Autism Therapists in Rockville, MD
![Photo of Elsie Weinstein, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac53b651-dd4e-44a3-b64b-851706646d69/2/320x400.jpeg)
e, pet loss, friend loss, job loss) depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family relations, communication and help with the challenge of being on the autism spectrum.
The decision to begin therapy is never easy; but it is a courageous step on your life's journey. Our current climate is fraught with uncertainty and constant change, which creates stress and anxiety in all of us. I am here to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment to help you on your journey, whether it is stress, anxiety, depression, grief or any other emotion facing you. Working together can alleviate the pressure and strain from these issues. We can face your issues, your needs and/or your goals and I am here to meet you where you are.
e, pet loss, friend loss, job loss) depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family relations, communication and help with the challenge of being on the autism spectrum.
The decision to begin therapy is never easy; but it is a courageous step on your life's journey. Our current climate is fraught with uncertainty and constant change, which creates stress and anxiety in all of us. I am here to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment to help you on your journey, whether it is stress, anxiety, depression, grief or any other emotion facing you. Working together can alleviate the pressure and strain from these issues. We can face your issues, your needs and/or your goals and I am here to meet you where you are.
![Photo of Nina Arroyo - Nina Arroyo, LCPC -Specializing in ADHD and Autism, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1764ec1-cfb4-4203-a4c4-79f72cebe9cb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nina Arroyo, LCPC -Specializing in ADHD and Autism
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852 (Online Only)
Are you living in Maryland and facing challenges with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions? Struggling with focus, anxiety, or social skills? As someone with ADHD, I understand these unique struggles.
Are you living in Maryland and facing challenges with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions? Struggling with focus, anxiety, or social skills? As someone with ADHD, I understand these unique struggles. My ideal client seeks specialized support to manage symptoms, enhance relationships, and achieve personal growth. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for exploring your neurodivergent journey. Whether you need help with daily functioning, reducing stress, or building a fulfilling life, I provide tailored strategies to meet your needs. Let’s work together to empower your true potential.
Are you living in Maryland and facing challenges with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions? Struggling with focus, anxiety, or social skills? As someone with ADHD, I understand these unique struggles.
Are you living in Maryland and facing challenges with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent conditions? Struggling with focus, anxiety, or social skills? As someone with ADHD, I understand these unique struggles. My ideal client seeks specialized support to manage symptoms, enhance relationships, and achieve personal growth. I offer a compassionate, judgment-free space for exploring your neurodivergent journey. Whether you need help with daily functioning, reducing stress, or building a fulfilling life, I provide tailored strategies to meet your needs. Let’s work together to empower your true potential.
![Photo of Christopher DeFranco, LCPC, LPC-S, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74a0ce6f-7686-4b6a-a9a0-44479cbaa62b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life's stressors that include, but are not limited to: LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, grief, anger management, impulsivity, chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. He has over 10 years of clinical experience from a wide variety of settings that includes schools, research clinics, inpatient and residential treatment, and outpatient private practice. He also has extensive experience working with PTSD, gender dysphoria, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Christopher specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life's stressors that include, but are not limited to: LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, grief, anger management, impulsivity, chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. He has over 10 years of clinical experience from a wide variety of settings that includes schools, research clinics, inpatient and residential treatment, and outpatient private practice. He also has extensive experience working with PTSD, gender dysphoria, and individuals on the autism spectrum.
![Photo of Dr. Rachael Arowolo - Dr. Rachael Arowolo (Autism Evaluations), PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8895f79a-8d0e-45bb-a479-7353d60b352a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I conduct evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Functioning/ADHD, Developmental/Cognitive/IQ, and Psychological Disorders.
My name is Rachael Arowolo, PhD, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist and specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have extensive training and experience in assessment and therapy for a variety of clinical presentations and individualizing these services to meet you and your family’s goals. I am particularly passionate about working with Autistic individuals, and in identifying and emphasizing the strengths in everyone I work with! In my free time, I enjoys spending time with my family, baking, and painting.
I conduct evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Executive Functioning/ADHD, Developmental/Cognitive/IQ, and Psychological Disorders.
My name is Rachael Arowolo, PhD, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist and specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I have extensive training and experience in assessment and therapy for a variety of clinical presentations and individualizing these services to meet you and your family’s goals. I am particularly passionate about working with Autistic individuals, and in identifying and emphasizing the strengths in everyone I work with! In my free time, I enjoys spending time with my family, baking, and painting.
![Photo of Syd Brown, PhD, ABN, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3db2f5a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am Board Certified in both Clinical and Neuropsychology, and my practice has evolved over the years to a primary focus on evaluations. Psychoeducational evaluations focus on academic skills and functioning, with ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders being of particular concern. These evaluations often lead to accommodations in schools and colleges and on standardized admissions tests. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the impact of psychiatric and neurological disorders on cognitive and emotional functioning. Cogscreen--AE evaluations are conducted to screen pilots and air traffic controllers.
I am Board Certified in both Clinical and Neuropsychology, and my practice has evolved over the years to a primary focus on evaluations. Psychoeducational evaluations focus on academic skills and functioning, with ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders being of particular concern. These evaluations often lead to accommodations in schools and colleges and on standardized admissions tests. Neuropsychological evaluations examine the impact of psychiatric and neurological disorders on cognitive and emotional functioning. Cogscreen--AE evaluations are conducted to screen pilots and air traffic controllers.
![Photo of David O Black, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf6adcd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a pediatric neuropsychologist I provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in evaluation of of autism, social, and self regulatory problems as well as learning disabilities, attention disorders, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and genetic disorders. I also provide ongoing individual and family consultation and support, including assisting families navigate the transition to adulthood. I also assist with implementation of treatment plans and school placement decisions, attends school meetings (including IEP and due process hearings), and conduct forensic evaluation and expert testimony in cases that involve autism spectrum disorders.
As a pediatric neuropsychologist I provide comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to children, adolescents, and young adults. I specialize in evaluation of of autism, social, and self regulatory problems as well as learning disabilities, attention disorders, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and genetic disorders. I also provide ongoing individual and family consultation and support, including assisting families navigate the transition to adulthood. I also assist with implementation of treatment plans and school placement decisions, attends school meetings (including IEP and due process hearings), and conduct forensic evaluation and expert testimony in cases that involve autism spectrum disorders.
![Photo of Kathryn Gargett-Jones, MA, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff114d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have autism, as well as their families. I also have extensive experience with adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems. With adults, I specialize in treating depression and anxiety, using an integrative approach, in which I utilize a variety of techniques to fit each particular need. I believe in providing you with a safe environment, in which you are able to work through your challenges.
I am a counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have autism, as well as their families. I also have extensive experience with adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems. With adults, I specialize in treating depression and anxiety, using an integrative approach, in which I utilize a variety of techniques to fit each particular need. I believe in providing you with a safe environment, in which you are able to work through your challenges.
![Photo of Caron Starobin, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/056767ae-fb6a-4326-8638-3fd996234b8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caron Starobin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
We have expertise in autism; anxiety; depression; trauma; family conflict; parenting, sibling and peer relationship challenges; sexual issues; self harm; OCD; disordered eating; relationship challenges; and neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
We have expertise in autism; anxiety; depression; trauma; family conflict; parenting, sibling and peer relationship challenges; sexual issues; self harm; OCD; disordered eating; relationship challenges; and neurodiversity-affirming couples therapy.
Starobin Counseling collectively offers over 30 years of experience providing counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process and help people repair and strengthen their relationships. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections with other people. Therapy helps people understand feelings, listen to their best thinking, and helps people gain new or alternative perspectives. We help people strengthen their own vitality and repair difficult ruptures to unlock their capacity for meaningful connections.
![Photo of Tsiona Cohen, LCSW-C, CCM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07cded34-a03d-45cf-9a70-9f6e58b1adda/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tsiona Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with high functioning adults struggling with cognitive/physical disabilities or autism.
Are you a parent or caregiver of a high-functioning adult with mild cognitive disabilities or autism? If so, you understand how challenging it can be for them to find their place in society. Your child may be transitioning out of the public school system and trying to find their place in the greater world. Can they get married? Are they capable of working? Living independently? These decisions are fraught with anxiety and sadness as your loved one learns to navigate the outside world. As they progress through adulthood, ongoing emotional challenges and struggles persist. You want your child to feel successful and fulfilled.
I specialize in working with high functioning adults struggling with cognitive/physical disabilities or autism.
Are you a parent or caregiver of a high-functioning adult with mild cognitive disabilities or autism? If so, you understand how challenging it can be for them to find their place in society. Your child may be transitioning out of the public school system and trying to find their place in the greater world. Can they get married? Are they capable of working? Living independently? These decisions are fraught with anxiety and sadness as your loved one learns to navigate the outside world. As they progress through adulthood, ongoing emotional challenges and struggles persist. You want your child to feel successful and fulfilled.
![Photo of Jessica Hasson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/253bce1d-cfec-4c21-b9b2-9ee82322a768/1/320x400.jpeg)
These include comprehensive psychological evaluations, psychoeducational evaluations, diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, personality assessment, assessment with 2E Individuals, & Child/Adolescent/Adult Autism Evaluations.
Psychological assessment is often perceived as a way to a diagnosis. Assessment certainly can result in a diagnosis and identify areas for intervention. However, a psychological evaluation can do so much more than that. It can bring a sense of explanation to someone’s experience. An evaluation can help the person feel understood, to feel seen. It can further one’s understanding of the self. All of this can help to facilitate change, by identifying patterns and underlying causes of behaviors. Psychological evaluation is therapeutic, it just relies on data and numbers.
These include comprehensive psychological evaluations, psychoeducational evaluations, diagnostic clarification, treatment recommendations, personality assessment, assessment with 2E Individuals, & Child/Adolescent/Adult Autism Evaluations.
Psychological assessment is often perceived as a way to a diagnosis. Assessment certainly can result in a diagnosis and identify areas for intervention. However, a psychological evaluation can do so much more than that. It can bring a sense of explanation to someone’s experience. An evaluation can help the person feel understood, to feel seen. It can further one’s understanding of the self. All of this can help to facilitate change, by identifying patterns and underlying causes of behaviors. Psychological evaluation is therapeutic, it just relies on data and numbers.
![Photo of Sally R Neuberger, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f99117a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sally R Neuberger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I'd ask how you are but if everything was great, you would not be browsing this site! I enjoy children/young teens and their parents and work especially well with children experiencing school and home anxieties and behaviors. My 23 years of experience in a school setting have developed my skills with children struggling with social communication disorders correlated with moderate and high functioning autism/developmental disorders.Collaboration with parents around effective limit setting and improved family functioning is also an area of professional strength.
Welcome! I'd ask how you are but if everything was great, you would not be browsing this site! I enjoy children/young teens and their parents and work especially well with children experiencing school and home anxieties and behaviors. My 23 years of experience in a school setting have developed my skills with children struggling with social communication disorders correlated with moderate and high functioning autism/developmental disorders.Collaboration with parents around effective limit setting and improved family functioning is also an area of professional strength.
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![Photo of Brenden Stinson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab93e97d-4481-42ff-ad74-751efb7bacb9/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in crisis intervention and enjoy helping individuals with trauma disorders, stress management, autism, and life transitions.
For me, there is no ideal client. To some extent, everyone is on a spectrum of depression and anxiety, and I seek to work with clients who need assistance becoming oriented toward improvement. I have personal and professional experience and understand how difficult it is to find someone patient enough to grow alongside a client through the therapeutic process. I want to work alongside you to help you live a happy, meaningful life with these conditions.
I specialize in crisis intervention and enjoy helping individuals with trauma disorders, stress management, autism, and life transitions.
For me, there is no ideal client. To some extent, everyone is on a spectrum of depression and anxiety, and I seek to work with clients who need assistance becoming oriented toward improvement. I have personal and professional experience and understand how difficult it is to find someone patient enough to grow alongside a client through the therapeutic process. I want to work alongside you to help you live a happy, meaningful life with these conditions.
![Photo of Karey Steiner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b597689-fc58-4e91-b457-8b189e9b7f48/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have over 17 years of experience. During which time I have developed a strong knowledge of child development and sensitivity to the needs of families with children. Currently working with clients who have: ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and anger management concerns. My experience has also included working with people who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum, and adolescents who identify as transgender.
I have over 17 years of experience. During which time I have developed a strong knowledge of child development and sensitivity to the needs of families with children. Currently working with clients who have: ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and anger management concerns. My experience has also included working with people who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum, and adolescents who identify as transgender.
![Photo of Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498e6983-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Dorsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20855
I often combine visual, video, and interactive social communication strategies in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with Autism and similar diagnoses.
I have 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health and school- based settings. As an Autism specialist, I work to increase the understanding of challenges unique to Autism and the ability of individuals and families to cope in positive and productive ways. My work with children and adolescents often includes advocacy and collaboration with schools and other relevant treatment and service providers. I aim to build mutual support and understanding across home, academic, and/or vocational environments.
I often combine visual, video, and interactive social communication strategies in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with Autism and similar diagnoses.
I have 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health and school- based settings. As an Autism specialist, I work to increase the understanding of challenges unique to Autism and the ability of individuals and families to cope in positive and productive ways. My work with children and adolescents often includes advocacy and collaboration with schools and other relevant treatment and service providers. I aim to build mutual support and understanding across home, academic, and/or vocational environments.
![Photo of Rachel Scharf, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a575c220-eaba-4cf9-8ffb-7bcb19a5c711/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Scharf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20853
Is your child facing challenges with managing big feelings of anxiety? Do they find it difficult to connect with friends or keep up at school? Are you a parent struggling to understand and help your child express themselves and use healthy coping mechanisms? As a therapist, I'm here to give you and your child tools and strategies to work with life’s obstacles. I specialize in working with ADHD, Autism, anxiety disorders, grief, and trauma. In my work with children and teens, I utilize a blend of play-based techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts including art, music and drama, as well as sand play therapy.
Is your child facing challenges with managing big feelings of anxiety? Do they find it difficult to connect with friends or keep up at school? Are you a parent struggling to understand and help your child express themselves and use healthy coping mechanisms? As a therapist, I'm here to give you and your child tools and strategies to work with life’s obstacles. I specialize in working with ADHD, Autism, anxiety disorders, grief, and trauma. In my work with children and teens, I utilize a blend of play-based techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts including art, music and drama, as well as sand play therapy.
![Photo of Marjorie Theard, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5345eeae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
For the past 20 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and their families both as a special education teacher and a clinical social worker. I specialize in anxiety, social skills and behavioral struggles at home and at school, ADHD, challenges with inflexibility, problem solving and autism.
For the past 20 years, I have worked with children, adolescents and their families both as a special education teacher and a clinical social worker. I specialize in anxiety, social skills and behavioral struggles at home and at school, ADHD, challenges with inflexibility, problem solving and autism.
![Photo of Angela Alborn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/145b35b4-2f0e-4ea2-b766-7f1b5946f8cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angela is the CEO and Lead Therapist at New Life Therapy Center in Columbia, Maryland. Angela has been a practicing psychotherapist in Baltimore City for the past 6 years, primarily through telehealth since March 2020. She previously worked as a Social Worker and ABA therapist for 10 years. Angela has a Masters Degree in Social Work and holds a LCSW-C license in the state of Maryland. Angela's areas of expertise include Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders and resource acquisition.
Angela is the CEO and Lead Therapist at New Life Therapy Center in Columbia, Maryland. Angela has been a practicing psychotherapist in Baltimore City for the past 6 years, primarily through telehealth since March 2020. She previously worked as a Social Worker and ABA therapist for 10 years. Angela has a Masters Degree in Social Work and holds a LCSW-C license in the state of Maryland. Angela's areas of expertise include Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorders and resource acquisition.
![Photo of Lisa Lenhart, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfc634b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, autism evaluations, social emotional evaluations, and other targeted evaluations; in addition, I have a DIR certification, and experience working with broad range of concerns that children and adolescents experience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years, specializing in the evaluation of anxiety, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other areas of difficulty that children experience. There are many reasons a family seeks services for their child, and it is important for the family to feel that the psychologist understands them, their child, and the needs of the family. I seek to gain this understanding, recognizing the fact that all children and families are unique, and that each individual has strengths to draw from to overcome the identified concerns.
I conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, autism evaluations, social emotional evaluations, and other targeted evaluations; in addition, I have a DIR certification, and experience working with broad range of concerns that children and adolescents experience.
I have been working with children and adolescents for over 30 years, specializing in the evaluation of anxiety, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other areas of difficulty that children experience. There are many reasons a family seeks services for their child, and it is important for the family to feel that the psychologist understands them, their child, and the needs of the family. I seek to gain this understanding, recognizing the fact that all children and families are unique, and that each individual has strengths to draw from to overcome the identified concerns.
![Photo of Gertrud Irmgard Classen-Miller - Classen-Miller and Associates, LCSW-C, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7c1306-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Classen-Miller and Associates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified Verified
Rockville, MD 20852
Specialties of our therapists include depression, anxiety, addiction, substance abuse, bipolar, borderline personality, dual diagnosis, self-harm, OCD, psychosis, eating disorders, adoption, learning disability, ADHD, autism, insomnia, divorce, women's issues, infertility, cross-cultural, marital, couples, relationships, family conflict, trauma, PTSD, grief.
TELETHERAPY AND IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS with experienced psychotherapists who are licensed at the highest level of their profession. We accept mayor insurance plans and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, Our clinicians reflect the full diversity of our community. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment that enables our clients to work towards solutions, develop coping skills and have a better understanding of the issues that interfere with self-esteem and a sense of well being.
Specialties of our therapists include depression, anxiety, addiction, substance abuse, bipolar, borderline personality, dual diagnosis, self-harm, OCD, psychosis, eating disorders, adoption, learning disability, ADHD, autism, insomnia, divorce, women's issues, infertility, cross-cultural, marital, couples, relationships, family conflict, trauma, PTSD, grief.
TELETHERAPY AND IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS with experienced psychotherapists who are licensed at the highest level of their profession. We accept mayor insurance plans and work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, Our clinicians reflect the full diversity of our community. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment that enables our clients to work towards solutions, develop coping skills and have a better understanding of the issues that interfere with self-esteem and a sense of well being.
![Photo of Ellen Dye, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b31175e8-d4e0-4139-b241-121687263ec3/3/320x400.jpeg)
I also have a background in treating ADHD, learning disabilities, autism with low support needs, adoption, and "failure to launch" young adults.
I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Duke University and have over thirty years of clinical experience working with adults, children, and families. My postgraduate training is in psychoanalytic, family, and cognitive-behavior therapy. My practice is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed. I have a broad range of experience and treat clients coping with both common life stresses and with major mental illnesses. I enjoy working with complex family situations and with individuals who have not met with success in prior treatment.
I also have a background in treating ADHD, learning disabilities, autism with low support needs, adoption, and "failure to launch" young adults.
I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Duke University and have over thirty years of clinical experience working with adults, children, and families. My postgraduate training is in psychoanalytic, family, and cognitive-behavior therapy. My practice is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed. I have a broad range of experience and treat clients coping with both common life stresses and with major mental illnesses. I enjoy working with complex family situations and with individuals who have not met with success in prior treatment.
See more therapy options for Rockville
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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.