Does Autism Make You Feel Like You’re Always On The Outside Of Life Looking In?

Are you suffering from meltdowns because of how hard adulting with autism is? Do you feel like you have nowhere to turn when the going gets tough? Maybe you wish you had the same quality of relationships other people do, but you feel awkward around others. Perhaps the struggle to adjust to new routines and keep up with all the changes in college or your career has thrown your world off-balance. Because of how easily other people seem to adjust, you may feel like you’re the odd one out, as if there’s something wrong with you.

When you’re living with autism, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong anywhere. Basic social cues that are second nature for everyone else may seem alien to you. Changes in routines and scheduling that aren’t a problem for other people may cause you anxiety and stress. In the end, you probably feel like you don’t understand others and they don’t understand you, which leaves you deeply confused and lonely. It’s as if you’re on the outside looking in, confined to the sidelines of life.

Thankfully, with my warm, compassionate approach to autism therapy, you don’t have to remain on the sidelines. I will help you learn how to diffuse meltdowns, adjust to transitions and connect with others on a deeper level.

Autism Can Be Overwhelming And Isolating To Live With

Imagine that you’re surrounded by close friends who care about you and empathize with your struggles. You no longer feel like you’re the odd one out. You’ve made transitions in college or your career more smoothly and you’re able to stay on top of your tasks and assignments. There’s a general ease about your life now and you’ve found ways to cope with your struggles.

Dealing with autism may be difficult, but it is possible to thrive. People with autism can lead active and fulfilling lives—they simply need extra help and support on a daily basis. Oftentimes, the hardest struggle is simply finding someone who understands and empathizes with you. Autism is an isolating and overwhelming experience regardless of where you are on the spectrum. If you’re a high functioning adult, other people may not realize you have autism, which only adds to your loneliness and lack of fulfillment in relationships. 

In counseling with me, you’ll find respite from your loneliness and a chance to pour your heart out to someone who cares deeply for you. I will teach you social skills to last a lifetime and help you learn new things about yourself. 

Autism Therapy For adults Can Help You Lead A Full, Active, And Vibrant Life

When you have autism, it’s often hard to know how to act or what to say in certain social situations. In sessions with me, you don’t have to censor yourself at all. This is an environment for freedom—you’re not going to be judged or told what you’re doing wrong. I want to empower you to be yourself and to express your thoughts and feelings with no reservations. My goal is to help you learn to function and adapt in a world that may not always make sense to you.

Although I will normally meet with you one-on-one, I leave open the possibility of having a loved one attend the intake session (what’s more, if you are the parent of a young adult with autism, you are welcome to recommend them to me for counseling and join the intake session if it’s okay with them). The treatment plan all depends on your individual needs. I believe you’re the expert on your own life, and that’s why I want to help you come up with your own solutions. 

In subsequent sessions, you and I will explore your everyday struggles and successes. I will focus on your strengths and how you can utilize them to find success, whether it’s socially, academically or in your line of work. Sometimes, being able to see the world differently can work in your favor, allowing you to be more innovative and resourceful. What you see as a weakness might actually be a strength. My goal is to help you find your advantages and use them to succeed in accomplishing your goals and achieving your hopes and dreams.

Additionally, I will help you learn to read social cues more effectively and adopt more appropriate social boundaries. For instance, maybe you have trouble taking turns during conversations or you obsess over one topic too much with others. Learning more about cues and boundaries allows you to slow down and be more in tune with your environment socially. What’s more, these people skills can also help you make friends and establish deeper connections with others.

No matter how hopeless you feel, autism doesn’t have to keep you on the sidelines of life. By utilizing the right support and finding new sources of resilience, I am confident that you can lead a full, active and vibrant life. 

You may have some questions about autism therapy for adults…

Will You Be Able To Understand My Struggles With Autism?

I do not have autism myself, but I have lived my whole life with a physical disability. I understand what it’s like to have to adapt and do things differently from others. Physical disabilities may be different from autism, but I still know how it feels to be on the outside looking in. 

Do You Know Any Resource In the Community That Could Help Me?

Accessing autism services and social programs is an integral part of what I do. If you’re having difficulties at work, for instance, I will help you to connect you to a job coach. If you’re having academic troubles in school, I can help you get in touch with a college counselor to ensure you stay organized and on top of responsibilities. No one can grow in isolation and that’s why I take a very communal approach to autism counseling. I want you to experience peace and stability socially, academically and in every area of your life.

 

I Am A Parent Of A Young Adult With Autism. How Can You Help Them?

I provide counseling for college-aged young adults in addition to older clients. If you have a young one who is on the spectrum, they are more than welcome to pursue counseling with me. I want to meet them where they are in life and help them find new ways to cope and adapt to transitions in their life. Additionally, if they’re just getting started in college or their career, I can help them find any available supports and resources for them, such as school accommodations, social programs and other autism treatment options. 

Autism Doesn’t Have To Keep You On The Sidelines Of Life

If you feel like autism is holding you back in life, I would be honored to help you adapt to your challenges and reach for the stars. To get started, you can call me at 631-289–8765 for a free 20-minute phone consultation or fill out the contact form.