ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT FOR ADULTS WITH ASPERGER'S DISORDER AND HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM
In addition to services for children and adolescents I am one of the few providers in BC with extensive experience working with young adults and adults with autism and Asperger’s Disorder / Syndrome. As a matter of fact, over the past few years more and more of my practice has focused on working with young adults and social/work place issues. This includes social coaching, workplace evaluations, intervention planning and family consultations. Full comprehensive evaluations and diagnosis of adult Aspergers is also available. Some of the aims of therapy for adults with Asperger's or high functioning autism are:
- to teach new cognitive and behavioral skills that were never learned
- to teach compensatory strategies for deficits that cannot be changed
- to facilitate self-acceptance
- to teach strategies to decrease or prevent symptoms of co-morbid mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression
SERVICES FOR AUTISM AND ASPERGER'S DISORDER / SYNDROME
- Assessment and Diagnostic Services (autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and related disorders)
- Workplace consultations and site based education programs
- Community based social coaching programs for individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Disorder / Syndrome
- Educational / Social coaching for young adults in the workplace, college and similar settings
- Social coaching for adults with high functioning autism, Asperger's Disorder / Syndrome
- Couples counselling for couples dealing with adult autism, adult Asperger's Disorder / Syndrome
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND FOR PROVIDING TREATMENT FOR ADULTS WITH ASPERGER'S AND HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM?
My background for working with adults starts with my work with children and adolescents for over two decades. Understanding adult symptoms requires being familiar with the developmental issues of Asperger's and high functioning autism. I have worked as a teacher of special education, a school psychologist, a district behaviour specialist for autism and a provincial consultant for autism and related disorders providing consultation throughout the province of British Columbia.
Three other important skills and experience also come into play in working with adults with Asperger's Disorder or high functioning autism. First, several years of experience working as a neuropsychological consultant with Rehab Without Walls in California provided me with experience in working with workplace related problems. Second, many adults come to me with concerns about their relationships, including couple relations and relations as a parent. Before becoming a registered psychologist I was a licensed and registered Marriage and Family Therapist and have worked as a couple and family therapist for several years. This includes advanced training in the Gottman Couple's Therapy technique. Third, one of the most commonly used individual therapy techniques when working with adults with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT. I hold an advanced certificate in CBT from the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City.
DO YOU WORK WITH ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPER ACTIVITY DISORDER) AND EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION?
ADHD is now often diasgnosed along with Asperger's Disorder of High Functioning Autism. Much of my work with children, adolescents and adults focuses on ADHD and deficits of executive function. Executive function is the concept referring to the cognitive processes required to plan and direct activities, including what we refer to as task initiation and follow-through, working memory, sustained attention, performance monitoring, inhibition of impulses, and goal directed persistence. It also effects an individuals ability to control and modulate their emotions.
Many clients I see have deficits in executive functioning which prevents them from having the necessary skills to perform well in school, work or in social settings. With these clients we often need to make diagnostic decisions through testing and assessment, and then develop an individualized treatment plan addressing school, home and work. This might involve individual behavioural therapy, school or work consultation, referral to medical professionals, and psychoeducation. I often work closely with schools and employers in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Vancouver, New Westminster and Port Moody.
I often provide reading material, training videos and demonstrate and practice specific intervention techniques with clients. Much of the work we do in the area of ADHD is based upon the research and treatment programs developed by Dr. Russell Barkley. Please refer to my ADHD/ADD page on my website for more information.
WHAT ABOUT ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR FAMILY ISSUES?
Adolescents and adults are also seen for both diagnostic assessment and treatment of depression, anxiety and behaviour problems that might arise out of environmental or other situations. These individuals might take part in cognitive based therapy or counselling, or they might be provided with more traditional supportive therapy. I have provided child, adolescent and adult therapy for over twenty years using scientifically sound treatment techniques to meet the child or adolescent’s needs. Anxiety and depression are frequent co-morbid disorders for adults with Asperger's Disorder or high functioning autism and need to be addressed in treatment.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND IS THERE A WAITING LIST?
You may phone my office at 778.998-7975 or email me to begin setting up an appointment. The home page of this website has an email form you may use. Fees for sessions follow the guidelines of the British Columbia Psychology Association ($175.00 per session) and may be paid by cash, check or through PayPal. Often extended health care covers the cost of seeing a registered psychologist. Long term therapy is usually provided at a reduced rate. There is usually no longer than a one to two week waiting period.
More information can be found at my website: http://www.relatedminds.com
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