Autism Therapists in Birmingham, AL
I enjoy working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to encourage a rich understanding of the core symptoms of ASD and the ways they influence mental and physical functioning.
You are taking an important step towards the kind of life you want to live by considering counseling. The point of counseling is to empower you to realize what you care about and engage in life in a way that honors your values. Whether you are facing difficulty, feeling stuck, or hoping to preserve optimal well-being, therapy can help you identify thoughts, emotions and behaviors that might interfere with your ability to live a meaningful life. I can help you feel more able and willing to accept your circumstances and tolerate distress in service of your goals and values.
I enjoy working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to encourage a rich understanding of the core symptoms of ASD and the ways they influence mental and physical functioning.
You are taking an important step towards the kind of life you want to live by considering counseling. The point of counseling is to empower you to realize what you care about and engage in life in a way that honors your values. Whether you are facing difficulty, feeling stuck, or hoping to preserve optimal well-being, therapy can help you identify thoughts, emotions and behaviors that might interfere with your ability to live a meaningful life. I can help you feel more able and willing to accept your circumstances and tolerate distress in service of your goals and values.
Are you an adult with autism or believe you might have autism? Does life feel like a struggle? Life can sometimes feel like a constant struggle, especially if you’re navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, or related conditions. If you’re grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, employment, or understanding your own emotions, you’re not alone. I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical strategies to help you build a life that’s both meaningful and enjoyable.
Are you an adult with autism or believe you might have autism? Does life feel like a struggle? Life can sometimes feel like a constant struggle, especially if you’re navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, or related conditions. If you’re grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, employment, or understanding your own emotions, you’re not alone. I am here to offer support, guidance, and practical strategies to help you build a life that’s both meaningful and enjoyable.
Sara Margaret Mayers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35205
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive professional experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopment disorders.
Welcome, I am so happy that you are here! Sometimes, life can go in a direction we were not expecting causing us to feel lost or overwhelmed. You may feel you are alone, but I promise you are not. In therapy, we can learn how to understand and live with difficult emotions and moments in life. Everyone is unique, making my approach to therapy different for everyone. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment that allows families, children, and individuals to grow into their better selves through play and talk therapy.
I have extensive professional experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopment disorders.
Welcome, I am so happy that you are here! Sometimes, life can go in a direction we were not expecting causing us to feel lost or overwhelmed. You may feel you are alone, but I promise you are not. In therapy, we can learn how to understand and live with difficult emotions and moments in life. Everyone is unique, making my approach to therapy different for everyone. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment that allows families, children, and individuals to grow into their better selves through play and talk therapy.
I provide talk therapy and assessment for children and adults with a range of conditions, including anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, and autism (including DSM-IV Asperger's disorder).
I love helping people see new possibilities and opportunities in their life when previously they had faced difficulties, either in their external world or their internal world. I think it is incredibly meaningful to be able to support a client or a family in the process of trying new approaches to what had previously seemed to be an "impossible" situation. I also love learning about how to make our brains "work" better in our relationships, families, schools, workplaces, and other important social areas!
I provide talk therapy and assessment for children and adults with a range of conditions, including anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, and autism (including DSM-IV Asperger's disorder).
I love helping people see new possibilities and opportunities in their life when previously they had faced difficulties, either in their external world or their internal world. I think it is incredibly meaningful to be able to support a client or a family in the process of trying new approaches to what had previously seemed to be an "impossible" situation. I also love learning about how to make our brains "work" better in our relationships, families, schools, workplaces, and other important social areas!
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults. Clients often come to me seeking testing for the first time or as a second opinion after feeling misunderstood by other clinicians. I strive to create a comfortable environment where you feel validated and understood. My goal is to understand more about your unique lived experience and neurodivergence, get you the right diagnosis, and help you get connected with the resources that you need.
I am a specialist in neurodiversity including testing for ADHD and autism.
I specialize in neurodiversity-affirming assessments for autism, ADHD and mental health for children and adults. Clients often come to me seeking testing for the first time or as a second opinion after feeling misunderstood by other clinicians. I strive to create a comfortable environment where you feel validated and understood. My goal is to understand more about your unique lived experience and neurodivergence, get you the right diagnosis, and help you get connected with the resources that you need.
Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services (ACCS) is founded by Lauren Roberts Jones, MS, LPC. Lauren has a wide range of clinical training and experience working with individuals and families. Her specific areas of interests and expertise include, but are not limited to: relationship/family issues, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, depression, and autism. Therapeutically, she works from an integrative perspective, utilizing a variety of orientations and therapies according to the client's individual needs. Lauren's approach involves unconditional acceptance and understanding toward each client.
Alabama Counseling & Consulting Services (ACCS) is founded by Lauren Roberts Jones, MS, LPC. Lauren has a wide range of clinical training and experience working with individuals and families. Her specific areas of interests and expertise include, but are not limited to: relationship/family issues, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, depression, and autism. Therapeutically, she works from an integrative perspective, utilizing a variety of orientations and therapies according to the client's individual needs. Lauren's approach involves unconditional acceptance and understanding toward each client.
Emily Edwards Holm
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35209
Not accepting new clients
As a Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I focus on treating children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with diverse populations. Some examples include mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum, social skills, grief, sports/athletes, school, coming of age/transitions, and incarceration. I offer coping, communication, and relaxation skills to help clients reach their full potential. My specific areas of interest are anxiety disorders, Autism spectrum and social skills, coming of age issues/transitions into high school and college, and grief.
As a Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I focus on treating children, adolescents, and adults. I have experience working with diverse populations. Some examples include mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum, social skills, grief, sports/athletes, school, coming of age/transitions, and incarceration. I offer coping, communication, and relaxation skills to help clients reach their full potential. My specific areas of interest are anxiety disorders, Autism spectrum and social skills, coming of age issues/transitions into high school and college, and grief.
Kat Lawson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35213
Some of my counseling emphasis' are personality disorders, autism issues and mood disorders including major depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
My philosophy of counseling is that every human soul is unique and their experiences shape their view of the world. The process of individuation is essential in order for a person to become whole and fully developed as his, her, or their 'true self.' I believe empathy, collaboration and validation are key to the counseling relationship. The person as NOT the problem, rather, the problem is the problem. In the counseling relationship we will focus on strengths and mindfully and collaboratively awaken awareness of the authentic self to free clients of negative learned beliefs. The goal is for you to have a satisfactory life.
Some of my counseling emphasis' are personality disorders, autism issues and mood disorders including major depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
My philosophy of counseling is that every human soul is unique and their experiences shape their view of the world. The process of individuation is essential in order for a person to become whole and fully developed as his, her, or their 'true self.' I believe empathy, collaboration and validation are key to the counseling relationship. The person as NOT the problem, rather, the problem is the problem. In the counseling relationship we will focus on strengths and mindfully and collaboratively awaken awareness of the authentic self to free clients of negative learned beliefs. The goal is for you to have a satisfactory life.
Are you looking for a medication free treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, stuttering, developmental disabilities, or other brain related difficulties? Or, are you a high achieving student, professional or athlete who desires to enhance your performance in academics, athletics, or business? Everyone wants to have more effective, more efficient brain power. We want to perform at our personal peak, without the use of psychotropic medications. As a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Neurotherapist, I treat children and adults using brain training, and individual and family counseling techniques.
Are you looking for a medication free treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, stuttering, developmental disabilities, or other brain related difficulties? Or, are you a high achieving student, professional or athlete who desires to enhance your performance in academics, athletics, or business? Everyone wants to have more effective, more efficient brain power. We want to perform at our personal peak, without the use of psychotropic medications. As a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Neurotherapist, I treat children and adults using brain training, and individual and family counseling techniques.
“When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.” -Brene Brown The fact that you are here is the first step in picking up that pen- in braving the vulnerability of being seen. I see you, I honor you, and I am so proud of you already! My background includes extensive experience in suicide prevention and crisis management, as well as abuse and trauma. I have had the opportunity to work extensively with a variety of ages, who have experienced trauma in various forms, and found my passion and calling in showing that healing was real, and not only possible but probable.
“When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.” -Brene Brown The fact that you are here is the first step in picking up that pen- in braving the vulnerability of being seen. I see you, I honor you, and I am so proud of you already! My background includes extensive experience in suicide prevention and crisis management, as well as abuse and trauma. I have had the opportunity to work extensively with a variety of ages, who have experienced trauma in various forms, and found my passion and calling in showing that healing was real, and not only possible but probable.
Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, CST
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35226
At Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic our shared goal is to provide an integrative approach to counseling that assists you in finding your optimal mental, emotional, spiritual, and sexual health. MBH Wellness is comprised of multiple licensed therapists who specialize in and are passionate about a wide range of mental health concerns. We addresses the relational, cognitive, emotional, sexual, physical, cultural, and socio-economic factors impacting your wellbeing. When you are paired with a therapist that fits your unique needs, positive change is a logical consequence!
At Mind, Body & Heart Wellness Clinic our shared goal is to provide an integrative approach to counseling that assists you in finding your optimal mental, emotional, spiritual, and sexual health. MBH Wellness is comprised of multiple licensed therapists who specialize in and are passionate about a wide range of mental health concerns. We addresses the relational, cognitive, emotional, sexual, physical, cultural, and socio-economic factors impacting your wellbeing. When you are paired with a therapist that fits your unique needs, positive change is a logical consequence!
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Pre-Licensed Professional, ALC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35223
One of the first things I tell clients who struggle with mental health disorders or overwhelming stress is that in today's society, with all the turmoil and uncertainty we face, it is a natural and normal reaction to be struggling mentally. While there is still a large stigma towards mental health and therapy I believe a great way to combat this is by understanding that it is not weakness to seek help, it in fact takes great strength to reach out to someone and admit that we cannot do this on our own.
One of the first things I tell clients who struggle with mental health disorders or overwhelming stress is that in today's society, with all the turmoil and uncertainty we face, it is a natural and normal reaction to be struggling mentally. While there is still a large stigma towards mental health and therapy I believe a great way to combat this is by understanding that it is not weakness to seek help, it in fact takes great strength to reach out to someone and admit that we cannot do this on our own.
Lauren Floyd
Counselor, MA, ALC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35233
Waitlist for new clients
Balancing responsibilities, relationships, and self-care can be so difficult. Sometimes it even feels a little hopeless. Having an adaptive relationship with yourself, with other people, and with the world around you is crucial for personal growth and emotional health. But what if you don't have a great relationship with yourself? What do you do when your Inner Critic keeps telling you you're not good enough?
Balancing responsibilities, relationships, and self-care can be so difficult. Sometimes it even feels a little hopeless. Having an adaptive relationship with yourself, with other people, and with the world around you is crucial for personal growth and emotional health. But what if you don't have a great relationship with yourself? What do you do when your Inner Critic keeps telling you you're not good enough?
Destinee Miskel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35226
How did I get here? At first you missed a couple of days of work, then you stopped showering, and now you don’t hang out with people you used to enjoy. Life hits hard whether it’s intrusive memories, the loss of a loved one, or a struggle with your own sense of self-worth. Sometimes it’s hard to even pinpoint why you feel the way you feel, you just can’t seem to move past it. If you’re sick of crawling back under the covers to hide from the world, or making endless excuses to avoid people, reach out.
How did I get here? At first you missed a couple of days of work, then you stopped showering, and now you don’t hang out with people you used to enjoy. Life hits hard whether it’s intrusive memories, the loss of a loved one, or a struggle with your own sense of self-worth. Sometimes it’s hard to even pinpoint why you feel the way you feel, you just can’t seem to move past it. If you’re sick of crawling back under the covers to hide from the world, or making endless excuses to avoid people, reach out.
Shannon Treadwell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35209 (Online Only)
Life has a way of taking us on a journey where we experience amazing highs as well as challenges that seem to stop us in our tracks. My goal is to come alongside you as we navigate the difficulties and celebrate your wins. In our work together, we will reflect on your past and present, identify your strengths as well as explore new strategies to overcome barriers and achieve higher levels of emotional and mental wellness starting from within.
Life has a way of taking us on a journey where we experience amazing highs as well as challenges that seem to stop us in our tracks. My goal is to come alongside you as we navigate the difficulties and celebrate your wins. In our work together, we will reflect on your past and present, identify your strengths as well as explore new strategies to overcome barriers and achieve higher levels of emotional and mental wellness starting from within.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I see children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in psychological testing and diagnostic evaluations. I do evaluations for depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, behavior problems, learning disorders, and others. I do evaluations in divorce, child custody, criminal, elder competency, personal injury, and other cases. I collaborate with doctors, lawyers, and other mental health professionals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I see children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in psychological testing and diagnostic evaluations. I do evaluations for depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, behavior problems, learning disorders, and others. I do evaluations in divorce, child custody, criminal, elder competency, personal injury, and other cases. I collaborate with doctors, lawyers, and other mental health professionals.
Jack Kilpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35223 (Online Only)
Mississippi blues legend Robert Johnson recorded “Hellhound on My Trail” in 1937, singing “I got to keep movin’/blues fallin’ down like hail/and the days keep on worryin’ me/there’s a hellhound on my trail.” This song is a classic because most of us have experienced thoughts and emotions that seem both unbearable and inescapable. We try to run, but that feeling follows close behind, like a hellhound on our trail. People who call me seeking therapy are tired of running. They’ve tried to distract themselves, they’ve tried alcohol and drugs, they’ve tried psych meds and external changes to their lifestyle-and this thing keeps following
Mississippi blues legend Robert Johnson recorded “Hellhound on My Trail” in 1937, singing “I got to keep movin’/blues fallin’ down like hail/and the days keep on worryin’ me/there’s a hellhound on my trail.” This song is a classic because most of us have experienced thoughts and emotions that seem both unbearable and inescapable. We try to run, but that feeling follows close behind, like a hellhound on our trail. People who call me seeking therapy are tired of running. They’ve tried to distract themselves, they’ve tried alcohol and drugs, they’ve tried psych meds and external changes to their lifestyle-and this thing keeps following
Nikki Patun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35244 (Online Only)
It can be difficult to ask for help; we may feel weak, hopeless, or disappointed. Asking for help requires strength and courage and may be a journey through both darkness and light. I believe it is important to trust the process, sit with our uncomfortable feelings, and accept our emotions for what they are. Vulnerability, shame, and fear may make it difficult to share, at times, but know this is normal as we navigate change. There is a lot to be learned from our dark times, and, as a therapist, I hope to be alongside you in your journey of growth.
It can be difficult to ask for help; we may feel weak, hopeless, or disappointed. Asking for help requires strength and courage and may be a journey through both darkness and light. I believe it is important to trust the process, sit with our uncomfortable feelings, and accept our emotions for what they are. Vulnerability, shame, and fear may make it difficult to share, at times, but know this is normal as we navigate change. There is a lot to be learned from our dark times, and, as a therapist, I hope to be alongside you in your journey of growth.
Melissa Werner
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Birmingham, AL 35216
Congratulations on wanting to make changes to enhance the quality of your life! I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a knowledgeable advocate supporting us. I believe effective psychotherapy is often about both uncovering how we acquired the (literal or psychological) obstacles to our best paths and about the process of (emotional, cognitive and/or behavioral) skills' acquisition to remove those blocks. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
Congratulations on wanting to make changes to enhance the quality of your life! I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a knowledgeable advocate supporting us. I believe effective psychotherapy is often about both uncovering how we acquired the (literal or psychological) obstacles to our best paths and about the process of (emotional, cognitive and/or behavioral) skills' acquisition to remove those blocks. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
Lauren Kasi Freeman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham, AL 35223
It's an honor to be a counselor and help others find their way in this world. I'm passionate about working with children, teenagers, young adults, and new mothers. I have experience working with all types of traumas and abuses, PTSD, foster care/adoption, divorce issues, behavioral issues, peer relationships, and Per/Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. If you're going through a hard time or know someone who is and could benefit from counseling, please call me today. Also, we love and need our pets. If you need a mental health professional to evaluate and send a letter of certification for your emotional support animal, call.
It's an honor to be a counselor and help others find their way in this world. I'm passionate about working with children, teenagers, young adults, and new mothers. I have experience working with all types of traumas and abuses, PTSD, foster care/adoption, divorce issues, behavioral issues, peer relationships, and Per/Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. If you're going through a hard time or know someone who is and could benefit from counseling, please call me today. Also, we love and need our pets. If you need a mental health professional to evaluate and send a letter of certification for your emotional support animal, call.
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What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.