Autism Therapists in Oak Park, IL
Alif Muhammad
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Waitlist for new clients
Al treats a wide array of clients, particularly those who experience anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.
Our journey in life can sometimes burn us out and make us feel hollow. It can leave us wondering about our worth and purpose in life. That's why it's so important to find a therapist who will always respect you and guide you back to the person you truly are.
Al treats a wide array of clients, particularly those who experience anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD.
Our journey in life can sometimes burn us out and make us feel hollow. It can leave us wondering about our worth and purpose in life. That's why it's so important to find a therapist who will always respect you and guide you back to the person you truly are.
I provide assessment of virtually all psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues, including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I approach my clinical work with a grounding in my deeply-held belief that all human beings have infinite worth. My goal for all individuals with whom I work is to support each person's path towards experiencing that worth within themselves. Having worked in the mental health field for the past 16 years with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have utilized this philosophy to guide the process of therapy with individuals having a wide range of challenges, from autism spectrum disorders to struggles with mood and anxiety to relationship problems.
I provide assessment of virtually all psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues, including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
I approach my clinical work with a grounding in my deeply-held belief that all human beings have infinite worth. My goal for all individuals with whom I work is to support each person's path towards experiencing that worth within themselves. Having worked in the mental health field for the past 16 years with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I have utilized this philosophy to guide the process of therapy with individuals having a wide range of challenges, from autism spectrum disorders to struggles with mood and anxiety to relationship problems.
I have experience working with older children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with life transitions, self-esteem, identity issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and trauma experiences. I am knowledgeable and affirming in supporting neurodiverse clients who have autism and/or ADHD, as well as individuals exploring or holding LGBTQIA+ identities. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and practice with an awareness of these social and economic influences.
I have experience working with older children, adolescents, and adults who are dealing with life transitions, self-esteem, identity issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and trauma experiences. I am knowledgeable and affirming in supporting neurodiverse clients who have autism and/or ADHD, as well as individuals exploring or holding LGBTQIA+ identities. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and practice with an awareness of these social and economic influences.
In addition to therapy, I have expertise conducting neuropsychological assessments, which are intended to answer complex questions related to ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and more.
Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety, depression, parental divorce, making friends, or challenges that come with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Are you a young adult experiencing a life transition, relationship difficulties or grief and loss? If so, psychotherapy can help. My goal is not to provide strategies that simply lead to short term relief, but to work with you or your child to reduce symptoms quickly, while creating long-lasting change- a process that I believe only occurs in the context of a safe and trusting relationship.
In addition to therapy, I have expertise conducting neuropsychological assessments, which are intended to answer complex questions related to ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and more.
Is your child or teen struggling with anxiety, depression, parental divorce, making friends, or challenges that come with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Are you a young adult experiencing a life transition, relationship difficulties or grief and loss? If so, psychotherapy can help. My goal is not to provide strategies that simply lead to short term relief, but to work with you or your child to reduce symptoms quickly, while creating long-lasting change- a process that I believe only occurs in the context of a safe and trusting relationship.
Welcome! LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Maria Adducci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois. Maria uses a warm, open, client-centered, and empathetic clinical approach. She has extensive experience doing therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, caregivers, and families with a wide variety of specializations including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), grief and loss, and trauma.
Welcome! LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Maria Adducci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois. Maria uses a warm, open, client-centered, and empathetic clinical approach. She has extensive experience doing therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, caregivers, and families with a wide variety of specializations including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), grief and loss, and trauma.
My approach as a therapist is warm, kind, and relatable. Recognizing that therapy can be a difficult step to make I strive to help you navigate through the problems that are causing stress or pain. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or your child I am dedicated to helping explore what is preventing you in moving forward in life. I work with individuals with a variety of issues ranging from anxiety and depression to parenting issues and childhood behavioral problems.
My approach as a therapist is warm, kind, and relatable. Recognizing that therapy can be a difficult step to make I strive to help you navigate through the problems that are causing stress or pain. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or your child I am dedicated to helping explore what is preventing you in moving forward in life. I work with individuals with a variety of issues ranging from anxiety and depression to parenting issues and childhood behavioral problems.
Is your child experiencing feelings of sadness or anxiety that have begun to impact everyday life and activities? Is your child stressed about school, avoiding school or having trouble with friendships? Do they struggle with focus and attention to the point that it impacts grades as well as relationships? I can help with identifying and managing strong emotions through the development of new coping tools and strategies. I offer a positive and encouraging space to support my clients in acquiring new skills, adapting to and managing life’s changes and bringing out strengths and abilities.
Is your child experiencing feelings of sadness or anxiety that have begun to impact everyday life and activities? Is your child stressed about school, avoiding school or having trouble with friendships? Do they struggle with focus and attention to the point that it impacts grades as well as relationships? I can help with identifying and managing strong emotions through the development of new coping tools and strategies. I offer a positive and encouraging space to support my clients in acquiring new skills, adapting to and managing life’s changes and bringing out strengths and abilities.
Autism & Anxiety Therapists, INC.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Individualized goals are developed for each client and family. Therapy sessions are tailored to match these goals, as well as the unique interpersonal and organizational needs of each client. A variety of treatment strategies are used to target these goals, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, the use of structure to promote organization and the development of new skills, social problem- solving strategies, and perspective taking strategies.
Individualized goals are developed for each client and family. Therapy sessions are tailored to match these goals, as well as the unique interpersonal and organizational needs of each client. A variety of treatment strategies are used to target these goals, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, the use of structure to promote organization and the development of new skills, social problem- solving strategies, and perspective taking strategies.
Alexander Serrano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS Ed, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
I strive to be authentic, genuine and transparent with all of my families. If you feel lost or have become frustrated with your child, I'm here to listen and help. Together, lets figure out a solution that works for both you and your family. Speaking of transparency, I'm a kid at heart. I play Mario Kart, 90% of the pictures on my phone are of my dog and still get a little bummed out when I lose at UNO. I tell you this upfront because I expect us to be open and honest with each other throughout this process. In addition to working with young children and adolescents, I also work with adults who are diagnosed on the spectrum.
I strive to be authentic, genuine and transparent with all of my families. If you feel lost or have become frustrated with your child, I'm here to listen and help. Together, lets figure out a solution that works for both you and your family. Speaking of transparency, I'm a kid at heart. I play Mario Kart, 90% of the pictures on my phone are of my dog and still get a little bummed out when I lose at UNO. I tell you this upfront because I expect us to be open and honest with each other throughout this process. In addition to working with young children and adolescents, I also work with adults who are diagnosed on the spectrum.
I have helped families with adults and teens with disabilities to solve problems and meet their goals. I am experienced with treating challenging behaviors and teaching critical skills. Some skills I have assisted with: self management, mindfulness, activities of daily living, problem solving, executive functioning, job skills, community safety, and social skills.
I have helped families with adults and teens with disabilities to solve problems and meet their goals. I am experienced with treating challenging behaviors and teaching critical skills. Some skills I have assisted with: self management, mindfulness, activities of daily living, problem solving, executive functioning, job skills, community safety, and social skills.
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
Julia Sostrin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. Julia meets clients where they are at, with more than a decade working with multiple diagnoses and disorders. She uses integrative and eclectic approaches in order to help clients find resolutions to issues and identify patterns which may be causing them issues. Julia has worked at all levels of care and often will employ modalities and treatment approach which best fit for the client in front of her. She will do this to help them move at a speed they can feel comfortable and happy with to make the progress they hope to see.
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Many people feel that difficult or painful experiences have the power to define them, or that it may have damaged them permanently. I aim to help my clients recognize that difficult situations will not ‘destroy’ or ‘define’ them, and instead help them regain some control in deciding who they are and the path they want to take. I believe in utilizing therapy to help my clients recognize their own personal story and growth. I provide support and tools for my clients to use along the way, drawing from a wide toolbox of therapy approaches, including EMDR.
Many people feel that difficult or painful experiences have the power to define them, or that it may have damaged them permanently. I aim to help my clients recognize that difficult situations will not ‘destroy’ or ‘define’ them, and instead help them regain some control in deciding who they are and the path they want to take. I believe in utilizing therapy to help my clients recognize their own personal story and growth. I provide support and tools for my clients to use along the way, drawing from a wide toolbox of therapy approaches, including EMDR.
Let’s change the way you approach therapy. I work with clients to uncover their thoughts, feelings, patterns, and behaviors that might be disrupting resilience and self-development. I shift the focus away from an over-identification of an illness model in order to use a lens that allows us to see the beauty within your own personal wellness journey.
Let’s change the way you approach therapy. I work with clients to uncover their thoughts, feelings, patterns, and behaviors that might be disrupting resilience and self-development. I shift the focus away from an over-identification of an illness model in order to use a lens that allows us to see the beauty within your own personal wellness journey.
People often say "Love yourself", but what does that truly mean? How can you do that if you've never experienced self-love before? I am a BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming clinician that wants to see marginalized people love themselves and flourish in their communities. I believe you should not only feel allowed to take up space but thrive in it! My job is to guide you through that process in becoming your best self, on your terms.
People often say "Love yourself", but what does that truly mean? How can you do that if you've never experienced self-love before? I am a BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming clinician that wants to see marginalized people love themselves and flourish in their communities. I believe you should not only feel allowed to take up space but thrive in it! My job is to guide you through that process in becoming your best self, on your terms.
Having experienced my own share of life transitions and dedicated to helping others navigate similar journeys, I deeply empathize with what you're going through. I specialize in working with individuals amidst significant life changes who seek stability, structure, and security. My clients often face transitions such as career shifts, relationship changes, or personal growth journeys. Their challenges may manifest as anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the unknown, coupled with a need to regain control.
Having experienced my own share of life transitions and dedicated to helping others navigate similar journeys, I deeply empathize with what you're going through. I specialize in working with individuals amidst significant life changes who seek stability, structure, and security. My clients often face transitions such as career shifts, relationship changes, or personal growth journeys. Their challenges may manifest as anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the unknown, coupled with a need to regain control.
Amy Carbone, LCSW, is dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic care to her clients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and safe throughout their therapeutic journey. Amy offers a welcoming environment where clients can comfortably explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. She is particularly passionate about supporting teens, adults, and seniors, helping them navigate life’s complexities with a blend of empathetic listening and practical, evidence-based interventions. Amy is deeply committed to addressing a range of mental health concerns, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma.
Amy Carbone, LCSW, is dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic care to her clients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and safe throughout their therapeutic journey. Amy offers a welcoming environment where clients can comfortably explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. She is particularly passionate about supporting teens, adults, and seniors, helping them navigate life’s complexities with a blend of empathetic listening and practical, evidence-based interventions. Amy is deeply committed to addressing a range of mental health concerns, with a particular focus on anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma.
Shelly Gasper
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Challenges in life are unavoidable, but I believe that with the right therapist in the right environment, people can move in a positive direction. My philosophy is to empower my clients and help them discover the tools they need to move them forward in a productive, beneficial way.
Challenges in life are unavoidable, but I believe that with the right therapist in the right environment, people can move in a positive direction. My philosophy is to empower my clients and help them discover the tools they need to move them forward in a productive, beneficial way.
Jamie Tubbs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304
Waitlist for new clients
You make sense. Your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, sensations- they all make sense. Therapy is a great place to figure out how, and find ways you can change some of those things, or accept them and live with greater ease. In sessions with me, we will work to deepen your understanding of yourself, add skills for better tolerance of emotions and connection with others, and clarify your vision for what you want out of life. In my work with both individuals and couples, I enjoy bringing skills for better emotional awareness, communication, and values based action.
You make sense. Your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, sensations- they all make sense. Therapy is a great place to figure out how, and find ways you can change some of those things, or accept them and live with greater ease. In sessions with me, we will work to deepen your understanding of yourself, add skills for better tolerance of emotions and connection with others, and clarify your vision for what you want out of life. In my work with both individuals and couples, I enjoy bringing skills for better emotional awareness, communication, and values based action.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship challenges. I am trained in DBT, ACT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Family Based Therapy. In my work with clients I use a person centered and insight-oriented approach to therapy, helping clients understand their past experiences and relationships, and the influence they have in the present.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship challenges. I am trained in DBT, ACT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Family Based Therapy. In my work with clients I use a person centered and insight-oriented approach to therapy, helping clients understand their past experiences and relationships, and the influence they have in the present.
We provide individual counseling, parent support, as well as organizational learning opportunities. At our small group practice, we strive to create a safe and collaborative environment in order to empower growth and foster individualized behavior change. You can expect a confidential professionally caring relationship where your religious affiliation, cultural values and gender identity are respected and integrated into treatment, as appropriate. Regardless of ability level, you are afforded the freedoms of everyday life and your human rights are valued. Our therapeutic framework is based in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
We provide individual counseling, parent support, as well as organizational learning opportunities. At our small group practice, we strive to create a safe and collaborative environment in order to empower growth and foster individualized behavior change. You can expect a confidential professionally caring relationship where your religious affiliation, cultural values and gender identity are respected and integrated into treatment, as appropriate. Regardless of ability level, you are afforded the freedoms of everyday life and your human rights are valued. Our therapeutic framework is based in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).
See more therapy options for Oak Park
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Autism Therapists
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.