Autism therapists in North Springfield, Virginia VA
Autism and Asperger's
John Perry
Counselor/Therapist, Resident in Counseling, MA, NCC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effectively applied in therapy sessions for individuals with autism to address cognitive and behavioral challenges. I often focus on identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns, fostering emotional regulation, and improving social skills. By emphasizing cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions, CBT offers a structured and goal-oriented approach to help individuals with autism navigate social interactions and manage stressors more effectively.
2 Years Experience
Autism and Asperger's
Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment
Psychologist, Ph.D.
UCEBT offers assessments examining Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for individuals age 2 through adulthood.
This may be a component of a psychoeducational evaluation if you suspect your child has ASD and that it may be impacting academic functioning. However, not all individuals with ASD struggle academically, and ASD is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts more areas in life than academics. Furthermore, many adults may have questions about whether they have had undiagnosed ASD, which can be common for some high-functioning presentations.
Autism evaluations examine whether an individual meets criteria for ASD using evidence-based procedures, and also examines common rule-outs/co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, social anxiety, and/or OCD. Academic achievement measures may or may not be included, depending on individual needs.
Our autism testing is not exclusively for children.
ADHD and ASD can be diagnosed in adulthood. Many adults may be experiencing chronic difficulties with meeting job expectations, organizing tasks, completing household chores, engaging in daily living activities, remembering obligations, and forming/maintaining healthy relationships. Often adult clients come to us with prior diagnoses of mood, anxiety, or personality problems, and are frustrated that previous treatments have been unsuccessful in helping them meet their goals.
Through assessment, we can determine whether there may be evidence for a missed ADHD or Autism diagnosis that accounts for pervasive lifelong problems.
We use evidence-based methodologies to examine relevant cognitive processes, behaviors, and social/emotional symptoms tailored to how neurodevelopmental disorders present in adults. However, it is also important to note that criteria for ADHD and ASD state that symptoms need to be present in childhood, even if they were mild and perhaps not as apparent until the demands of the environment exceeded individual capacities. Therefore, we also require parent/caregiver interviews, previous testing, and/or school records from childhood as part of the evaluation for adults.
We have several ways to ensure our clients are receiving the highest quality assessment and testing experience.
Autism Evaluations at UCEBT are led by our Assessment & Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, PhD.
Our team of clinicians assesses a wide range of referral questions and keeps a consistent flow to keep our skills sharp. To build on our skills, we consult with each other -- no one conceptualizes alone, making sure everything is grounded in data and that we’re not relying too heavily on one person’s clinical judgment.
We’re lucky to be a diverse group of clinicians regarding our backgrounds and specialty areas of testing. In addition, we seek consultation from clinicians in the community, research new testing measures, and find developing evidence-based methods for assessing specific populations. It is important to us that we stay up to date with research and the collective wisdom of the profession.
Using the "gold standard" of autism assessments.
We use the latest in evaluation measurements, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to assess and aid in autism diagnosis. Often to access services (e.g. speech, occupational therapy, ABA), insurance companies require the use on an ADOS-2 for diagnosis. The ADOS-2 is one component of a comprehensive evaluation. Our clinicians use a variety of measures and obtain sources of information from different settings to provide evidence-based psychological assessment.
Stay at UCEBT for treatment or receive treatment elsewhere.
Testing is a standalone service offered at UCEBT. However, if you are interested in seeking therapy services, we can refer you to the appropriate treatment team. You would not have to complete an initial intake and would be placed at the top of the list to be scheduled with an available clinician that is trained and experienced in the best evidence-based treatment for you.
11 Years Experience
Autism and Asperger's
Maria Maddalo
Psychologist, Psy.D., BCBA
I am passionate about the appropriate diagnosis and interventions for individuals with Autism. I provide therapy and evaluations for these individuals across the lifespan. Individuals with Autism are often mistaken for not experiencing emotions, which is unfortunate. These individuals experience anger, frustration, fear, sadness, and loneliness as the rest of us do. It may be expressed differently, or not at all. This can lead to feelings of isolation and often, suicidal ideation or attempts. We can work together to uncover you or your child's unique abilities and focus on them through therapy and/or diagnostic evaluation.
6 Years Experience
Autism and Asperger's
Christine Henry
Psychologist, Ph.D
Understanding your autistic identity can help you live the life you want to have. Your relationships with friends, family, and coworkers can improve. You can better understand your communication and what goes wrong when you try to connect with others. Learn about your sensory needs so they don't get in the way. Find new ways to regulate your emotions. Find ways to conserve energy so you don't get burned out.
17 Years Experience
Autism and Asperger's
Ailyn Payan, Psy.D.
Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist
I often evaluate children with Autism and help parents go through the acceptance period of having a child with ASD. I help parents find strategies to manage the child's behaviors.
14 Years Experience