 years experience, providing treatment for adolescents, adults and families.
He frequently tests for questions related to attention-deficit difficulties, hyperactivity, behavior associated with autism, oppositional behavior, social skill difficulties, mood dysregulation, developmental delays, learning difficulties, anxiety, and trauma.
Dr. Carnicella completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Hanover College, his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University, and his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from The University at Albany, SUNY. He completed a two-year postdoctoral position with Bowdoin College’s counseling services center. Dr. Carnicella has been practicing psychology in Maine for seven years. He has experience completing psychological evaluations with young children, college students, and adults.
He frequently tests for questions related to attention-deficit difficulties, hyperactivity, behavior associated with autism, oppositional behavior, social skill difficulties, mood dysregulation, developmental delays, learning difficulties, anxiety, and trauma.
Dr. Carnicella completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Hanover College, his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University, and his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from The University at Albany, SUNY. He completed a two-year postdoctoral position with Bowdoin College’s counseling services center. Dr. Carnicella has been practicing psychology in Maine for seven years. He has experience completing psychological evaluations with young children, college students, and adults.
Abbie Leary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine who has been practicing since 2006. Abbie has worked in the mental health field for more than 15 years in a range of settings from crisis response to addiction to acute psychiatric care. She provides individual and group therapy for adults seeking help with depression and anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, anger management, codependency and attachment issues, addiction, as well as life stage transitions. Abbie utilizes therapeutic modalities including DBT, CBT, and ACT. Additionally, Abbie has expertise in the area of domestic violence.
Abbie Leary is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine who has been practicing since 2006. Abbie has worked in the mental health field for more than 15 years in a range of settings from crisis response to addiction to acute psychiatric care. She provides individual and group therapy for adults seeking help with depression and anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, anger management, codependency and attachment issues, addiction, as well as life stage transitions. Abbie utilizes therapeutic modalities including DBT, CBT, and ACT. Additionally, Abbie has expertise in the area of domestic violence.
If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
While working with me, your child will learn to name feelings, voice their needs in healthy ways, and to self-soothe. We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
If you have a child age 4-10 who has autism, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, or depression; they may respond well to my treatment.
While working with me, your child will learn to name feelings, voice their needs in healthy ways, and to self-soothe. We do this through imaginative play, physical movement, and connection with nature.
More Therapists Nearby
Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, OCD, neurodivergence (including autism), burnout, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to “keep up” while feeling internally overloaded.
A lot of my work focuses on: Anxiety/overthinking that won’t shut off, OCD and intrusive thought patterns, Nervous system overload, Learning your real capacity (not the one you’ve been forcing yourself to meet), Boundary setting and reducing people-pleasing, Developing a supportive internal voice instead of a self-critical one,Practical, real-life strategies
Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, OCD, neurodivergence (including autism), burnout, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to “keep up” while feeling internally overloaded.
A lot of my work focuses on: Anxiety/overthinking that won’t shut off, OCD and intrusive thought patterns, Nervous system overload, Learning your real capacity (not the one you’ve been forcing yourself to meet), Boundary setting and reducing people-pleasing, Developing a supportive internal voice instead of a self-critical one,Practical, real-life strategies
I help neurodivergent adults feel more confident, grounded, and capable.
I offer counseling, coaching, and assessments (for adults only). We'll explore what you do well and what energizes you, with the goal of including more of that in your life. You'll get practical tools to get things done, feel more confident, and connect with people in ways that feel right. Because progress comes from working with your brain, not against it.
I help neurodivergent adults feel more confident, grounded, and capable.
I offer counseling, coaching, and assessments (for adults only). We'll explore what you do well and what energizes you, with the goal of including more of that in your life. You'll get practical tools to get things done, feel more confident, and connect with people in ways that feel right. Because progress comes from working with your brain, not against it.
I also have deep experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including autism and ADHD.
I have particular expertise in health anxiety, somatic and sensation-focused OCD, Pure-O, and intrusive thought themes that often carry shame or confusion. I also work closely with panic, agoraphobia, and OCD-neurodivergence overlap. I hold special interest in how OCD and anxiety can shape the male experience, identity, and self-trust.
I also have deep experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including autism and ADHD.
I have particular expertise in health anxiety, somatic and sensation-focused OCD, Pure-O, and intrusive thought themes that often carry shame or confusion. I also work closely with panic, agoraphobia, and OCD-neurodivergence overlap. I hold special interest in how OCD and anxiety can shape the male experience, identity, and self-trust.
I am also a certified specialist in neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and ADHD, which allows me to address a broad spectrum of developmental and behavioral needs.
I use comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues—from learning disabilities and developmental delays to traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, and dementia. By providing targeted interventions, I help individuals regain cognitive function, emotional stability, and behavioral adaptation.
I am also a certified specialist in neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and ADHD, which allows me to address a broad spectrum of developmental and behavioral needs.
I use comprehensive neuropsychological assessments to diagnose and treat a wide range of issues—from learning disabilities and developmental delays to traumatic brain injuries, ADHD, and dementia. By providing targeted interventions, I help individuals regain cognitive function, emotional stability, and behavioral adaptation.
Life’s ups and downs can make it difficult to live the way we truly want. Together, we can explore your values and what matters most to you, helping you gain insight and take meaningful steps toward your goals. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel comfortable and understood. My approach is both compassionate and direct, designed to help you build confidence, deepen self-understanding, and achieve success in the ways that are most important to you.
Life’s ups and downs can make it difficult to live the way we truly want. Together, we can explore your values and what matters most to you, helping you gain insight and take meaningful steps toward your goals. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel comfortable and understood. My approach is both compassionate and direct, designed to help you build confidence, deepen self-understanding, and achieve success in the ways that are most important to you.
I have significant experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD and autism.
I offer high flexibility in scheduling in an effort to provide treatment options that work for busy people including evening and weekends. I keep my practice small so that I can accommodate my clients as much as possible.
I have significant experience working with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD and autism.
I offer high flexibility in scheduling in an effort to provide treatment options that work for busy people including evening and weekends. I keep my practice small so that I can accommodate my clients as much as possible.
See more therapy options for Freeport
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Freeport
- Auburn
- Bath
- Brunswick
- Cape Elizabeth
- Falmouth
- Harpswell
- Lewiston
- Portland
- South Portland
- Westbrook
- Windham
- Yarmouth
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.