Autism Therapy for Adults in Annapolis, MD
What is neurodiversity affirming therapy?
The neurodiversity paradigm is the idea that neurotype difference is a natural and valuable part of our human foundation. We recognize that neurodivergent people are an essential part of our society and deserve respectful and affirming care.
Our therapists are passionate about learning from neurodivergent voices in the community, some of us are even neurodivergent ourselves. We regularly engage in training, supervision, and peer support with other neurodivergent clinicians. Most importantly, we listen to and learn from our clients and their own individual experiences every day.
What is it like working with a neurodiversity affirming therapist?
We utilize an individualized approach to neurodivergent clients by taking the time to learn your unique story as we develop your therapeutic goals. We do not promote “curing” of autistic or neurodivergent traits, rather, we embrace neurodivergence and work with you to understand what that means in the context of your past, present, and future. Depending on what you are looking to gain from therapy, we may explore sensory needs, assist in building connections, or process big feelings.
Common topics explored in therapy for Autistic adults:
Unmasking
Masking (suppressing parts of yourself that you’re worried will be judged or misunderstood) is a common experience for Autistic folks. Masking can protect you but can also lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression. Together we will peel back the layers to reveal your authentic self in a supportive space.
Burnout Prevention/ Recovery
Autistic burnout is characterized by: chronic exhaustion (mental, emotional, physical), reduced tolerance to stimulus (increased sensory sensitivities), and loss of skills (e.g., reduced executive functioning such as thinking, remembering, creating and executing plans, performing self-care skills and activities of daily living). Autistic burnout can be caused by masking, having high social demands, or not having enough support or accommodations in your environment. In therapy, we may explore the roots of what is causing the burnout, build supports, or work to recognize potential signs of burnout in the future.
Connection & Community
Existing in an ableist society can be isolating and challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Finding and building connections where you feel safe to be your authentic self is freeing. Some examples could include exploring spaces based on your special interests or discussing ways to engage with your friends, family, coworkers, or partner(s).
Self-Compassion
We are here to support you in understanding how your strengths have helped you make it to this moment and how you can continue to use them in any situation you may face. The foundation of neurodiversity affirming care is accepting your unique self.
Sensory Needs
Sensory sensitivities may be something you are aware of in the moment or not realize until after you’ve hit your limit. We help clients understand how sensory input and output can impact overall functioning and collaboratively work to develop creative strategies to mitigate sensory overwhelm.
Intersectionality
As we explore your experience through a neurodiversity affirming lens, we also acknowledge the intersections of all identities you may hold. Some of these intersections may include race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, and sexual orientation. We recognize marginalized individuals may experience higher masking or misdiagnosis and are comfortable navigating how that impacts you and the communities we support.
Additional Services Offered at Cedar Counseling & Wellness for Autism
At Cedar Counseling & Wellness, we also offer adult Autism Evaluations services as well as Executive Functioning Coaching.