Autism Therapists in Apex, NC
As your therapist, I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathic setting for you to share about your current situation; explore early life experiences; gain a helpful understanding of your emotional world; and why you think and act in particular, problematic patterns. Many, if not all, of our emotional burdens (anxiety, people-pleasing, lying, codependency, lack of coping skills, mistrust of authority, hypersensitivity, defensiveness, an underdeveloped sense of self, parenting struggles, relationship issues) are the result of earlier wounds that infuse within us lasting well into adulthood.
As your therapist, I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathic setting for you to share about your current situation; explore early life experiences; gain a helpful understanding of your emotional world; and why you think and act in particular, problematic patterns. Many, if not all, of our emotional burdens (anxiety, people-pleasing, lying, codependency, lack of coping skills, mistrust of authority, hypersensitivity, defensiveness, an underdeveloped sense of self, parenting struggles, relationship issues) are the result of earlier wounds that infuse within us lasting well into adulthood.
I provide assessments for children aged 18 months and older to evaluate autism, ADHD, learning challenges, and emotional functioning.
If your child is having trouble concentrating in school, keeping up with assignments, or navigating social situations, they might experience feelings of frustration or anxiety. Adults can encounter similar hurdles, especially during transitions to college or the workforce, where expectations can be daunting. These challenges can lead to feelings of being misunderstood or isolated. A thorough evaluation can offer the insights and support necessary for success.
I provide assessments for children aged 18 months and older to evaluate autism, ADHD, learning challenges, and emotional functioning.
If your child is having trouble concentrating in school, keeping up with assignments, or navigating social situations, they might experience feelings of frustration or anxiety. Adults can encounter similar hurdles, especially during transitions to college or the workforce, where expectations can be daunting. These challenges can lead to feelings of being misunderstood or isolated. A thorough evaluation can offer the insights and support necessary for success.
But I am trained to work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families.
Are you or your loved ones feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you experiencing fighting, stonewalling, or a lack of communication and love? I work with individuals, couples, and families across all ages and stages of life who are navigating challenges. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs.
But I am trained to work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families.
Are you or your loved ones feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed? Are you experiencing fighting, stonewalling, or a lack of communication and love? I work with individuals, couples, and families across all ages and stages of life who are navigating challenges. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs.
I especially enjoy helping older adults (65 and up), adults with autism, and caregivers for family members with Autism, a developmental disability, or aging-related needs.
I use practical approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and communication tools—always tailored to what works best for you.
I especially enjoy helping older adults (65 and up), adults with autism, and caregivers for family members with Autism, a developmental disability, or aging-related needs.
I use practical approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and communication tools—always tailored to what works best for you.
I complete comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, autism, and learning disorders in children, teens, and adults.
I provide psychotherapy to children and teens for anxiety and depression; to middle-college students for ADHD coaching (organization, planning, time management, and study skills); and to adults experiencing parenting stress. I have completed training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and The Positive Parenting Program.
I complete comprehensive evaluations for ADHD, autism, and learning disorders in children, teens, and adults.
I provide psychotherapy to children and teens for anxiety and depression; to middle-college students for ADHD coaching (organization, planning, time management, and study skills); and to adults experiencing parenting stress. I have completed training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and The Positive Parenting Program.
I am a neurodivergent therapist and my neurotype, ADHD, informs my therapy style.
I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the mental health field, and 42 years of lived experience navigating the world with ADHD. Pulling from Brief Solutions Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoanalytical, and Narrative Therapy, I use elements from each in a seemingly freestyle manner. This suits my work with neurodivergence.
I am a neurodivergent therapist and my neurotype, ADHD, informs my therapy style.
I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the mental health field, and 42 years of lived experience navigating the world with ADHD. Pulling from Brief Solutions Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychoanalytical, and Narrative Therapy, I use elements from each in a seemingly freestyle manner. This suits my work with neurodivergence.
I specialize in the areas of concussions, learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Anxiety.
A neuropsychological evaluation assesses:IQ, memory, attention, executive functioning, visual spatial skills, fine motor skills, academics, and social emotional functioning.
I specialize in the areas of concussions, learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Anxiety.
A neuropsychological evaluation assesses:IQ, memory, attention, executive functioning, visual spatial skills, fine motor skills, academics, and social emotional functioning.
Specializing in working with children, teens, and young adults I am passionate about helping young people navigate the emotional, social, and developmental challenges they face as they grow. This includes concerns related to school, friendships, family changes, self-esteem, anxiety, mood, and identity development. I use a warm, collaborative, and age-appropriate approach, creating a safe and supportive space where children and teens feel comfortable expressing themselves
Specializing in working with children, teens, and young adults I am passionate about helping young people navigate the emotional, social, and developmental challenges they face as they grow. This includes concerns related to school, friendships, family changes, self-esteem, anxiety, mood, and identity development. I use a warm, collaborative, and age-appropriate approach, creating a safe and supportive space where children and teens feel comfortable expressing themselves
I am a psychologist and a behavior analyst who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other diagnoses, or who may have autism, as well as adults in crisis.
I support patients through individual therapy sessions, family therapy, and parent coaching to address the family unit as a whole.
I am a psychologist and a behavior analyst who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other diagnoses, or who may have autism, as well as adults in crisis.
I support patients through individual therapy sessions, family therapy, and parent coaching to address the family unit as a whole.
Mary Lynn Marus (Molly), works primarily with neurodivergent adults, with confirmed or suspected diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, and/or other mental health conditions.
I work primarily with adults who are neurodivergent (have a diagnosis or suspected ADHD, Autism, or another IDD diagnosis), to support health and wellbeing. I also work with family members to provide partner, parent/caregiver and sibling supports, and individual psychotherapy, My expertise and training are in the field of Autism, ADHD, and IDD.
Mary Lynn Marus (Molly), works primarily with neurodivergent adults, with confirmed or suspected diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, and/or other mental health conditions.
I work primarily with adults who are neurodivergent (have a diagnosis or suspected ADHD, Autism, or another IDD diagnosis), to support health and wellbeing. I also work with family members to provide partner, parent/caregiver and sibling supports, and individual psychotherapy, My expertise and training are in the field of Autism, ADHD, and IDD.
Hello! My passion is working with clients to help them reach their goals of self-love, acceptance, and establishing a life that they love - which looks different for everyone! We will first work to build our therapeutic alliance, then begin to identify and explore cyclical behaviors, patterns, and past experiences that are currently impacting your life. Through the practice of unconditional positive regard, you are completely accepted for wherever you are emotionally - whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, impulsivity, self-esteem, and more. Allow me to meet you where you are and walk alongside you in healing.
Hello! My passion is working with clients to help them reach their goals of self-love, acceptance, and establishing a life that they love - which looks different for everyone! We will first work to build our therapeutic alliance, then begin to identify and explore cyclical behaviors, patterns, and past experiences that are currently impacting your life. Through the practice of unconditional positive regard, you are completely accepted for wherever you are emotionally - whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, impulsivity, self-esteem, and more. Allow me to meet you where you are and walk alongside you in healing.
With over 20-years of experience in public school and private practice settings, I specialize in working with neurodivergent children/adolescents ages 4 to 18.
Are difficulties managing strong feelings impacting your child's abilities to handle seemingly small problems at home and school? Are challenges reading and responding to social cues negatively affecting their ability to play cooperatively and make friends? Does your child struggle to think about situations or solve problems in different ways, at times, appearing non-compliant?
If so, I'm here to help support you and your child on a path to learn strategies to support their emotional/behavioral regulation, develop social awareness and social competency, and strengthen their abilities to think/solve problems more flexibly.
With over 20-years of experience in public school and private practice settings, I specialize in working with neurodivergent children/adolescents ages 4 to 18.
Are difficulties managing strong feelings impacting your child's abilities to handle seemingly small problems at home and school? Are challenges reading and responding to social cues negatively affecting their ability to play cooperatively and make friends? Does your child struggle to think about situations or solve problems in different ways, at times, appearing non-compliant?
If so, I'm here to help support you and your child on a path to learn strategies to support their emotional/behavioral regulation, develop social awareness and social competency, and strengthen their abilities to think/solve problems more flexibly.
I primarily work with neurodivergent individuals—those with ADHD, Autism, OCD and related experiences—who want to feel more empowered, grounded, and at peace with life’s challenges while still striving for their personal best.
Many clients seek relief from burnout, executive functioning struggles, and sensory or social overwhelm. I provide a validating space where neurodivergence is honored and normalized. We create tools and routines that support insight, self-compassion, and confidence without forcing you to fit expectations that don’t match your brain or body.
I primarily work with neurodivergent individuals—those with ADHD, Autism, OCD and related experiences—who want to feel more empowered, grounded, and at peace with life’s challenges while still striving for their personal best.
Many clients seek relief from burnout, executive functioning struggles, and sensory or social overwhelm. I provide a validating space where neurodivergence is honored and normalized. We create tools and routines that support insight, self-compassion, and confidence without forcing you to fit expectations that don’t match your brain or body.
Are you navigating the unique challenges of ADHD or Autism?
What I Offer:
A Neuroaffirmative approach to therapy. Tailored therapy for ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. Practical coping strategies and organizational tools for everyday challenges. Support in developing social skills, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. A welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you can be your authentic self.
Are you navigating the unique challenges of ADHD or Autism?
What I Offer:
A Neuroaffirmative approach to therapy. Tailored therapy for ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. Practical coping strategies and organizational tools for everyday challenges. Support in developing social skills, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation. A welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you can be your authentic self.
Treatment specialities include ADHD, opposition and defiance, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
Treatment specialities include ADHD, opposition and defiance, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
I believe therapy is about helping people realize the greatest amount of happiness in their lives. This may be learning how to manage one's depression and anxiety, a child or adolescent managing their opposition and defiance, or even some skills to make a speech or fall asleep. I also feel therapy is key in processing daily conflicts that affect our thoughts and feelings, but also learning how to make the best decisions that we value.
I am Vivian Magarino-Gomez and have a M.A. in Art Therapy/Transpersonal Counseling Psychology-which offers clients the best of both eastern and western psychology. With 12 years of mental health experience and 16 years as a public school educator, I offer individual, group, and family therapy for clients age 2-60+ with needs ranging from abuse, trauma, ADHD, gang involvement, PTSD, depression, anxiety, emerging sexuality issues, and neurodivergence. My past working in emergency services, school-based therapy, day treatment, group homes, and inpatient, fuels my holistic client-centered approach in outpatient art therapy.
I am Vivian Magarino-Gomez and have a M.A. in Art Therapy/Transpersonal Counseling Psychology-which offers clients the best of both eastern and western psychology. With 12 years of mental health experience and 16 years as a public school educator, I offer individual, group, and family therapy for clients age 2-60+ with needs ranging from abuse, trauma, ADHD, gang involvement, PTSD, depression, anxiety, emerging sexuality issues, and neurodivergence. My past working in emergency services, school-based therapy, day treatment, group homes, and inpatient, fuels my holistic client-centered approach in outpatient art therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
Are you feeling overwhelmed in how to manage your emotions or perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed in your relationships (marital, parent-child, parent-teenager, family, or friends)? Do you find yourself becoming irritable at small things or simply being someone you do not want to be anymore? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I am glad you have found my page. We all have difficult times throughout our life and it is okay to need and ask for help. Difficult times or difficult symptoms vary from person to person. I am here to help guide you and find ways to alleviate your concerns.
I work with teens (13+) and adults, and I specialize in gender-affirming counseling, sexuality exploration, neurodivergence ( ASD/ADHD specifically), improving confidence and self-concept, and major life or career transitions.
My therapeutic approach is relational, trauma-informed, and deeply affirming. I prioritize intersectionality and recognize that each client’s story is shaped by the unique identities and lived experiences they hold. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore what matters most to you.
I work with teens (13+) and adults, and I specialize in gender-affirming counseling, sexuality exploration, neurodivergence ( ASD/ADHD specifically), improving confidence and self-concept, and major life or career transitions.
My therapeutic approach is relational, trauma-informed, and deeply affirming. I prioritize intersectionality and recognize that each client’s story is shaped by the unique identities and lived experiences they hold. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore what matters most to you.
I provide a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in navigating life’s challenges and healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR, I help clients understand patterns that impact their lives and create new opportunities for growth. I often integrate creative techniques—like art and music—to engage the brain, reprocess difficult experiences, and build resilience. Creativity is not only a powerful tool for children and teens but also an essential part of the healing process for anyone looking to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find new pathways forward.
I provide a holistic, integrative approach to therapy, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in navigating life’s challenges and healing from trauma. With specialized training in EMDR, I help clients understand patterns that impact their lives and create new opportunities for growth. I often integrate creative techniques—like art and music—to engage the brain, reprocess difficult experiences, and build resilience. Creativity is not only a powerful tool for children and teens but also an essential part of the healing process for anyone looking to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find new pathways forward.
Reconnection to safety, joy and resiliency is possible. I believe mending & growth happens through understanding our sensory and boundary needs, identifying the parts and systems limiting embodiment and integration, and learning about resources that help move us through what feels hard & stuck. I practice with a compassionate and affirming approach, collaborate with my clients on their healing intentions and needs, and offer a gentle, exploratory container to safely sense, feel and heal. If you’ve ever felt that talk-therapy wasn’t enough, you might find that my somatic practices and ecotherapy offerings are a better fit for you.
Reconnection to safety, joy and resiliency is possible. I believe mending & growth happens through understanding our sensory and boundary needs, identifying the parts and systems limiting embodiment and integration, and learning about resources that help move us through what feels hard & stuck. I practice with a compassionate and affirming approach, collaborate with my clients on their healing intentions and needs, and offer a gentle, exploratory container to safely sense, feel and heal. If you’ve ever felt that talk-therapy wasn’t enough, you might find that my somatic practices and ecotherapy offerings are a better fit for you.
See more therapy options for Apex
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Apex
- Angier
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Pittsboro
- Raleigh
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.