By: Leslie Delcid LMFT
As an autism therapist, I get asked how working with neurodiverse clients has changed my world view? To answer this question, I first would like to share with you the career I have had working with neurodiverse youth, teens, and adults.
My Introduction to Working with Teens with Autism
My first experiences working with neurodiverse individuals began as a summer camp counselor after I graduated from high school. At this camp, I was responsible for creating a fun summer program for children from at-risk communities. I learned quickly that despite trying hard to be organized and having everything under control, things wouldn’t go as planned.
Two campers, in particular, helped me understand how to think outside the box. These individuals, both siblings, are on the autism spectrum. Working with these neurodiverse individuals allowed me to see how important it is to listen to their needs. And, how important it is to learn how to support those needs. They gave me new ideas for activities that felt good for them. These campers also offered me new ways of looking at a problem. Once I understood what each individual needed and what type of support would help, I was able to host a fun program where everyone felt heard. I got creative so I could understand the needs of both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals.
What I’ve Learned as An Autism Therapist
As I went on to work with teens and adults on the spectrum, my perspective on neurodiversity continued to grow. I was taught about things that were outside of my world. For example, I learned about video games, special collections/hobbies, and other ways of communicating. Also, I learned how important it is to take a “breather” and have some space to myself when I feel overwhelmed by being around others or experiencing too much “noise.”
As an autism therapist, I realize that I too need a breather and need to enjoy my own special interests. This includes spending time outdoors. Working with neurodiverse individuals reminds me that taking a break and doing my favorite things can be a powerful tool to help all of me feel better again. I think this is a lesson that anyone can learn, rather they are autistic or not. Taking time for self-care and enjoying the things you are passionate about can be energizing and rejuvenating, especially when things are challenging.
Getting to see the world through an autism lends can be extremely rewarding. I’m grateful that working with neurodiverse individuals has taught me how to be patient when I have a limited perspective on something. And, I appreciate how much there is to gain from others with different ideas. We are all made up of experiences unique to us that sometimes only we understand. Basically, we all have a limited worldview until we venture out a bit. Ultimately, I’ve found that sharing our experiences with others can help them expand their worldview and help us understand each other better.
Learn More About What I do as an Autism Therapist at Open Doors Therapy
I am excited to be continuing my counseling career at Open Doors Therapy. As an autism therapist, I enjoy working with neurodiverse teens, adults, and parents. I am excited to help my clients overcome a variety of challenges like anxiety, trauma, LGTBQ+, and identify issues, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Also, I enjoy working with autism parents and assisting them in addressing the concerns or struggles they have regarding parenting their neurodiverse child.
Learn more about me and the rest of our autism therapy team by clicking this link!
Begin Online Autism Therapy in California:
If you’re considering online autism therapy or online autism group therapy in California, I would love to meet with you to discuss your unique experiences. Our autism therapy team is skilled in providing counseling for high-functioning neurodiverse individuals and their parents or caregivers. Follow these steps to begin autism therapy in California:
- Contact us for a free 30-minute phone consultation using this link. You will meet with one of our autism therapists.
- Like us on Facebook. On our page, we post useful information about our autism therapy clinic.
- Sign up to receive our newsletter.
Autism Therapy Services offered at Open Doors Therapy:
Our autism therapy clinic located in the South Bay Area serves teens and adults on the autism spectrum. We help high functioning individuals who identify as having Aspergers, high functioning autism, undiagnosed autism traits, etc. and their families.
Currently, we are providing all our autism counseling services online. Our autism therapy team provides a variety of autism services including individual counseling for autistic teens and adults, parent counseling, and group therapy. Also, we run several different social skills groups for neurodiverse working professionals, college students with autistic traits, gifted youth & caregivers, autistic adults, women who identify as neurodiverse, a summer social skills college transition training program for youth transitioning to college, teens & caregivers, and a mothers group. Please contact our autism counseling office for more information on our services or to schedule a consultation.
