Autism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina SC
Find experienced Autism therapists in Charleston 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.
Danielle Coons Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Specialize in: Autism
4 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
Jessica Anderson, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Navigating social situations, communication, and sensory experiences can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing. Many teens and young adults also feel pressure to “fit in” while trying to stay true to themselves. I provide a supportive space to better understand your experiences, build social and coping skills, and strengthen self-acceptance. Together, we focus on helping you feel more confident, comfortable, and authentic in your daily life.
21 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
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 Charleston, SC South Carolina (Online Only)
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 Charleston, SC South Carolina
Clark Thompson, PsyD, MA
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
I provide thorough virtual autism evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults throughout PSYPACT participating states, helping individuals and families gain clarity about autism spectrum disorders through comprehensive neuropsychological testing. My autism assessments examine not only the core features of autism—including social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing—but also evaluate cognitive abilities, executive functioning, and commonly co-occurring conditions to provide a complete understanding of each individual's unique neurodevelopmental profile. Drawing from years of experience with autism spectrum disorders across diverse clinical settings, I create detailed assessment reports that guide families toward appropriate interventions, educational supports, and services while celebrating the individual strengths and abilities that often accompany autism.
7 Years Experience
Online in Charleston, SC South Carolina
Autism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina Statistics
Autism therapists in Charleston, South Carolina average 15 years of experience and charge around $218 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (60%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (40%), and Family Systems Therapy (36%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$218
Accept insurance
24%
Offer sliding scale
33%
Gender ID
| 58% |
Female |
|
| 26% |
Male |
|
| 9% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 7% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 60% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 40% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 60% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 40% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 36% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 31% | Psychoeducational Therapy |
| 29% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 27% | Multicultural Therapy |
| 27% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 78% | Young Adult |
| 56% | Teen |
| 44% | Senior |
| 36% | Children |
Client Focus
| 60% | Women |
| 49% | LGBTQ+ |
| 42% | Persons with Disabilities |
| 42% | Men |
| 38% | Christian |