We understand the difficulties you face on a daily basis. At Resilient Mind Counseling, we offer specialized Autism affirming therapy services so that we can help Autistic teenagers and adults. Our team of Neurodivergent affirming therapists either identify as Autistic, AuDHD, ADHD, or have a very strong understanding of Autism in general.
Our practice is AuDHD owned, and we prioritize showing up for a community of people who have been far too often overlooked, dismissed, made to feel different, or invalidated.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. It is characterized by a range of challenges in social skills, communication, sensory dysregulation, and Autistic burnout.
Autism is typically diagnosed in early childhood, although some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until later in life.
We understand the beauty of Neurodiversity. Our specialized Autism Affirming Therapy Services are designed to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of Autistic individuals.
Sensory Sensitivities: Many Autistic individuals experience heightened sensory sensitivities, such as light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This can manifest as discomfort or overload in certain environments but can also provide a unique perspective on the world, noticing details others might overlook.
Special Interests: Autistic people often have intense, passionate interests in specific topics. These interests can be incredibly deep and bring immense joy and fulfillment, leading to expertise in niche subjects. We want to help you deep dive and celebrate your special interests. You’ll never feel “weird” for talking about your passion for the origin of sloths in Costa Rica while you’re in our therapy offices.
Communication Differences: Autistic individuals may communicate in ways that are nontraditional or nonverbal. This can include gestures, sign language, scripting, echolalia, or reliance on alternative augmentative communication (AAC) devices. These forms of communication are valid and meaningful ways of expressing oneself.
Routine and Predictability: Many Autistic people find comfort in routines and predictability. Changes to routines or unexpected events can be challenging to navigate, but having a structured environment can provide stability and reduce anxiety.
Social Interaction: Autistic individuals may approach social interactions differently, finding large gatherings overwhelming or struggling with nuances of social cues. However, they often form deep and genuine connections with others who understand and accept them.
Executive Functioning: Challenges with executive functioning, such as organization, planning, and time management, are common among Autistic individuals. However, they may also demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills in areas of interest.
Hyperfocus: Autistic people often experience hyperfocus, becoming deeply engrossed in a task or topic to the exclusion of other stimuli. This intense focus can lead to great productivity and creativity.
Advocacy and Self-Advocacy: Many Autistic individuals are passionate advocates for themselves and others within the Neurodivergent community. They work to increase acceptance, accessibility, and understanding of autism, challenging stereotypes and promoting Neurodiversity.
Masking and Camouflaging: Autistic individuals may engage in masking or camouflaging behaviors to fit in with Neurotypical expectations. This can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health, and embracing one’s authentic self is an important part of self-acceptance.
Strengths and Abilities: Autistic individuals possess a wide range of strengths and abilities, including attention to detail, creativity, loyalty, honesty, and a unique perspective on the world. Celebrating these strengths is essential for fostering self-confidence and self-worth.
Embracing Individuality: Our therapy celebrates each person’s unique Neurotype, recognizing that no two neurodivergent experiences are alike. By honoring individual strengths and challenges, we empower clients to embrace their authentic selves.
Creating a Safe Space: Neurodivergent therapists provide a safe and understanding environment where clients can express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This nurturing atmosphere fosters trust and encourages open communication.
Respecting Sensory Needs: We recognize and accommodate diverse sensory preferences, ensuring that therapy environments are comfortable and sensory-friendly. From lighting to sound levels, every aspect is tailored to meet the unique sensory needs of each individual. Hell, if you want to do telehealth with your video camera off, that’s absolutely okay with us! Eye contact is not necessary, and fidget toys are encouraged.
Fostering Neuro-Inclusive Language: Our therapists use affirming language that respects the diverse ways individuals process information. By avoiding pathologizing terms and embracing neurodiversity, we create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and understood. You won’t hear our therapists use ASD, and we’ll always honor the ways that you’d like to identify and connect to your Neurotype.
Developing Coping Strategies For Autistic Burnout: We work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and Autistic Burnout. By focusing on strengths and resilience, clients gain practical tools to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Building Social Skills: Social skills are taught in a non-judgmental and supportive manner, with an emphasis on authenticity and self-expression. Neurodivergent therapists provide concrete strategies and practice opportunities to help clients navigate social interactions with confidence. We are ANTI-ABA, and DO NOT practice behavioral modification.
Encouraging Special Interests: Special interests are celebrated as valuable and meaningful aspects of individual identity. Clients are encouraged to explore and pursue their passions, which can lead to increased self-awareness, motivation, and engagement. Our therapists will encourage you to deep dive into your special interests, because we understand the importance of being able to info dump, parallel play, and validating experiences.
At Resilient Mind Counseling in Asheville, NC we understand that asking for help can be hard. Reaching out to an online therapist in North Carolina is a courageous first step. Start your neurodivergent therapy journey with us today by following these steps.
Resilient Mind Counseling provides online therapy throughout Durham and North Carolina. For anyone ranging from teens 12+ to adults. Besides neurodivergence, we also specialize in LGBT therapy and BIPOC struggles. Additionally, we provide depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and PTSD treatment. Along with mood disorder treatment, couples therapy, and marriage counseling! We also have someone to prescribe psychiatric medication in Asheville, NC. First, start by contacting us today!
