Behavioural Consultants and Asperger's Disorder

I am often asked what a behavioural consultant can do, what services we provide, for children, adolescents and adults with Asperger's Disorder, high functioning autism and NVLD (Non-Verbal Learning Disorders)?

First and foremost, I provide psychoeducation - I help parents, children, teens and adults understand the nature of their disorder.  Most individuals come to me because they want a behavioural consultant for Asperger's. That sometimes includes diagnostic testing, sometimes additional psychoeducational testing to help develop a school IEP 9Individual Education Plan) or with adult a workplace intervention plan.

some individuals see me, and have another behaviour interventionist in the home who is attuned to ABA techniques. Regretfully, while every parent of a child with Asperger's Disorder or autism spectrum disorder needs to know about ABA they also need to understand the neurocognitive details of the disorder to get why someone does what they do. This often includes working with older children and teens on materials such as Michelle Winners "Social Behavior Mapping" or using programs such as the "Social Detective" series or "SuperFlex" to understand themselves and start to make changes. It's hard to imagine working towards a goal without understanding what road your on! Psychoeducation helps with this. Often we meet every other week to go over how skills and tools we learned about in the office are working at home, school or the workplace.

I also consult with individuals about more basic behavioural problems, especially with small children who develop co-morbid disorders and need supportive interventions. This may include working on issues of anxiety, emotional regulation, anger management and social interactions.

I try, as much as possible, to use materials similar to those used by many school districts when working with students with Asperger's Disorder.

And frankly, every other week an adult takes home one or more of my children's books, posters or other materials because these really simple and clear programs clarify issues for them that adult autism and Asperger's materials just don't.

As a registered marriage and family therapist (RMFT), in addition to being a registered psychologist, teacher of special education and school psychologist, I also spend a good deal of time working with families on "family systems" issues. These can range from direct couple counselling for the adult with Aspeger's, to parent education and family dynamics. The range of services is wide, and depends upon your needs.

For more information on working with me as a "behavioural consultant," (I am an approved ACT Behavioural Consultant and work with provincial funding when it is available) or for information on testing, assessment, educational or workplace issues, please visit my web page at https://www.relatedminds.com/adult-autism-and-aspergers-disorder/ for adults or https://www.relatedminds.com/autism/ for children and teens.