Online Autism therapists in Hickory, North Carolina NC
Find experienced online Autism therapists in Hickory who provide Autism testing, evaluations, and therapy. Our directory features detailed therapist profiles so you can compare qualifications, specialties, and treatment approaches to find the provider that’s right for you.
Autism
Emily Stone
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, PhD, LMFT-S
Autism: Navigating the Neuro-Affirming Path
For Individuals and Neuro-Distinct Couples
In a world designed for neurotypical sensory and social processing, living on the spectrum often feels like an endless exercise in translation. My practice provides a space where Autism is not viewed as a deficit to be cured, but a unique neuro-type to be understood and accommodated. Whether you are navigating your own late-diagnosed discovery or are part of a couple where one partner is neurodivergent, we work to build a life that honors your nervous system.
For the Individual: From Masking to Authenticity
Chronic "masking"—the effort to appear neurotypical—is one of the primary drivers of burnout. Together, we work to identify your unique sensory and cognitive profile so you can move from surviving to thriving.
Managing Overwhelm: We identify the specific environmental and social triggers that lead to sensory overwhelms before they escalate.
Melt Downs & Shut Downs: We develop compassionate strategies for the moments when the nervous system becomes overloaded. Whether it’s an externalized melt down or an internalized shut down, we focus on safety and recovery rather than shame.
Energy Accounting: Learning how to budget your "social and cognitive spoons" to prevent the deep exhaustion of autistic burnout.
For the Couple: Bridging the Neuro-Distinct Gap
When one partner is neurotypical and the other is autistic, the "relational system" can often fall into cycles of misunderstanding. I help couples move past the "double empathy problem" and build a shared language.
Decoding the Shut Down: Helping the neurotypical partner understand that a shut down is not a withdrawal of love, but a physiological need for regulation.
Communication Systems: Moving away from "hinting" and toward direct, explicit communication that reduces anxiety for both partners.
Shared Regulation: Creating a "sensory-safe" home environment where both partners' needs are respected without one person's comfort coming at the cost of the other's.
A Systems-Rooted Approach
Leveraging my background in Systems Theory and Attachment, I look at how the external world—workplaces, family expectations, and social constructs—impacts your neurodivergent experience. You aren't "broken"; you are a different kind of "wired," and you deserve a relationship and a life that reflects that.
21 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Beth Janis
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals (e.g., ADHD, Autism, SPD) and their families to better understand themselves, the strengths and uniqueness of their differently-wired brains, and the areas in which they feel stuck. I utilize a neurodiversity-affirming lens that emphasizes seeing the whole person and that integrates their preferences related to sensory processing, communication and relationships, and special interests. I value collaborating with other service providers and joining with the individual and family at any stage of the diagnostic and self-discovery process.
8 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Tricia Osterberger
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, LCAS
I work with folks who want to understand how neurodivergence impacts their experience of the world and the grief that may be associated. We look at what it means to try to navigate a world that wasn't built for you and how you may have been misdiagnosed in the past.
16 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Tal Brafford
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-A
As a person with Autism, I understand the weight of masking and many common sensory and social challenges, while appreciating the nuances of Autism and the diversity with which it animates in each individual. I get so much joy out of helping people grow to accept themselves and live authentically. I do not have the credentials to diagnose Autism. My work is focused primarily on self-discovery, acceptance, and exploring practical support measures. Above all else, I don't want my neurodivergent clients to feel alone.
0 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Elemental Self Institute
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
All the clinicians at ESI are neurodivergent-affirming and some of the clinicians have lived experience of being diagnosed and navigating the world as a neurodivergent person. We particularly work with late-diagnosed adults rediscovering themselves and trying to figure out managing burnout, emotional regulation, socialization, and work options.
7 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Dr. Jillian Mahatha
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Ph.D., LCMHC, NCC, ACS, CCTP
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum. I provide individualized, strengths-based support to help clients develop social, emotional, communication, and daily living skills while honoring each person's unique abilities and needs.
14 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Sara Fraser
Psychologist, PhD
As we increasingly better understand the range of the autism spectrum, including the various ways that ASD can manifest and be masked, work with ASD clients will work on goals that clients self-determine and at a pace that is affirming and encouraging. Neurodiversity is affirmed in my practice with ASD clients and therapeutic goals will always be collaborative and self-paced.
26 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Shareece Cannonier
Psychologist, PsyD
I can help you navigate the world while emphasizing the strengths of your neurodivergence,
7 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Rosemarie Manfredi
Psychologist, Psy.D.
I am a neuropsychologist with extensive expertise in the evaluation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders throughout the lifespan. In my practice, I am able to do diagnostic evaluations for ages 2.5 and up, including into adulthood. I offer a range of evaluation types depending on age and needs, from a diagnostic evaluation designed to determine whether someone has an ASD to a very comprehensive evaluation that assesses the impact of ASD (and any other comorbid difficulties) on learning, development, and behavioral functioning. By providing an in-depth understanding of the person with an ASD, I can make specific and individualized recommendations for educational, career, and treatment settings. I also offer career assessments and guidance for individuals with ASDs in order to help identify careers that match their interests, skills, and abilities.
17 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Congruence Counseling Group
Counselor/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, M.Ed. LCMHC, LMFT
Congruence Counseling Group can support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by helping them better understand their strengths, navigate social and emotional challenges, and develop practical skills for daily life. A supportive therapeutic space can foster communication, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy while honoring each person’s unique way of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.
20 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Seven Hills Psychology
Psychologist, Psychologist
We offer psychological testing and treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
18 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Nour Counseling
Counselor/Therapist
Autism is often misunderstood—especially in adults, and especially in people who have spent years adapting, masking, or being told they’re “too much” or “not enough” at the same time. Many of our clients come in feeling exhausted from trying to navigate social expectations, sensory overwhelm, communication differences, or environments that don’t take their needs into account. At Nour Counseling, we approach autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, recognizing that your brain is not the problem—the mismatch between you and your environment often is.
We offer comprehensive autism assessments that result in a detailed report with clear findings and individualized recommendations, including accommodations when appropriate. In therapy, we work with you to better understand your sensory profile, communication style, routines, and capacity—so you can build a life that actually supports you. This might include setting boundaries, reducing burnout, navigating relationships more authentically, or unlearning the pressure to constantly mask. We also name the cultural and systemic factors that shape how autism is perceived and supported, so you’re not left carrying that context alone. Our goal is to help you move through the world with more clarity, self-understanding, and permission to exist as you are.
9 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
First-Aid Counseling, PLLC
Counselor/Therapist, LCMHC, LCASA, LCSW
We provide affirming and supportive therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s traits, as well as their families. Our approach focuses on building self-understanding, strengthening communication and social skills, managing emotions, and celebrating each person’s unique strengths.
3 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Dr. Elizabeth Coldren
Psychologist, PSYD, PSYPACT
Many of the adults I work with are thoughtful, capable professionals and students, often in detail‑oriented or technical roles, who have spent years feeling “different” without having language for why. You may be wondering if you are autistic, have a recent diagnosis, or have known for a long time but never had support in making sense of it. From the outside, you may meet or exceed expectations and keep up with work or school. Inside, it can feel like constant effort: managing sensory overload, masking to fit in, replaying conversations, or needing significant time alone to recover from social or emotional strain.
Many adults I see describe a lifelong sense of being out of step with others, feeling misunderstood, or being told they are “too sensitive,” “too intense,” or “too much.” You may have built a life that works on paper but still feels exhausting to maintain. Masking, perfectionism, and trying to meet unspoken social rules can take a real toll on your nervous system and sense of self.
In our work, we approach autism and other forms of neurodivergence through a neurodiversity‑affirming, trauma‑informed lens. We look at how your brain and body naturally process the world, how past experiences have shaped your coping strategies, and what helps you feel more regulated and authentic. The focus is not on changing who you are, but on understanding your wiring, reducing the internal cost of masking, and creating a life that supports your nervous system rather than straining it. This is core to my practice, and it’s work I care about deeply.
26 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Claire Robinson-Scalzi
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LCMHCA, NCC
I welcome neurodivergence of all types! Together, I hope we can create a space where you feel safe enough to release your masks and show up just as you are. I expect this to take time as we get to know each other and learn from each other as we find ways to support you in moving through life and creating the life you want to live.
2 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Gulf Shores Counseling Center
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
Our therapists provide affirming, strengths-based mental health care for autistic individuals across the lifespan. Through therapy, we help clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, social stress, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, identity exploration, and life transitions. We focus on supporting self-understanding, building practical coping skills, and enhancing quality of life—without trying to change who you are. Using a collaborative and neurodiversity-affirming approach, our clinicians tailor treatment to each client’s goals, communication style, and needs. Therapy offers a flexible and comfortable way to engage in care from a familiar environment, reducing barriers and supporting meaningful progress.
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” autism—it’s about empowering individuals to better understand themselves, strengthen resilience, and live authentically and confidently.
29 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Dr. Jag Soni
Psychologist, Ph.D., HSPP, PCC, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Navigating a world not designed for your neurodivergent experience requires an expert, neuro-affirming approach to Autism and Asperger’s that honors your unique perspective. Drawing on over 35 years of Ph.D.-level expertise, I provide a specialized space focused on the internal shifts that allow you to thrive without the exhausting pressure to mask. Together, we move toward a life of authenticity and social comfort, tailored to your specific story and sensory needs. In a private Telehealth setting, I am ready to help you thrive on your own terms—contact me to schedule your first appointment.
36 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC (Online Only)
Autism
Dorothy Brown
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I have seen people on the spectrum for 30 years. I've run a group for parents of people on the spectrum. Each person on the spectrum has different needs. Some people want to be more social and some do not. I respect what ever their goals are and work toward positive change that brings their life more fullfilling.
36 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Dr. Char Houben
Psychologist, PhD, LP
As a Neurodivergent licensed psychologist, Dr. Houben provides timely, respectful, collaborative, and Neuro-affirming adult assessments where strengths are emphasized and passions and differences celebrated.
11 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism
Julien Moe
Hypnotherapist, Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnosis, Diploma in Life Coaching
Autism and Aspergers can be treated by my Dicit hypnotherapy. Patients with this disorder are getting resilient in no time in my care. While autism cannot be "cured" or "treated" in the sense of making it go away, hypnotherapy is increasingly recognized as a valuable supplemental tool for managing specific symptoms and challenges associated with the condition.
10 Years Experience
Online in Hickory, NC
Autism therapists in Hickory, North Carolina Statistics
Autism therapists in Hickory, North Carolina average 15 years of experience and charge around $207 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Autism and Asperger's (100%), Anxiety or Fears (85%), and ADHD (85%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$207
Gender ID
| 53% |
Female |
|
| 27% |
Male |
|
| 10% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 10% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 58% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 42% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 100% | Autism and Asperger's |
| 85% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 85% | ADHD |
| 73% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 67% | Stress |
| 63% | Depression |
| 56% | LGBTQ+ Issues |