Autism Therapists in Silver Spring, MD
Brittaney Wood
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LGPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20904
After years of working with children with autism in various settings I have found my passion in working with children with autism and their families.
We often feel the need to alter how we present in the world to make others more comfortable but when we find ways to show up more authentically ourselves and communicate with those around us we often find much more joy. I enjoy helping people figure out who they are and how they want to show up in the world. Whether you are interested in strengthening your relationships or planning for the future it can be helpful to explore what is truly you.
After years of working with children with autism in various settings I have found my passion in working with children with autism and their families.
We often feel the need to alter how we present in the world to make others more comfortable but when we find ways to show up more authentically ourselves and communicate with those around us we often find much more joy. I enjoy helping people figure out who they are and how they want to show up in the world. Whether you are interested in strengthening your relationships or planning for the future it can be helpful to explore what is truly you.
I have been described as a down-to-earth psychologist who integrates humor and compassion with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to help clients reach their goals. I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders. My work involves concrete, structured interventions along with support and guidance that can be utilized in different settings. As a specialist in autism spectrum disorders, I also conduct autism spectrum evaluations for adults.
I have been described as a down-to-earth psychologist who integrates humor and compassion with a pragmatic, problem-solving approach to help clients reach their goals. I provide psychotherapeutic services to adults with autism spectrum, attention deficit, and other co-occurring disorders. My work involves concrete, structured interventions along with support and guidance that can be utilized in different settings. As a specialist in autism spectrum disorders, I also conduct autism spectrum evaluations for adults.
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit organization providing exceptional psychological services to children and adults. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults struggling with behavioral, emotional regulation, and social challenges. I provide psychotherapy and consultation to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, school and learning problems, and behavioral concerns.
I am a clinical psychologist with The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit organization providing exceptional psychological services to children and adults. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults struggling with behavioral, emotional regulation, and social challenges. I provide psychotherapy and consultation to help individuals and families navigate anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, ADHD, school and learning problems, and behavioral concerns.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
I also have a great working with individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder.
My ideal client would put as much effort as they are ready to in that moment, day, or week to continue prioritizing their mental health needs. Over time, I hope to support each person in identifying what is helpful vs. harmful to their overall well-being. I look forward to supporting individuals navigating life transitions, women's issues, those in need of validation and perspective-taking, struggling with anxiety, searching for answers and healing from traumatic experiences, feeling "stuck," and individuals hoping for support with executive functioning challenges, sensory challenges, or complex social interactions.
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.
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.
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism? Are you looking for data driven yet warm and caring ABA services? Our goal is to meet your child where they are and create goals that matter to them. A focus on the family as a unit is important in the development of the child. A strong emphasis is placed on caregiver consultation while targeting goals for the child. Finding help that you trust is a necessary step in creating positive long term outcomes.
Does your child have a diagnosis of autism? Are you looking for data driven yet warm and caring ABA services? Our goal is to meet your child where they are and create goals that matter to them. A focus on the family as a unit is important in the development of the child. A strong emphasis is placed on caregiver consultation while targeting goals for the child. Finding help that you trust is a necessary step in creating positive long term outcomes.
Dr. Rachael Arowolo (Autism Evaluations)
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20906
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.
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.
I provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and safe space for clients. I work collaboratively in areas such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues through a focus on self-awareness, self-acceptance, and communication skills. I utilize creative interventions personalized to each individual or family. As a licensed school counselor and professional therapist, I work closely with children, families, and adults around topics of gender identity, non-traditional family structures, and neurodiversity. I often work with autism, ADHD, school or workplace accommodations, relationship issues, life skills, and major transitions.
I provide a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and safe space for clients. I work collaboratively in areas such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues through a focus on self-awareness, self-acceptance, and communication skills. I utilize creative interventions personalized to each individual or family. As a licensed school counselor and professional therapist, I work closely with children, families, and adults around topics of gender identity, non-traditional family structures, and neurodiversity. I often work with autism, ADHD, school or workplace accommodations, relationship issues, life skills, and major transitions.
Infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, adoption, learning challenges and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism are among the many issues I work with.
I offer short term, brief therapy to support individuals, couples and families in moving forward in some way. Brief therapy typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize strengths and to work collaboratively to figure out alternatives for what the future might look like. I strive to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to feel safe to genuinely express themselves and consider new possibilities.
Infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, adoption, learning challenges and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism are among the many issues I work with.
I offer short term, brief therapy to support individuals, couples and families in moving forward in some way. Brief therapy typically focuses on solutions rather than problems. The aim is to emphasize strengths and to work collaboratively to figure out alternatives for what the future might look like. I strive to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to feel safe to genuinely express themselves and consider new possibilities.
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MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (Online Only)
My diverse range of experiences from autism to mental health issues have prepared me to work with a multitude of mood and behavior disorders.
My name is Amber Latimore. I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and a published author. I have experience working in education as a special education teacher and working in the private sector as a behavior consultant for families with children on the spectrum. My most recent experience is working in the mental health field with individuals with mood, anxiety and trauma disorders at all ages. I have a master’s in psychology and I am a certified autism specialist and trauma-informed therapy.
My diverse range of experiences from autism to mental health issues have prepared me to work with a multitude of mood and behavior disorders.
My name is Amber Latimore. I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and a published author. I have experience working in education as a special education teacher and working in the private sector as a behavior consultant for families with children on the spectrum. My most recent experience is working in the mental health field with individuals with mood, anxiety and trauma disorders at all ages. I have a master’s in psychology and I am a certified autism specialist and trauma-informed therapy.
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
I am a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to high quality psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing services to families in the DMV area. I help kids with big feelings improve their emotional awareness and advocate for their needs so that they can be more engaged both academically and socially. I also work with adults, and my work focuses on processing challenges related to parenting and life transitions so that they can find balance in their career and home lives.
My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
I am a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to high quality psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing services to families in the DMV area. I help kids with big feelings improve their emotional awareness and advocate for their needs so that they can be more engaged both academically and socially. I also work with adults, and my work focuses on processing challenges related to parenting and life transitions so that they can find balance in their career and home lives.
I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Depression, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Anxiety, and learning disabilities.
I am trained in a psychodynamic and relational approach that includes the use of play therapy, art, music, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I have spent the last 20 years working clinically with children and adolescents in school settings in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County. I currently combine my work as a school counselor in a special education facility with private practice.
I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Depression, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Anxiety, and learning disabilities.
I am trained in a psychodynamic and relational approach that includes the use of play therapy, art, music, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. I have spent the last 20 years working clinically with children and adolescents in school settings in Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Prince Georges County. I currently combine my work as a school counselor in a special education facility with private practice.
Treatment or consultation for issues related to anxiety, depression, AD/HD, academic challenges, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities is also provided.
In today's hurried world I strive always to listen and never to rush. Here, individuals find a safe place to "unpack" their worries and feel understood. I particularly enjoy working with families to uncover sources of academic difficulty and develop individualized solutions. With young children, parents are always in integral part of the treatment and I frequently consult with other health care professionals and educators in order to create a broad treatment team.
Treatment or consultation for issues related to anxiety, depression, AD/HD, academic challenges, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities is also provided.
In today's hurried world I strive always to listen and never to rush. Here, individuals find a safe place to "unpack" their worries and feel understood. I particularly enjoy working with families to uncover sources of academic difficulty and develop individualized solutions. With young children, parents are always in integral part of the treatment and I frequently consult with other health care professionals and educators in order to create a broad treatment team.
Hi, I'm Heather Cheshire, LCSW-C. I have been a clinical social worker for 13 years. I aim to utilize talk therapy to help support the emotional growth desired by my clients. I believe in building strong relationships to help clients meet their goals. Most of my experience providing therapy has been with middle school, high school, and college aged youth and young adults. I have experience working with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, as well as situational challenges like major life changes and family and relationship issues.
Hi, I'm Heather Cheshire, LCSW-C. I have been a clinical social worker for 13 years. I aim to utilize talk therapy to help support the emotional growth desired by my clients. I believe in building strong relationships to help clients meet their goals. Most of my experience providing therapy has been with middle school, high school, and college aged youth and young adults. I have experience working with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, as well as situational challenges like major life changes and family and relationship issues.
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.
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, autism spectrum, OCD, and/or PTSD? I can help facilitate your healing process and provide a safe space to voice your deepest concerns freely. Our goal is to significantly improve your self-concept, increase a positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, feel like your best self.
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, autism spectrum, OCD, and/or PTSD? I can help facilitate your healing process and provide a safe space to voice your deepest concerns freely. Our goal is to significantly improve your self-concept, increase a positive outlook on life, and, most importantly, feel like your best self.
Additionally, much of my work has been with those experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, and neurodivergence ( Autism & ADHD).
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
Additionally, much of my work has been with those experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, and neurodivergence ( Autism & ADHD).
Thank you for considering me to be a part of your mental health journey. I believe in a holistic approach, and that a variety of interventions are required to assist clients in illuminating who they want to be. My approach is interactive, non-pathologizing, and client-centered. I believe that clients have developed skills through their life that have helped them get this far, and sometimes we need an extra eye to help us see our own skills, strengths, and patterns. I started my work in Ohio in 2017, and through moves to NC and DC, I have developed a very integrative model through the therapists I've had the pleasure of working with.
Marina Kerlow
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LGMFT
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901 (Online Only)
I work with adults, children, teens and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity (ADHD and autism), relationship issues and adjusting to life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and confusion? I can help you break old cycles that no longer serve you and develop more productive and healthier ways of being - whether that's individually or as a family. I provide therapy for improving relationships, healing from trauma, and exploring identity. I draw from my background working in research on child development and family resilience, evidence-based practices, my clinical expertise, and own lived experiences.
I work with adults, children, teens and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity (ADHD and autism), relationship issues and adjusting to life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in old patterns and confusion? I can help you break old cycles that no longer serve you and develop more productive and healthier ways of being - whether that's individually or as a family. I provide therapy for improving relationships, healing from trauma, and exploring identity. I draw from my background working in research on child development and family resilience, evidence-based practices, my clinical expertise, and own lived experiences.
See more therapy options for Silver Spring
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Silver Spring
- Bethesda
- Burtonsville
- Chevy Chase
- College Park
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- North Bethesda
- Olney
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Takoma Park
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.