SENIORS & AUTISM Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back UNDERSTANDING AUTISM IN SENIORS We specialize in providing compassionate therapy services for individuals with neurodiverse conditions, including autism. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to supporting seniors who are on the autism spectrum, acknowledging the unique challenges they may face. In this section, we will explore the symptoms of autism in seniors, how it can impact their relationships, and how psychotherapy can be a valuable resource. Are you Autistic? Take this Test SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN SENIORS ​ Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that manifests differently in individuals. While it is commonly associated with childhood, autism can persist throughout a person's life, including their senior years. In seniors, autism symptoms may become more pronounced due to age-related changes and additional stressors. Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test IMPACT OF AUTISM ON SENIORS IN RELATIONSHIPS Seniors with autism may face additional complexities within their long-standing relationships. The unique challenges that autism presents can impact both the autistic individual and their partner. These challenges may include: ​ 1. Communication barriers and misinterpretation of intentions. 2. Difficulty understanding and reciprocating… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send ​HOW PSYCHOTHERAPY CAN HELP AUTISTIC SENIORS ​ Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can provide invaluable support for autistic seniors, helping them navigate the complexities of their condition and improve their overall well-being. Here are ten specific ways that psychotherapy can benefit seniors on the autism spectrum: ​ 1. Developing… Show More ​SOURCES 1. Autism Society. (n.d.). What is Autism? Retrieved from [source]( https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/).2 . National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Autism in older adults. Retrieved from [source]( https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/adults/autism-in-older-adults).3 . Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Adults with Autism. Retrieved from [source]( https://www.autismspeaks.org/adults-autism).4 . Hurlbutt, K., & Chalmers, L. (2004). Adults with autism speak out: perceptions of their life experiences. Focus on Autism… Show More

OCD & AUTISM Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back OCD & AUTISM OCD, AUTISM, & ADHD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often intersects with neurodivergent conditions such as Autism and ADHD, creating a complex web of intertwined experiences. Recognizing and understanding these intersections is crucial for providing tailored support that meets your needs. Research indicates that a significant number of Autistic individuals, up to 37%, also grapple with OCD . The manifestation of OCD in Autistic individuals varies widely, necessitating a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment. The intersection of OCD and Autism presents challenges affecting daily life, impacting sensory experiences,… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test OCD & ADHD: The co-occurrence of OCD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not uncommon, with research suggesting prevalence rates from 8% to 30% . Shared genetic and neurobiological factors , coupled with challenges in executive functioning, contribute to the complex interaction between OCD and ADHD. Navigating life with both conditions presents a… Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test BONUS QUESTION: IS OCD CONSIDERED NEURODIVERGENCE? ​ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often considered a form of neurodivergence, falling within the umbrella of conditions that deviate from the perceived norm in terms of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Alongside conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia, OCD represents a unique facet… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send NEXT STEPS ​ Our first step in helping you is to clearly understanding what is driving your behavior. We will take an individualized approach to understand whether OCD, autism or ADHD (or a combination) are at play, and then work with you to develop a treatment plan. To take the… Show More

AUTISM & ART THERAPY Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back WELCOME TO OUR ART THERAPY JOURNEY FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS Hello and welcome from Colleen Kahn and Stephen Robertson ! We are a pair of art therapists who specialize in neurodiversity, with a particular focus on autism. Our passion lies in the beautiful intersection of art and therapy , a space where expression knows no bounds and every stroke of a brush tells a story. We believe in the transformative power of art therapy to support autistic adults in their journey toward self-expression, communication, and emotional well-being. THE HEART OF ART THERAPY Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY ​ In our sessions, we embark on a journey of self-discovery together. We begin by creating a space where you feel comfortable and understood. There's no right or wrong here, just the freedom to explore and create. We'll guide you through various art-making processes, encouraging you… Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS OF ART CREATION ​ Our therapeutic process is centered on the individual. Here's a glimpse into what you can expect: ​ 1. Setting Intentions: We start by setting intentions for our session, focusing on what you hope to explore or express through your art. 2. Exploration and… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send JOIN US ​ We invite you to join us in this journey of discovery, healing, and expression. Whether you're new to art or an experienced creator, our sessions are designed to provide a supportive space for you to explore and communicate in ways that words alone cannot capture. Together, we'll… Show More

ALEXITHYMIA Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back ALEXITHYMIA Do you struggle to recognize and express emotions? Do you feel a bit confused whenever a friend asks "How are you?" Are you uncomfortable around others who are processing their emotions? ​ Do you prefer to "live in your head?" ​ If you answer is "I think so" to most of these you, are probably in the right place. WHAT IS ALEXITHYMIA? Alexithymia is a condition characterized by challenges in identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions. Individuals with alexithymia may find it difficult to recognize their own feelings… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test 7 SIGNS OF ALEXITHYMIA Difficulty Identifying Emotions: Individuals with alexithymia may struggle to label and identify their own emotions accurately. This can make it challenging to communicate their feelings to others. Limited Emotional Vocabulary: A restricted emotional vocabulary is a common sign of alexithymia. Expressing nuanced or complex emotions may be… Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test ALEXYTHMIA SCREENING TESTS Online alexithymia tests are tools designed to provide an initial assessment of one's level of alexithymia. It's important to note that online tests cannot replace a thorough evaluation by one of our team members. Here are two widely used online alexithymia tests that you can start with: Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO ALEXITHYMIA At our counseling group, our therapists adopt a compassionate and individualized approach to working with clients experiencing alexithymia. We understand that each person's journey is unique, and our goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters emotional exploration and growth. ​ We employ a range… Show More

SPECIALTY Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back ALEXITHYMIA Do you struggle to recognize and express emotions? Do you feel a bit confused whenever a friend asks "How are you?" Are you uncomfortable around others who are processing their emotions? ​ Do you prefer to "live in your head?" ​ If you answer is "I think so" to most of these you, are probably in the right place. WHAT IS ALEXITHYMIA? Alexithymia is a condition characterized by challenges in identifying, understanding, and expressing emotions. Individuals with alexithymia may find it difficult to recognize their own feelings… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test AUTISM & EATING We are here to provide affirming and effective support for neurodivergent people around food and eating. ​ Whether you are autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive, sensory processing differences, seizure disorders, OCD or otherwise identify as neurodivergent, you are in the right place. ​ STRUGGLING WITH EATING ​ We… Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test AUTISM & ART THERAPY WELCOME TO OUR ART THERAPY JOURNEY FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS Hello and welcome from Colleen Kahn and Stephen Robertson ! We are a pair of art therapists who specialize in neurodiversity, with a particular focus on autism. Our passion lies in the beautiful intersection of art and… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send AUTISM & CANCER SUPPORTING THOSE WITH AUTISM & CANCER Cancer can be a tremendous challenge for anyone. ​ Yet, if you are autistic, you may face unique difficulties in dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of cancer. And, thus you deserve specialized support. AUTISTIC WITH CANCER: CHALLENGES Here… Show More OCD & AUTISM OCD, AUTISM, & ADHD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often intersects with neurodivergent conditions such as Autism and ADHD, creating a complex web of intertwined experiences. Recognizing and understanding these intersections is crucial for providing tailored support that meets your needs. Research indicates that a significant number of Autistic… Show More SENIORS WITH AUTISM UNDERSTANDING AUSTIM IN SENIORS We specialize in providing compassionate therapy services for individuals with neurodiverse conditions, including autism. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to supporting seniors who are on the autism spectrum, acknowledging the unique challenges they may face. In this section, we will explore the symptoms… Show More

FAQ's Schedule a Free Consult Now < Back NEURODIVERSE THERAPY: COST HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST? IS IT WORTH IT? FEE RANGE: Our session fees range from $150/session to $350/session and what you pay would depend on the therapist you choose to work with. Sessions last 50 minutes. FINDING OUT YOUR FEE: After you complete the contact form, you will be assigned a therapist or coach who will inform you of her or his fee per session. TOTAL COST: The length of therapy varies a great deal based on your goals but a typical couple may… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test NEURODIVERSE THERAPY: APPROACHES WHAT APPROACHES WILL MY THERAPIST USE? Our therapists use a wide range of theoretical approaches to ensure that you are met with the kind of care best suited to you. You can read about all of our therapists and their approaches on our Team Page. WHAT IS… Show More Are you ADHD? Take this Test NEURODIVERSE THERAPY: PROCESS DO I HAVE TO GET A DIAGNOSIS? Most of our clients do NOT seek to receive a diagnosis , nor do we find much benefit in providing one. It is much more effective to treat whatever unique characteristics which present themselves and avoid the negative effects of labeling and… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send "CAN YOU HELP?" MY PARTNER STRUGGLES TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS AND THOUGHTS. CAN YOU HELP? Absolutely. You may be describing "alexithymia" , which is a deficit in the ability to identify and describe emotions experienced by one's self. The Aspie partner HAS the feelings and thoughts but just struggles to express them. Show More GROUPS COST Pricing varies based on the group. See more information on our Group page. Because the fee "reserves" your spot in the group, you will be charged for each session even if you miss it. FORMAT Each group will have a slightly different format, but they will all include… Show More MORE QUESTIONS? More FAQ's (general info & insurance) - click here

Meet Our Team All Team Members are Neurodiverse Couples Specialists. ​ To find their ADDITIONAL specialty areas, select one of the buttons below. ​ Therapist Finder All ADHD Addiction Affairs Assessment Autism Blended Brainspotting Buddist - Spiritual Cancer & Autism Cassandra Children Christian Couples Retreat DBT Discernment Eating & Autism Emotion Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Intimate Partner Violence LGBTQIA+ Muslim background ND at Work Neurodiverse Couples Parenting Parenting Neurodiversity Sex Sex-Kink-Poly Teens Trans Tamala Takahashi Jory Wilson Adela Stone Liz McClanahan Soy Kim Blaze Lazarony Kristin Herbert Lisa Marie Anzaldua Robin Greenblat Anne Hoglund Colleen Kahn Stephen Robertson Nicole Knowlton Bassy Lee Joseph Kaiser Monica Attia Amanda Buckman Danielle Grossman Adrienne Vincenti Tony Traback Harry Motro Inna Kuchmenko Leila Pirnia Steve Howard Julie Anderson Lauren Florio Whitney Pressley MA, Client Care Coordinator Whitney Pressley is our Client Care Coordinator. Reach out to her today. She is also a trained therapist and will understand your needs so she can connect you with the right provider. ​ Schedule an Intake Meeting with Whitney at: https://calendly.com/whitneyclientcare/newclientinitialintakemeeting ​ Email : whitneyclientcare@gmail.com Text or Call: (305) 376-0675 ​ More about the TEAM... We're a group of dedicated therapists and coaches who have come together to: treat the neurodiverse community with respect, develop a robust set of tools to help neurodiverse couples, approach neurodiverse healing from a strength-based approach , ​understand that the trauma of past misunderstanding needs to be healed in a gentle way,​ share best-practices for neurodiverse therapy amongst the team so we can offer you a beneficial experience, and offer integrated therapy where both the couple and each partner can each have their own counselor ; yet, the therapy is synchronized to achieve compatible goals. ​ Please complete the contact form to be matched with a neurodiverse therapist or coach.

SUPPORT FOR NEUROTYPICALS < Back THE NEUROTYPICAL EXPERIENCE Because the person with autism does not have the same relational needs as the allistic partner, he or she is often unable to instinctively recognize the emotional needs of his or her partner and may feel ill-equipped to meet them. Relationships can thus form seriously dysfunctional patterns. RELATIONSHIP OF CONVENIENCE? People who do not have autism enter a relationship with the normal expectation that the priority of a relationship will be about togetherness, mutual terms and meeting of… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now CASSANDRA SYNDROME (CADD) & OTHER SYMPTOMS Many neurotypical partners often feel that they are sacrificing their own sense of self to help fulfill the priorities of the partner who has autism. They begin to feel that they are entirely defined by the role they fill for their autistic partner. There often is a felt loss of mutuality. This set of symptoms has been described in many ways: ​ Ongoing Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (OTRS) Cassandra Phenomenon (CADD) Affective Deprivation Disorder… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

NEURODIVERSE PARENTING < Back HELPING YOUR CHILD THRIVE Most parents are willing to sacrifice almost anything to see your child happy, independent, and productive. We see parents bend over backwards to support their children. If you are using the wrong approach for them or if mom and dad are not on the same page, everyone in the family can quickly become exhausted and discouraged. You may even start to wonder if you are doing something wrong and making things more difficult. No… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Do you suspect that your child may have symptoms of social anxiety or high functioning autism? Is your child clearly intelligent but, yet struggling to read social cues? Is your child struggling making friends and/or keeping them? Is your child being bullied, or spending more time alone than you would like to see? Are adult responsibilities being ignored by your teen or young adult? Do you feel unsure about your child’s future? Is there a lack of… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test YOU ARE NOT ALONE At the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center, we have therapists who work extensively with parents of neurodiverse children. A few of the basics that we cover include: Understanding the WHY behind your child's behaviors. This can include avoidance, attention-getting, sensory stimulation, protest, attempt to gain access, or an attempt to go from powerless to control. Planning strategies for predictable behaviors. This work involves examining regular problematic behaviors with an eye to changing what you can control… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

AUTISTIC MEN < Back FROM SHAME TO ACCEPTANCE “Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality.Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white, and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something.” ― Tara Kelly, Harmonic Feedback FIRST PRIORITY Our first priority is to be able to see the beauty of our differences . This journey may require rethinking a life of experiencing negative messages from society. This rethinking process must operate in the background of all… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now EXAMPLE THERAPY ROADMAP When we work together, we will review the list below and together construct a session-by-session roadmap of our work together. ​ STRENGTHS Identify your strengths and build a plan on how to leverage them in your relationship. Make peace with your Asperger traits. Sensory processing Understand your sensory processing system. In basic terms, your sensory processing system is how your brain detects, prioritizes, and remembers what is happening around you and inside of you. Explore strategies to manage your… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

DUAL DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT < Back AUTISM & ADHD OVERLAP WHAT IS AuDHD? AuDHD is a relatively new unofficial term that describes a person who has both autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, it is a merging of the terms Autism and ADHD into AuDHD. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect a person's behavior, social interaction, and communication. It is essential to remember that treatment for AuDHD should be individualized to meet the specific… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES ​ It is important to note that the main diagnostic criteria of ASD and ADHD do not overlap. The core characteristics of ASD are: differences in communication and social interaction, repeated behaviors, and specialized interests. By contrast, the core symptoms of ADHD are: attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Sometimes, symptoms may appear similar but the underlying origins are different. This can be seen in the points below:​ INDIVIDUALS WITH ASD AND ADHD CAN STRUGGLE WITH… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test ORIGINS OF ASD & ADHD GENETICS Studies have identified several genes that may be involved in both ASD and ADHD. One such gene is the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene, which is involved in the regulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine (Thapar & Cooper, 2013). Dopamine is known to play a key role in many cognitive and emotional processes, including attention, motivation, and reward. Variants of the DRD4 gene have been associated with an increased risk of both ASD and ADHD . Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

NEURODIVERSE COUPLES GROUP < Back FEELING ALONE IN YOUR NEURODIVERSE RELATIONSHIP? Neurodiverse Couples often feel utterly alone in their struggles. It is hard to explain your experiences to friends and family for fear of being judged or misunderstood. Our group goal is to provide a safe space for you to speak with other neurodiverse couples about how neurodiversity affects your relationship. Most couples quickly realize that their issues sound similar to everyone else's. This helps lessen the shame and stress you may be feeling and, hopefully,… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now GROUP FORMAT Each group is limited to 5 couples. Couples meet for 1 hour and 15 minutes twice a month on Zoom. The group begins with a brief "relationship check-in." After this, there is a 15 to 20-minute training or discussion of a topic dealing with relationships. The topics (which may be modified based on your interests) are: Neurodiverse Communication Sensory Connections Understanding pursue/withdraw patterns Building Intimacy (Love List exercise) Navigating Anger Time Together and Apart Sexual Connections Open topic… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test GROUP REQUIREMENTS The requirements are: You must have an initial couples interview session with your therapist/coach, although this may not be needed for current or past clients. You can not be in crisis. Your therapist/coach will help you define this. You must be willing to commit to at least eight sessions. You must commit to complete confidentiality of what is discussed during our group sessions. No formal diagnosis of ASD or ADHD is required. Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN < Back UNDERSTANDING THE MISUNDERSTOOD: SUPPORTING TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN At our neurodiverse therapy center, many of our couples care deeply about their twice exceptional (2e) children. These children possess both exceptional abilities and learning differences, often leading to misunderstandings and mislabeling within society. As it is our desire to support the whole family, we want to help the children too. Thus, some of our team members have specialized in caring for twice exceptional children. These therapists work hard to comprehend the unique challenges… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now NAVIGATING DUAL EXCEPTIONALITIES GIFTED & AUTISM/ASPBERGER'S (ASD) The co-occurrence of giftedness and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger's syndrome presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our therapists specialize in understanding the intersection of these dual exceptionalities. They provide individualized support that acknowledges the strengths of gifted 2e children with ASD, such as their focused interests and attention to detail, while addressing the social and communication difficulties they may encounter. Through social skills training, sensory integration techniques, and personalized educational strategies, our… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test ENSURING AN OPTIMAL EDUCATION: ADVOCATING FOR TWICE EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN Advocating for appropriate educational placement and support is crucial for 2e children to thrive academically and socially. Our therapists work closely with families, educators, and school administrators to advocate for individualized education plans (IEPs), gifted programs, acceleration, and other necessary accommodations. By providing comprehensive assessments, educational consultation, and ongoing collaboration, we ensure that the educational environment is conducive to the unique needs and abilities of 2e children. Our goal is to… Show More Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send

ADHD WOMEN < Back THE OVERLOOKED SYMPTOMS OF AHDH IN WOMEN Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects people of all genders and ages, but the symptoms in adult women often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. This is due to a lack of understanding about how ADHD manifests in women and the assumption that it only affects boys and men. The symptoms of ADHD in women can include forgetfulness, distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Women with ADHD are often labeled as “scatter-brained” or “flaky,” but… Show More Schedule a Free Consult Now THEARAPEUTIC APPROACHES FOR WOMEN WITH ADHD We offer a range of therapeutic approaches for women with ADHD, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, and coaching. CBT is particularly effective for ADHD, as it helps clients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD symptoms. We also provide practical tools and resources to help clients manage their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ADHD THERAPY ​ Our therapists take a holistic… Show More Are you Autistic? Take this Test FORMAL ADHD ASSESSMENT In addition to our therapeutic services, we partner with the Adult Autism Assessment Center to provide formal assessments and reports for ADHD. These assessments can provide clients with a formal diagnosis, as well as recommendations for accommodations and support. Sign up to receive weekly tips, tools and cutting edge info Send