Autism

Autistic Identity & Self Awareness

Patient discussed their understanding of autistic traits, personal strengths, preferences, and individual support needs.
Therapist supported patient in exploring how autism and past experiences have influenced self-perception and identity.
Session explored development of a more strengths based and accepting understanding of the patient’s autistic identity.

Emotional Regulation & Overwhelm

Patient discussed recent experiences of emotional or physiological overwhelm and identified contributing sensory, social, and environmental factors.
Therapist supported patient in identifying early signs of escalation and developing strategies to support regulation before distress becomes overwhelming.
Session explored individualized regulation strategies to increase patient’s ability to manage periods of heightened emotional distress.

Sensory Needs & Environmental Demands

Patient discussed sensory sensitivities, sensory seeking behaviors, and environmental factors that contribute to distress or dysregulation.
Therapist supported patient in identifying specific sensory triggers and exploring practical accommodations to improve comfort and functioning.
Session explored ways to modify environmental demands across home, school, work, or community settings to better support regulation.

Transitions, Flexibility & Routines

Patient discussed difficulties related to transitions, unexpected changes, and disruptions to established routines.
Therapist supported patient in developing strategies for preparing for transitions and increasing flexibility while maintaining supportive structure.
Session explored the patient’s need for predictability and ways to distinguish helpful routines from patterns that may become overly restrictive.

Social Communication & Relationships

Patient discussed recent interpersonal experiences involving communication differences, misunderstandings, or social expectations.
Therapist supported patient in practicing direct communication strategies to improve expression of needs, preferences, and boundaries.
Session explored relationship patterns and communication approaches that respect the patient’s individual social style.

Executive Functioning & Daily Functioning

Patient discussed current challenges with task initiation, planning, organization, time awareness, and follow-through.
Therapist supported patient in developing strategies for breaking responsibilities into manageable steps and utilizing external supports.
Session explored routines and environmental strategies to improve consistency, independence, and daily functioning.

Masking, Self-Advocacy & Authenticity

Patient discussed situations in which they experience pressure to mask, camouflage, or suppress aspects of their natural communication or behavior.
Therapist supported patient in exploring the emotional and functional impact of masking and identifying opportunities for greater authenticity.
Session explored self advocacy strategies related to communicating needs, requesting accommodations, and establishing appropriate boundaries.

Shutdowns, Meltdowns & Recovery

Patient discussed recent experiences of shutdown or meltdown and identified contributing demands, antecedents, and early warning signs.
Therapist supported patient in developing strategies for reducing demands and environmental stimulation during periods of significant overwhelm.
Session explored recovery needs following dysregulation and identified supportive responses that prioritize safety and reduce additional demands.

Autistic Burnout & Quality of Life

Patient discussed experiences of exhaustion, reduced functioning, and decreased capacity associated with prolonged or cumulative demands.
Therapist supported patient in identifying ongoing stressors and exploring adjustments to expectations, responsibilities, and recovery time.
Session explored sustainable routines and lifestyle strategies that better align with the patient’s needs, capacity, and overall quality of life.