Autism Therapists in Maryland
Kathryn Gargett-Jones
Counselor, MA, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
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.
Griff Doyle
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20825 (Online Only)
My involvement with autism involves a 30 year deep immersion in practicing, teaching, and endlessly learning how to effectively improve developmental trajectories for children and adults with neurological-developmental disorders through relationship-based, dyadic interventions.
I have spent 42 years treating adults and couples suffering from depression, disabling anxiety, repeated relational problems, trauma, and grief.I also speciaize in child developmental and play therapies with a range of challenges for which I design treatment plans individually. I determine the course of child treatment according to my assessment of their level of development. I involve parents to varying extents in the therapy. Over the years, I have become most specialized working with separation/divorce, attachment, anxiety, depression, behavioral, and neuro-developmental, and adoption difficulties for children and their families.
My involvement with autism involves a 30 year deep immersion in practicing, teaching, and endlessly learning how to effectively improve developmental trajectories for children and adults with neurological-developmental disorders through relationship-based, dyadic interventions.
I have spent 42 years treating adults and couples suffering from depression, disabling anxiety, repeated relational problems, trauma, and grief.I also speciaize in child developmental and play therapies with a range of challenges for which I design treatment plans individually. I determine the course of child treatment according to my assessment of their level of development. I involve parents to varying extents in the therapy. Over the years, I have become most specialized working with separation/divorce, attachment, anxiety, depression, behavioral, and neuro-developmental, and adoption difficulties for children and their families.
Laura Groft
Psychologist, PhD, NCSP
Verified Verified
Severna Park, MD 21146
Hello! I see children for therapy starting at age 3+ and have 10+ years of experience working with young children, especially with emotional or behavioral challenges. I also often work successfully with kids, teens, and young adults with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and depression to improve success at school, social skills, and emotional and behavioral regulation. + I also offer testing and evaluations to better understand a child or teen's strengths and needs and their impact on school, home, and social functioning. Common referral questions are related to ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, mood, anxiety, and more.
Hello! I see children for therapy starting at age 3+ and have 10+ years of experience working with young children, especially with emotional or behavioral challenges. I also often work successfully with kids, teens, and young adults with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, and depression to improve success at school, social skills, and emotional and behavioral regulation. + I also offer testing and evaluations to better understand a child or teen's strengths and needs and their impact on school, home, and social functioning. Common referral questions are related to ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, mood, anxiety, and more.
Nora Padison
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
I provide neurodiversity-affirming Autism and ADHD evaluations for adults in the state of Maryland as well as individual therapy. Some folks may come to me through self-identification and are simply looking to affirm what they already know about themselves, while others may be exploring neurodivergence for the first time. I am ready to meet you wherever you are in your self-discovery journey. My process is based on the client’s needs, but a typical evaluation includes gathering of social and developmental history, completion of self-report questionnaires, and the use of several diagnostic tools.
I provide neurodiversity-affirming Autism and ADHD evaluations for adults in the state of Maryland as well as individual therapy. Some folks may come to me through self-identification and are simply looking to affirm what they already know about themselves, while others may be exploring neurodivergence for the first time. I am ready to meet you wherever you are in your self-discovery journey. My process is based on the client’s needs, but a typical evaluation includes gathering of social and developmental history, completion of self-report questionnaires, and the use of several diagnostic tools.
Overthinking Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (Online Only)
Overthinking Wellness specializes in exploring, treating, and managing anxiety, ADHD/autism, big life changes, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, and executive dysfunction.
Overthinking Wellness specializes in exploring, treating, and managing anxiety, ADHD/autism, big life changes, neurodivergence, emotional dysregulation, oppositional behaviors, and executive dysfunction.
Deija McLean
Psychologist, PhD, BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MD 21046
Don't wait months or get added to waiting lists - start your child's journey to better support and understanding today! Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder & their families experience impaired quality of life due challenging behaviors and difficulties attaining expected developmental milestones. I support families by working with parents & children to improve adaptive skills & reduce maladaptive behaviors which interfere with safety & quality of life.I serve clients with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions such as (but not limited to) Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder and Down Syndrome.
Don't wait months or get added to waiting lists - start your child's journey to better support and understanding today! Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder & their families experience impaired quality of life due challenging behaviors and difficulties attaining expected developmental milestones. I support families by working with parents & children to improve adaptive skills & reduce maladaptive behaviors which interfere with safety & quality of life.I serve clients with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions such as (but not limited to) Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder and Down Syndrome.
Alison Vooris
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Easton, MD 21601
My specialties are understanding autism, working with LGBTQ+ and trans, grief and eating disorders.
My therapeutic practice is a combination of who I am ( being British) and the experiences I have had. Life is full of successes and failures and these experiences give us wisdom and the opportunity to analyze and reflect. My experiences started from a young age being born in Africa , living in South America and later travelling in China. I learned to be flexible and was always able to find a sense of place and belonging. Many of these experiences involved connection with the natural environment and I developed a love for birding and ecology. Eventually I moved to the Eastern shore of Maryland where I have raised four children.
My specialties are understanding autism, working with LGBTQ+ and trans, grief and eating disorders.
My therapeutic practice is a combination of who I am ( being British) and the experiences I have had. Life is full of successes and failures and these experiences give us wisdom and the opportunity to analyze and reflect. My experiences started from a young age being born in Africa , living in South America and later travelling in China. I learned to be flexible and was always able to find a sense of place and belonging. Many of these experiences involved connection with the natural environment and I developed a love for birding and ecology. Eventually I moved to the Eastern shore of Maryland where I have raised four children.
Laura Place
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
The really fun part of being a therapist is getting to work with people whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or anything else.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
The really fun part of being a therapist is getting to work with people whose brains all work differently from each other, whether it's because of ADHD, autism, trauma or anything else.
You've been on a journey just to figure out who you are and even though some of the pieces have come together, you could use a hand figuring out what to do with those pieces. Or you know just who you are and what you want for your life, but you can't seem to figure out how to manage the day to day challenges of adulting that everyone else seems to breeze through. You know you want and need a change, but you're not sure how to get there-and you've gotten pretty discouraged when you try without getting the results you need. I'm here to be a skilled and experienced guide to help you along any and all of those journeys.
Children at Play, LLC
Occupational Therapist, MS, OTRL
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
We specialize in working with children with sensory processing concerns, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, developmental disabilities, dyspraxia, neurological disorders, and behavioral disorders.
Children at Play, LLC offers pediatric occupational therapy services for children with a variety of needs. We offer FREE consultations and screenings to help you determine if we are the best fit for your family.
We specialize in working with children with sensory processing concerns, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, developmental disabilities, dyspraxia, neurological disorders, and behavioral disorders.
Children at Play, LLC offers pediatric occupational therapy services for children with a variety of needs. We offer FREE consultations and screenings to help you determine if we are the best fit for your family.
Ashley Smith-Nonnarath
MS, BCBA, LBA
Verified Verified
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
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.
Brittany Grinnell
Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia, MD 21044
Currently not accepting new clients. Is your child having difficulties at school, or tantrums at home? Is your child isolating, having outbursts, or having difficulty getting along with others? Do you worry about your child's future? I have a passion for working with children and adolescents who may be experiencing difficulty related to emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, autism, and relationships with others. I strive to show my clients that their feelings are valid and not abnormal. I believe building trust is the first step in therapy, and I will work with your child to make them feel safe and heard.
Currently not accepting new clients. Is your child having difficulties at school, or tantrums at home? Is your child isolating, having outbursts, or having difficulty getting along with others? Do you worry about your child's future? I have a passion for working with children and adolescents who may be experiencing difficulty related to emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, autism, and relationships with others. I strive to show my clients that their feelings are valid and not abnormal. I believe building trust is the first step in therapy, and I will work with your child to make them feel safe and heard.
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Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20852
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.
Helping Hands Family ABA Therapy - Lanham MD
MA, BCBA
Verified Verified
Lanham, MD 20706
Helping Hands Family in Lanham, MD use the American Medical Association-endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. This therapy’s approach explores each child’s unique learning process and mixes in behavior theory, while factoring in the effects that surrounding environments have on a child’s behavior.
Helping Hands Family in Lanham, MD use the American Medical Association-endorsed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practice to help children with autism reach life-changing milestones. This therapy’s approach explores each child’s unique learning process and mixes in behavior theory, while factoring in the effects that surrounding environments have on a child’s behavior.
Joanne Vu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21211 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients. I offer Telehealth sessions and offer flexible weekday. I’ve had the most success with clients who have Autism, learning disabilities or making life transitions and are in young adulthood ranging from 18-30 years old. My strengths are connecting, supporting, and providing engagement and processing of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors into objectifiable outcomes in a safe and warm environment suitable for growth and change.
I am currently accepting new clients. I offer Telehealth sessions and offer flexible weekday. I’ve had the most success with clients who have Autism, learning disabilities or making life transitions and are in young adulthood ranging from 18-30 years old. My strengths are connecting, supporting, and providing engagement and processing of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors into objectifiable outcomes in a safe and warm environment suitable for growth and change.
Elizabeth Ann Tsakiris
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Damascus, MD 20872
Do you have a child with autism, special needs, or multiple disabilities? Do you want to understand how your child learns and how to relate to him/her? Do you want to get the best for your child and family-despite any disability? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, I am a good match for your family. I have over 30 years' experience as a psychologist and teacher in schools, homes, and hospitals. I specialize in psychological services for children and young adults with special needs, and their families.
Do you have a child with autism, special needs, or multiple disabilities? Do you want to understand how your child learns and how to relate to him/her? Do you want to get the best for your child and family-despite any disability? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, I am a good match for your family. I have over 30 years' experience as a psychologist and teacher in schools, homes, and hospitals. I specialize in psychological services for children and young adults with special needs, and their families.
Kris Hopkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glen Burnie, MD 21061 (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
Sophie Sgarlat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21202
Do you think you may have ADHD or Autism? Have you struggled to assert boundaries at work, with family, & partners? Have you felt curious about exploring different pronouns and gender identity? Do you feel bad that you have a disability and don't know how to tell your friends that you can't do certain activities? You may have goals to tell your friends your preferred pronouns. Goals to get a diagnosis for your disability & curious about medication, goals to reevaluate your relationship with cannabis/alcohol. You may feel shame & anger about your childhood & the way your parents handled your behavior.
Do you think you may have ADHD or Autism? Have you struggled to assert boundaries at work, with family, & partners? Have you felt curious about exploring different pronouns and gender identity? Do you feel bad that you have a disability and don't know how to tell your friends that you can't do certain activities? You may have goals to tell your friends your preferred pronouns. Goals to get a diagnosis for your disability & curious about medication, goals to reevaluate your relationship with cannabis/alcohol. You may feel shame & anger about your childhood & the way your parents handled your behavior.
Meryl Stevenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I work with children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health needs. The majority of my experience has been in the school setting providing individual and group therapy to elementary, middle and high school aged students. I also have experience working with teaching staff on implementing appropriate behavioral interventions to support struggling students. I am passionate about working with children on the autism spectrum, with young people who may be struggling with social relationships, improving self-esteem, and managing stress effectively.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I work with children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health needs. The majority of my experience has been in the school setting providing individual and group therapy to elementary, middle and high school aged students. I also have experience working with teaching staff on implementing appropriate behavioral interventions to support struggling students. I am passionate about working with children on the autism spectrum, with young people who may be struggling with social relationships, improving self-esteem, and managing stress effectively.
Tsiona Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21208 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Brittaney Wood
Counselor, LGPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
Annapolis, MD 21401
After years of working with children with autism in various settings, I have found my passion and my calling in working with these clients and also supporting their family members.
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 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 changing your relationships or planning for the future it can be helpful to explore what is truly you. When working with individuals with autism and their families I enjoy exploring how to communicate our experiences to others and gaining a deeper understanding for those around us.
After years of working with children with autism in various settings, I have found my passion and my calling in working with these clients and also supporting their family members.
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 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 changing your relationships or planning for the future it can be helpful to explore what is truly you. When working with individuals with autism and their families I enjoy exploring how to communicate our experiences to others and gaining a deeper understanding for those around us.
See more therapy options for Maryland
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.