Autism Therapists in Chicago, IL
![Photo of Julia Howard, LCSW, CYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/b151727e-5880-42a5-8cbb-06de5be6708e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60610
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical areas of specialty include neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, OCD) and those exploring it, anxiety, relationship challenges, career concerns, and perinatal mental health. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who face challenges related to these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.
My clinical areas of specialty include neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, OCD) and those exploring it, anxiety, relationship challenges, career concerns, and perinatal mental health. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who face challenges related to these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.
![Photo of Justin Hahn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/c1efe2ae-0f42-49c0-a52b-8125884deef3/2/320x400.jpeg)
With eight years of experience in therapy, I have worked extensively in outpatient and in-home settings, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, addiction/substance abuse, and autism spectrum disorder. Recognizing the challenges of daily life, I offer evidence-based perspectives to streamline the therapeutic process. Utilizing mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and a deep understanding of neurodiversity, my aim is to facilitate healing and self-actualization.
With eight years of experience in therapy, I have worked extensively in outpatient and in-home settings, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, addiction/substance abuse, and autism spectrum disorder. Recognizing the challenges of daily life, I offer evidence-based perspectives to streamline the therapeutic process. Utilizing mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and a deep understanding of neurodiversity, my aim is to facilitate healing and self-actualization.
![Photo of Amanda Besinger, MS, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/51ac117e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Besinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
I also specialize in neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism, with a focus on the unique needs of late-diagnosed and self-identified adults.
What if the things that make you different are actually your strengths? My clients often come to me feeling worried, depressed, disconnected, or overwhelmed-- sometimes, after they've already been trying for years on their own. In our work together, we help you find relief, self-acceptance, positive change, and real growth by building on your unique strengths. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most valuable tools we have to help you feel centered, empowered, and strong. We all deserve to feel seen and accepted for who we are by someone who cares.
I also specialize in neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism, with a focus on the unique needs of late-diagnosed and self-identified adults.
What if the things that make you different are actually your strengths? My clients often come to me feeling worried, depressed, disconnected, or overwhelmed-- sometimes, after they've already been trying for years on their own. In our work together, we help you find relief, self-acceptance, positive change, and real growth by building on your unique strengths. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is one of the most valuable tools we have to help you feel centered, empowered, and strong. We all deserve to feel seen and accepted for who we are by someone who cares.
![Photo of Brandon Tessers, LCPC](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/e6f89058-af8a-461e-9155-37d5189b5ec4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandon Tessers
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
As a leader in the neurodiversity movement, I have dedicated my work as a therapist, educator, speaker, supervisor, business owner, and writer to support major shifts in conceptualizing mental health and create lasting change for neurodivergent folks. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring ADHD, AuDHD, autism, race, creativity, artistic identity, queerness, executive functioning, and relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. I lead with authenticity and a unique focus on language that helps my clients design a life that reflects their unique wants, interests, desires, goals, and identities.
As a leader in the neurodiversity movement, I have dedicated my work as a therapist, educator, speaker, supervisor, business owner, and writer to support major shifts in conceptualizing mental health and create lasting change for neurodivergent folks. I specialize in working with clients who are exploring ADHD, AuDHD, autism, race, creativity, artistic identity, queerness, executive functioning, and relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. I lead with authenticity and a unique focus on language that helps my clients design a life that reflects their unique wants, interests, desires, goals, and identities.
![Photo of Orli Firestein, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/b4446576-7d9f-4c5c-a153-7bdfcfd50ea7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Orli Firestein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60661 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Additional specialties include: neurodivergence, complex relationships/family systems, compassion or autism-masking fatigue, emotional regulation, and life transitions.
Are you tired of masking your neurodivergence in a neurotypical world? Perhaps this leads to depression or feelings of alienation. Maybe you find yourself frequently putting others’ needs above your own, to the point where you feel run-down and emotionally exhausted. You may be facing a major life change or decision, either for yourself or for your family. In these situations, it can be challenging to identify, navigate, and express your emotions and needs, but you don’t need to do this on your own. Together, we can figure out ways to make life more manageable while remaining true to yourself and nurturing your neurotype.
Additional specialties include: neurodivergence, complex relationships/family systems, compassion or autism-masking fatigue, emotional regulation, and life transitions.
Are you tired of masking your neurodivergence in a neurotypical world? Perhaps this leads to depression or feelings of alienation. Maybe you find yourself frequently putting others’ needs above your own, to the point where you feel run-down and emotionally exhausted. You may be facing a major life change or decision, either for yourself or for your family. In these situations, it can be challenging to identify, navigate, and express your emotions and needs, but you don’t need to do this on your own. Together, we can figure out ways to make life more manageable while remaining true to yourself and nurturing your neurotype.
![Photo of Rachael Anderson, MA, LPC, BCBA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/a97ffad0-edce-4d37-9eef-973424aaba72/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
My areas of experience include anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, grief and loss, self-esteem, and life transitions.
I have a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, & evidence-based interventions. Along with my skills I use warmth, professionalism, humor, and expertise into my practice. I provide unconditional acceptance as clients share their story with me. I provide each client with individualized treatment plans to best support their needs while considering the complexity of their individual identity. I work to create a collaborative environment from a strength-based approach to help identify goals rooted in client’s values and continue to develop areas of focus as they make progress throughout our sessions.
My areas of experience include anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, grief and loss, self-esteem, and life transitions.
I have a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, & evidence-based interventions. Along with my skills I use warmth, professionalism, humor, and expertise into my practice. I provide unconditional acceptance as clients share their story with me. I provide each client with individualized treatment plans to best support their needs while considering the complexity of their individual identity. I work to create a collaborative environment from a strength-based approach to help identify goals rooted in client’s values and continue to develop areas of focus as they make progress throughout our sessions.
![Photo of El Rector, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/690b2b06-6f22-4bf2-9151-eb69f036f72e/1/320x400.jpeg)
El Rector
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60626 (Online Only)
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders.
Whether you have specific goals in therapy, or are simply struggling to keep your head above water, therapy can be a space to slow down and allow yourself the opportunity to sit with your experiences and feelings. I love working with queer and trans folks, people exploring their gender and sexuality for the first time, as well as people with Autism and ADHD, and people who are exploring the possibility that they may be neurodivergent. I also enjoy working with people with complex trauma histories, religious trauma, complicated family dynamics, as well as people struggling with anxiety and mood disorders.
![Photo of Ken Chen, PhD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/58a63d0a-8bf1-4c83-a570-3bb174214ccd/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a bilingual (Mandarin) Clinical Psychologist based in Chicago. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, Autism, substance-related disorder, ADHD and trauma. My style is warm, practical and straightforward. I believe everyone has potential to live a promising and satisfying life if you dare to challenge your way of thinking, your way of feeling and your way of actions. The feelings might be overwhelming right now, but they can prompt you to evaluate and make changes right now to benefit your future.
I am a bilingual (Mandarin) Clinical Psychologist based in Chicago. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, Autism, substance-related disorder, ADHD and trauma. My style is warm, practical and straightforward. I believe everyone has potential to live a promising and satisfying life if you dare to challenge your way of thinking, your way of feeling and your way of actions. The feelings might be overwhelming right now, but they can prompt you to evaluate and make changes right now to benefit your future.
![Photo of Ashley Coleman, LCPC, ATR, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/34c97d90-be01-48e1-aec3-610fa457475e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
![Photo of Amanda Grippi, LPC](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/aeadac50-2b0f-4c57-87ef-1b81dd50d915/1/320x400.png)
Hey there! My name is Amanda Grippi. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, minors, preteens, and children with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, LGBTQIA+, Trauma, and PTSD. That being said, I am always client-centered and use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during treatment. I believe that I am down-to-Earth and open-minded and don't just tell them what I think but what they need to do.
Hey there! My name is Amanda Grippi. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families, minors, preteens, and children with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, LGBTQIA+, Trauma, and PTSD. That being said, I am always client-centered and use a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapies during treatment. I believe that I am down-to-Earth and open-minded and don't just tell them what I think but what they need to do.
![Photo of Nahime Guadalupe Aguirre Mtanous, AM, LSW, ASDCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/693d484f-534b-4b11-bd7b-28d5213cc2e5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nahime Guadalupe Aguirre Mtanous
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LSW, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
My work focuses on supporting the mental health of adults with various presentations of neurodiversity, like Autism, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Down's Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. You might be looking for someone to help you work on "adulting." You may be dealing with the stress of becoming independent. You want to work through the anxiety and depression from living in a world that isn't built for people like us. We can work together on to figure out your values. You and I will create goals towards finding your own happiness and feeling powerful.
My work focuses on supporting the mental health of adults with various presentations of neurodiversity, like Autism, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Down's Syndrome, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. You might be looking for someone to help you work on "adulting." You may be dealing with the stress of becoming independent. You want to work through the anxiety and depression from living in a world that isn't built for people like us. We can work together on to figure out your values. You and I will create goals towards finding your own happiness and feeling powerful.
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![Photo of Caitlin Ruby Miller, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/0327e71c-e698-4b4e-83f9-0c8f99bf4546/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin Ruby Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Do you find yourself overwhelmed and stuck in an overstimulating world? Utilizing a therapy style uniquely crafted for you, I will work with you to find a sense of purpose, empowerment, and alignment with your deepest self. I specialize in working with clients exploring neurodiversity, self purpose, creativity, "giftedness", ADHD, autism, boundaries, burnout, relationships, mind-body connection, anxiety, bipolar, and depression. The strength in my approach comes from a balance of experimenting with tangible interventions to improve your life and awareness that empowers you to achieve a greater connection to inner wisdom.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed and stuck in an overstimulating world? Utilizing a therapy style uniquely crafted for you, I will work with you to find a sense of purpose, empowerment, and alignment with your deepest self. I specialize in working with clients exploring neurodiversity, self purpose, creativity, "giftedness", ADHD, autism, boundaries, burnout, relationships, mind-body connection, anxiety, bipolar, and depression. The strength in my approach comes from a balance of experimenting with tangible interventions to improve your life and awareness that empowers you to achieve a greater connection to inner wisdom.
![Photo of Mary Donner, LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/17e2571d-1acf-4300-ba8f-56f8501f56f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Donner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
Specialties: LGBTQ+ issues; ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergence (the larger umbrella); Diverse family formation; PTSD/CPTSD; BDSM/kink; Polyamory/non-monogamy/monogamy; Relational Issues; Religious trauma/cults; Sex work; Substance use; Grief/death/loss; Chronic illness; Aging; Modalities: Somatic, Neurodivergent coping/communication, Jungian, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
My role as a therapist is to be an active collaborator in your journey to reclaim your own unique vitality. I offer a variety of therapeutic methods that help you improve your quality of life, connection with yourself and others, and to develop your own internal sense of purpose and resilience.
Specialties: LGBTQ+ issues; ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergence (the larger umbrella); Diverse family formation; PTSD/CPTSD; BDSM/kink; Polyamory/non-monogamy/monogamy; Relational Issues; Religious trauma/cults; Sex work; Substance use; Grief/death/loss; Chronic illness; Aging; Modalities: Somatic, Neurodivergent coping/communication, Jungian, DBT, ACT and EMDR.
My role as a therapist is to be an active collaborator in your journey to reclaim your own unique vitality. I offer a variety of therapeutic methods that help you improve your quality of life, connection with yourself and others, and to develop your own internal sense of purpose and resilience.
![Photo of Allison Lobel, PsyD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3c851f50-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have diverse experience working with developmental delays, autism and Asperger's disorder, peer relational difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, behavioral and regulatory difficulties, parent-child conflict, and school-related problems.
I appreciate the long and difficult journey one can sometimes experience prior to making the decision to seek out the support of a therapist. Therapy can offer a hopeful means of prevention and intervention and facilitate a healthy way of responding to challenging behaviors and complex developmental issues. With specialized training working with children, adolescents, and families, I am committed to collaborating with you throughout the therapy process in order to work towards the desired progress and growth for you and your family.
I have diverse experience working with developmental delays, autism and Asperger's disorder, peer relational difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, behavioral and regulatory difficulties, parent-child conflict, and school-related problems.
I appreciate the long and difficult journey one can sometimes experience prior to making the decision to seek out the support of a therapist. Therapy can offer a hopeful means of prevention and intervention and facilitate a healthy way of responding to challenging behaviors and complex developmental issues. With specialized training working with children, adolescents, and families, I am committed to collaborating with you throughout the therapy process in order to work towards the desired progress and growth for you and your family.
![Photo of Mikiela Cobb, PsyD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/4025dbfb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and completed my internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Throughout my training, I have gained experience working with children, adolescents, and their families across a variety of settings. My work focuses on the holistic assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with behavior concerns, attention difficulties, developmental differences (including Autism Spectrum Disorders), selective mutism, and general mood concerns. I practice from a family systems perspective and am trained in a number of evidence based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and completed my internship at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital. Throughout my training, I have gained experience working with children, adolescents, and their families across a variety of settings. My work focuses on the holistic assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with behavior concerns, attention difficulties, developmental differences (including Autism Spectrum Disorders), selective mutism, and general mood concerns. I practice from a family systems perspective and am trained in a number of evidence based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
![Photo of Zaraar Zahid, MA, LPC, CCTP, CCATP, ASDCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/88ea83a5-9272-4881-a8bd-63d7bbb69bed/1/320x400.png)
Zaraar Zahid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, CCATP, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
![Photo of Randy Summerville, PsyD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/5c9446f4-5f9a-45c0-b98f-c9fb1201cd29/2/320x400.jpeg)
Were happy to help with complex differential diagnoses associated with development in early childhood, adolescent and adults. We assist with understanding the complexity to guide medication management and future treatment in regards to developmental factors, traumatic brain injuries, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and Asperger's disorder. An appropriate evaluation can help decrease stress in one's life, and will help an individual meet future goals by understanding personal strength and weaknesses.
Were happy to help with complex differential diagnoses associated with development in early childhood, adolescent and adults. We assist with understanding the complexity to guide medication management and future treatment in regards to developmental factors, traumatic brain injuries, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and Asperger's disorder. An appropriate evaluation can help decrease stress in one's life, and will help an individual meet future goals by understanding personal strength and weaknesses.
![Photo of Willow Florence Krafcik, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/817ee0da-03e2-47c7-b5cb-879ae5966938/2/320x400.jpeg)
Willow enjoys integrating somatic and neurological support when working with learning disabilities, PTSD, autism, OCD and ADHD.
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
Willow enjoys integrating somatic and neurological support when working with learning disabilities, PTSD, autism, OCD and ADHD.
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
![Photo of Solveig Roverud, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/48c31f84-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a career social worker and have experience in many environments including autism management and adjustment (parent and child), special education and IEP advocacy, the child welfare system, NICU, high risk maternal fetal medicine practice and clinic, labor and delivery, and pediatric units.
I’m glad you came upon my profile in your search for a skilled and effective therapist. I have extensive experience working with people who are facing stressful life events that lead to depression, anxiety, and a general feeling of sadness or being stuck. I use a comprehensive approach while focusing on all aspects of your life to help you cope as you are experiencing challenges related to grief and loss, infertility, pregnancy, parenting adjustment, parenting children/teens with special needs, adjusting to medical complexity, job stress including classroom and first responder trauma, life transition and anxiety and depression.
I am a career social worker and have experience in many environments including autism management and adjustment (parent and child), special education and IEP advocacy, the child welfare system, NICU, high risk maternal fetal medicine practice and clinic, labor and delivery, and pediatric units.
I’m glad you came upon my profile in your search for a skilled and effective therapist. I have extensive experience working with people who are facing stressful life events that lead to depression, anxiety, and a general feeling of sadness or being stuck. I use a comprehensive approach while focusing on all aspects of your life to help you cope as you are experiencing challenges related to grief and loss, infertility, pregnancy, parenting adjustment, parenting children/teens with special needs, adjusting to medical complexity, job stress including classroom and first responder trauma, life transition and anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Edie Morris, ATR, LCPC, Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/15caad94-6dfb-41a5-8c4b-74da58ce36ed/3/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to support your journey towards coping, healing, and growing through an integration of talk and art therapy services. I am a queer and neurodivergent affirming, fat positive, and BIPOC ally clinician. I have a passion and specialized experience in working with peoples with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, physical disabilities, parents, therapists, and other care providers.
My goal is to support your journey towards coping, healing, and growing through an integration of talk and art therapy services. I am a queer and neurodivergent affirming, fat positive, and BIPOC ally clinician. I have a passion and specialized experience in working with peoples with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, physical disabilities, parents, therapists, and other care providers.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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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.