Autism Therapists in Harpswell, ME
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
More Therapists Nearby
I also love working with women of all ages who want help with anxiety, autism, ADHD, depression, relationships and dealing with life stressors.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and parents using CBT, play therapy, solution-focused therapy and family therapy. I also specialize in working with women and moms who experience neurodivergence, ADHD, anxiety, depression and grief. My style is warm, caring and collaborative, while offering practical, down-to-earth tools and strategies.
I also love working with women of all ages who want help with anxiety, autism, ADHD, depression, relationships and dealing with life stressors.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and parents using CBT, play therapy, solution-focused therapy and family therapy. I also specialize in working with women and moms who experience neurodivergence, ADHD, anxiety, depression and grief. My style is warm, caring and collaborative, while offering practical, down-to-earth tools and strategies.
My approach to working with patients is called Mind-Body Integrative Psychotherapy. Mind-Body Integrative psychotherapy is an approach to healing ones emotional, spiritual and physical well being in the here and now while also giving the patient tools that create long-lasting positive changes. My approach blends conventional psychotherapeutic strategies, including the recommendation of medications when deemed necessary, with evidence-based, natural, less invasive therapies (e.g. dietary change, meditation, acupuncture, yoga, herbal medicine and therapeutic massage).
My approach to working with patients is called Mind-Body Integrative Psychotherapy. Mind-Body Integrative psychotherapy is an approach to healing ones emotional, spiritual and physical well being in the here and now while also giving the patient tools that create long-lasting positive changes. My approach blends conventional psychotherapeutic strategies, including the recommendation of medications when deemed necessary, with evidence-based, natural, less invasive therapies (e.g. dietary change, meditation, acupuncture, yoga, herbal medicine and therapeutic massage).
I have worked in this field for over 30 years in hospital, residential, day treatment, outpatient and home settings. My experience is primarily with young adults and with families who have children with special needs whether neurotypical or behavioral. I have worked with a lot of adolescents and pre-teens who are having difficulty adjusting to the demands of individuation and separation. It is important to regard everyone's life situation as unique and to support the process of personal awareness and growth.
I have worked in this field for over 30 years in hospital, residential, day treatment, outpatient and home settings. My experience is primarily with young adults and with families who have children with special needs whether neurotypical or behavioral. I have worked with a lot of adolescents and pre-teens who are having difficulty adjusting to the demands of individuation and separation. It is important to regard everyone's life situation as unique and to support the process of personal awareness and growth.
As a mother of a neurodivergent (AuDHD) child, I understand the unique challenges these experiences can bring to parenting.
My background includes a Master’s in Social Work from the USC's School of Social Work, as well as specialized training in:
Executive Functioning, Neuro-affirming Practices, ADHD Assessments, Modified DBT for, Neurodivergent Clients, ACT for Perfectionism, ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.
As a mother of a neurodivergent (AuDHD) child, I understand the unique challenges these experiences can bring to parenting.
My background includes a Master’s in Social Work from the USC's School of Social Work, as well as specialized training in:
Executive Functioning, Neuro-affirming Practices, ADHD Assessments, Modified DBT for, Neurodivergent Clients, ACT for Perfectionism, ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.
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 also work closely with neurodivergent adults and queer folks who are tired of performing "normal
Pajama‑Forward Therapist here.
If white‑knuckling, self‑shaming, and "try harder" actually worked, you'd have been healed years ago. But for many of us—especially people whose minds race and don't easily power down—it doesn't. Rest can feel impossible. Sometimes substances, distraction, or other coping strategies become the only way to get through the day. That doesn't mean you're broken. It means you've been carrying a lot for a long time. There is more to life than survival mode. A calmer, more meaningful life is possible—but it usually requires going deeper and looking at what's underneath. I'll go there with you.
I also work closely with neurodivergent adults and queer folks who are tired of performing "normal
Pajama‑Forward Therapist here.
If white‑knuckling, self‑shaming, and "try harder" actually worked, you'd have been healed years ago. But for many of us—especially people whose minds race and don't easily power down—it doesn't. Rest can feel impossible. Sometimes substances, distraction, or other coping strategies become the only way to get through the day. That doesn't mean you're broken. It means you've been carrying a lot for a long time. There is more to life than survival mode. A calmer, more meaningful life is possible—but it usually requires going deeper and looking at what's underneath. I'll go there with you.
I don't feel that you can describe an "ideal client". Each client comes with their own set of needs, goals and issues. I try to treat each client as an individual person with individual problems which empower them to find solutions that work for them. I feel that each client has the power within themselves to find their own path. I as their therapist is there to help them find that path and to stand beside them as they find the courage to take it.
I don't feel that you can describe an "ideal client". Each client comes with their own set of needs, goals and issues. I try to treat each client as an individual person with individual problems which empower them to find solutions that work for them. I feel that each client has the power within themselves to find their own path. I as their therapist is there to help them find that path and to stand beside them as they find the courage to take it.
Did you receive a late diagnosis of Autism or ADHD?
At The Bell Practice, we have the primary mission of providing research-backed and interventions for clients looking to make lasting change. The Bell Practice offers Therapy and Neurodevelopmental (ex: ADHD & Autism) Assessments. We'll start with free 15 minute consultation to understand your goals are for treatment, and provide guidance on next steps.
Did you receive a late diagnosis of Autism or ADHD?
At The Bell Practice, we have the primary mission of providing research-backed and interventions for clients looking to make lasting change. The Bell Practice offers Therapy and Neurodevelopmental (ex: ADHD & Autism) Assessments. We'll start with free 15 minute consultation to understand your goals are for treatment, and provide guidance on next steps.
I work with young adults and adults navigating neurodiverse experiences, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and mood concerns. My goal is to help you build resilience, increase self-understanding, and live in alignment with your values.
I believe meaningful change happens within the context of a safe, authentic therapeutic relationship. In our work together, you are the expert on your lived experience, and I bring clinical expertise to help us explore patterns, build insight, and move toward lasting change.
I work with young adults and adults navigating neurodiverse experiences, anxiety, trauma, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and mood concerns. My goal is to help you build resilience, increase self-understanding, and live in alignment with your values.
I believe meaningful change happens within the context of a safe, authentic therapeutic relationship. In our work together, you are the expert on your lived experience, and I bring clinical expertise to help us explore patterns, build insight, and move toward lasting change.
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 specialize especially in working with high-masking neurodivergent adults ( Autism/ADHD/AuDHD including suspected/self-diagnoses...yes, that's allowed!) but I love helping ANYONE to quickly access their own authentic truth or "Operating System" and leveraging it in a measurable way.
Are you tired of feeling trapped? Do you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere—including therapy? Welcome; I'm a therapist who doesn’t fit in here either. I don’t believe in offering "coping skills" for triggers, I believe in eliminating your need to be triggered in the first place. And I believe that what you think your problems are, are likely not your actual problems.
I specialize especially in working with high-masking neurodivergent adults ( Autism/ADHD/AuDHD including suspected/self-diagnoses...yes, that's allowed!) but I love helping ANYONE to quickly access their own authentic truth or "Operating System" and leveraging it in a measurable way.
Are you tired of feeling trapped? Do you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere—including therapy? Welcome; I'm a therapist who doesn’t fit in here either. I don’t believe in offering "coping skills" for triggers, I believe in eliminating your need to be triggered in the first place. And I believe that what you think your problems are, are likely not your actual problems.
I am a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist with specialty in neurodevelopment disorders ( ASD, ADHD, ID, Tourette's Disorder, Learning Disorders), but I also evaluate other conditions such as concussions, neurodegenerative conditions, mental health diagnoses, and more!
I believe in empowerment through understanding. Neuropsychological testing provides the key to understanding how your brain works, giving you or your child the tools to better navigate life.
I know that starting an evaluation can be an overwhelming step, and I'm committed to making the process feel collaborative and supportive. My comprehensive evaluations take into account every unique aspect of your personal journey. You will walk away with more than just an understanding of yourself; you will receive practical, individualized recommendations to maximize your strengths and build a more fulfilling life.
I am a neurodivergent-affirming psychologist with specialty in neurodevelopment disorders ( ASD, ADHD, ID, Tourette's Disorder, Learning Disorders), but I also evaluate other conditions such as concussions, neurodegenerative conditions, mental health diagnoses, and more!
I believe in empowerment through understanding. Neuropsychological testing provides the key to understanding how your brain works, giving you or your child the tools to better navigate life.
I know that starting an evaluation can be an overwhelming step, and I'm committed to making the process feel collaborative and supportive. My comprehensive evaluations take into account every unique aspect of your personal journey. You will walk away with more than just an understanding of yourself; you will receive practical, individualized recommendations to maximize your strengths and build a more fulfilling life.
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.
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.
Many adults seeking ADHD or autism clarity are exhausted from years of masking, overcompensating, and being told they’re “too functional” to need support.
I provide adult ADHD and Autism evaluations using the Cherry Adult ADHD– Autism Diagnostic Interview (AADI), an evidence-based, interview-based clinical assessment for adults. I do not offer traditional neuropsychological or IQ-based testing. I also provide neurodivergent-affirming therapy for ADHD, AuDHD, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and emotional regulation.
Many adults seeking ADHD or autism clarity are exhausted from years of masking, overcompensating, and being told they’re “too functional” to need support.
I provide adult ADHD and Autism evaluations using the Cherry Adult ADHD– Autism Diagnostic Interview (AADI), an evidence-based, interview-based clinical assessment for adults. I do not offer traditional neuropsychological or IQ-based testing. I also provide neurodivergent-affirming therapy for ADHD, AuDHD, anxiety, burnout, trauma, and emotional regulation.
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Harpswell
- Bath
- Brunswick
- Cape Elizabeth
- Falmouth
- Freeport
- Gray
- Portland
- Scarborough
- 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.