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14137 Clayton Road Town and Country, MO 63017
info@getcenteredcounselingstl.com | 314-899-2670

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    • Adult Counseling, Stress Management & More in the St. Louis Area
      • ADD/ADHD Counseling for Me
      • Anger Management Counseling in the St. Louis Area
      • Autism Spectrum Counseling for Adults
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • Counseling for Anxiety
      • Counseling for New Mothers
      • Counseling for Parents-Guardians
      • Counseling for Trauma in the St. Louis Area
      • Depression Counseling for Adults
      • Disordered Eating Counseling for Adults
      • Grief & Bereavement Counseling
      • LGBTQIA+ Individual Therapy
      • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
      • Men’s Issues
      • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Counseling
      • Social Anxiety Disorder Counseling
    • Child & Teenage Counseling in St. Louis & Surrounding Area
      • ADD/ADHD Counseling
      • Anxiety for Youth and Teens
      • Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy
      • Depression Counseling for Kids and Teens
      • Disordered Eating – Teens and Youth
      • Family/Household Concerns
      • Gaming Disorder Treatment & Counseling for Teens in the St. Louis Area
      • Grief/Loss
      • Home/School Behaviors
      • Play Therapy
      • Self Esteem/Bullying
      • Unhealthy/Unsafe Relationships
    • Therapy for Young Adults & College Students in St. Louis
    • For Couples
      • Conjoint Couples/Parenting Therapy
      • Conflict Resolution
      • Marriage Counseling & Couples Counseling in the St. Louis Area
      • Divorce Recovery Therapy
      • Pre-Marital Counseling
    • For Families
      • Counseling for Drinking or Chemical Use Concerns
      • “Failure to Launch” Syndrome
      • Family Counseling
    • Telehealth
    • ADHD, Speech Pathology, Coaching in St. Louis & Surrounding Area
      • ADHD Rehabilitation Coaching
      • For Work/Life Balance and Healthy Living
    • Work/Life Balance Coaching in the St. Louis Area
      • Coaching for Career Balance
      • Team Coaching
      • Leadership Coaching
      • Leadership Development
    • Groups
  • Meet Our Team
    • Counselors
    • Coaches
    • Collaborators
  • Join Our Team
    • Get Centered Internship
    • Part Time Counselor Opportunities
  • Getting Started
    • Appointment Request
    • What’s the Process
    • FAQs for Counseling
    • FAQs for Coaching
    • Rates and Insurance for Counseling
    • Rates and Insurance for Coaching
  • Resources
    • Mental Health Links
    • Physical Health Links
    • In the News : Free Resources
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    • Ballwin, MO
    • Chesterfield, MO
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    • Frontenac, MO
    • Kirkwood, MO
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info@getcenteredcounselingstl.com

Can Counseling Help Individuals on the Autism Spectrum?

January 25, 2021 by Ashley Freimanis MS, LPC, NCC

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not immune from the life stressors faced by their neurotypical peers. Additionally, those with ASD may find their ability to identify and communicate their feelings to be even more complicated due to challenges related to social communication and social interaction. Counseling can be instrumental in helping those on the spectrum navigate a myriad of concerns that may be secondary to ASD. Here are some ways that counseling can help individuals on the autism spectrum.

Developing Social Skills 

It can be difficult for people on the autism spectrum to interpret nonverbal cues and develop conversational skills. Examples of this include turn-taking, greetings, and taking another person’s perspective. The unspoken rules of social situations often referred to as the “hidden curriculum” may need to be taught more explicitly. Teaching social skills more directly, using relatable examples, and incorporating interests to help engage the individual and increase their motivation may help them acquire these skills and reduce feelings of frustration.

Understanding Emotions

Individuals diagnosed with ASD experience the same range of emotion as neurotypical peers. However, their ability to identify emotions in themselves and others may be challenging for them. Counseling can help individuals on the spectrum to develop and expand emotional understanding. A highly individualized, creative approach may be necessary to achieve this, including the use of pictures as visual aids and role-playing. The ultimate goal is for individuals to identify how they feel and communicate this with others, using whatever communication method is available to them. 

Treatment of Comorbid Mental Health Concerns

The DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) indicates that “about 70% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder may have one comorbid mental disorder.” Comorbidity is the presence of multiple mental illnesses present at the same time or occurring in successive order. Having a counselor trained and experienced in working with comorbid diagnoses is essential for positive therapeutic outcomes. Individuals diagnosed with ASD who are also experiencing comorbid mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD can benefit from counselors that have a strong understanding of common unhelpful thinking styles present in autism spectrum disorder. 

Transitioning to Adulthood

The transition to adulthood can present unique challenges to individuals on the autism spectrum. Transitions cause uncertainty and may be anxiety-provoking. There are many social norms or rules that may be confusing. How do I interact with co-workers? How is this different from how I interact with my boss? Friends? Romantic partner? Working with a counselor during the transition to college, a career, or more independent living, can help those on the spectrum and their families navigate this exciting and challenging time. 

In summary, the benefits of counseling for those with ASD are similar to the benefits that any person attending counseling might receive. However, the approach may need to be more specialized to account for additional challenges, common thinking patterns, repetitive patterns of behavior or interest, and social communication differences. The support of a trained counselor with experience in treating individuals with ASD, who focus on the individual’s strengths, values, and goals, can be an invaluable source of support for a client with autism spectrum disorder.

If you or a loved one are interested in exploring counseling with a licensed counselor specializing in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid diagnoses, schedule an appointment with Ashley Freimanis today by clicking here.

Filed Under: Autism Tagged With: Autism Spectrum Disorder

14137 Clayton Road
Town and Country, MO 63017

314-899-2670
info@getcenteredcounselingstl.com

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Our practice, located in Town and Country MO, specializes in Counseling and Coaching with a whole person approach for children, teens, adults, couples and families in the St. Louis County area. Through experience, we’re confident that no problem is too great to overcome.

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14137 Clayton Road
Town and Country, MO 63017

314-899-2670
info@getcenteredcounselingstl.com

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