Autism Therapy
Online therapy for individuals
Why Does Everything Feel So Overwhelming?
You might feel as though you’re walking through a world that rarely fits your needs—constantly having to adapt or mask who you really are. Maybe you’ve heard people say, “Why can’t you just…?” without realizing how much energy you’re already burning just to keep up.
Tasks that seem simple for others—like filtering out background noise, meeting deadlines at work, or navigating social situations—can feel incredibly draining. You may be Autistic, and while that can bring beautiful strengths, it can also mean living in spaces not designed with you in mind.
That mismatch can leave you exhausted, misunderstood, and wondering if anyone really sees how hard you’re trying.
Seeking a Path to Thrive
Despite the daily pressures, you’re not broken—society often isn’t set up to embrace Autistic perspectives. Therapy can be a space where your voice is heard and your uniqueness is celebrated. It’s about acknowledging both the challenges and the strengths of being Autistic, so you can gain clarity on who you are and how to navigate life with less stress.
You don’t have to carry the weight alone; with the right support, it’s possible to reclaim your energy, lean into your true self, and discover strategies that honor your individual way of moving through the world.
How Therapy for Autism
Therapy for autism isn’t about fixing you—because you aren’t broken. Instead, our focus is on embracing the unique ways you experience the world. Sessions may explore strategies for managing sensory overload, unmasking in safe environments, or finding better ways to communicate needs to those around you.
Throughout it all, we keep the spotlight on your strengths, so you can build a life that feels more aligned with who you really are. By working together to reduce burnout and boost self-acceptance, you’ll start seeing possibilities where you once felt limitations.
The Challenges of Navigating Autism
Living in a society largely designed for non-autistic perspectives can feel like you’re carrying around extra weight every single day. You want to carve out a life that honors your authentic self, but endless adjustments—whether it’s juggling new routines or hiding certain traits—can leave you running on fumes.
Here are some of the challenges you might be facing:
Sensory Overload
Everyday sounds, lights, or textures can pile up into an avalanche of overwhelm, leaving you in a constant state of tension.Masking to “Fit In”
You might feel compelled to hide or suppress core aspects of who you are—like stimming or speaking plainly—just to avoid judgment or misunderstandings.Communication Hurdles
People may take your directness for rudeness or miss your cues altogether, causing you to question whether anyone really “gets” you.Executive Function Strain
Staying organized, keeping track of schedules, or handling unexpected changes can be a daily challenge that leaves you exhausted.Burnout & Isolation
It’s draining to constantly push yourself to meet standards that weren’t created with your needs in mind, leading to emotional fatigue and feeling alone.
The good news: you don’t have to shoulder these challenges forever. With the right guidance—rooted in neurodiversity-affirming principles—you can find practical strategies, self-compassion, and a sense of belonging. It’s possible to move beyond merely getting by and step into a life that feels truly sustainable and empowering.
How Therapy Can Help You Thrive as an Autistic Individual
Therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about creating an environment where being Autistic is celebrated and where you have the tools to navigate challenges with confidence. By focusing on your inherent strengths and supporting the areas that feel toughest, therapy can open doors to a more fulfilling, balanced life.
Here’s what therapy can provide:
- Develop Self-Understanding: Gain insights into how your autistic traits shape your daily experiences, so you can better advocate for your needs and recognize your unique gifts.
- Build Practical Coping Strategies: Learn methods to handle sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, or social demands in ways that respect your boundaries and capacity.
- Strengthen Emotional Wellbeing: Explore ways to process stress and manage anxiety or low mood, with techniques tailored to your specific sensory and cognitive style.
- Enhance Communication & Relationships:Identify how you best express yourself and discover ways to connect with family, friends, or coworkers—without feeling like you must constantly mask.
- Cultivate Self-Compassion: Replace negative self-talk or internalized ableism with gentle acceptance, recognizing that you deserve patience, respect, and understanding—just as you are.
Through a neurodiversity-affirming approach, you’ll find a supportive space to embrace every aspect of who you are, reclaim your energy, and find new ways to thrive on your own terms.
Working Together with Dr. Amanda Mead
Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and I’m here to support you as you navigate neurodivergence. As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I bring both personal and professional insight to our work together. With years of experience working with individuals with Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence, I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and work toward a more fulfilling life.
As a licensed psychologist practicing
If you’d like to learn more about my approach, feel free to visit my Bio page or take the first step by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation.
I look forward to helping you gain clarity, confidence, and tools to navigate life authentically.
What to Expect in Autism-Focused Therapy
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s important to know that this is a space designed for you—where you don’t have to mask, explain, or justify your experiences. Our goal is to provide a validating and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Intake: Your therapy journey begins with an intake session where we take the time to understand you as a whole person. This is not about fitting you into a box or a diagnosis—it’s about learning who you are, what challenges you face, and what support would be most helpful for you.
- Ongoing Therapy at Your Pace: Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some Autistic individuals prefer structured sessions with clear goals, while others may need space to process and reflect at their own pace. We work with you to determine the best approach—whether that’s weekly or at a frequency that suits your needs.
- A Collaborative and Affirming Approach: We work from an autism-affirming framework, which means we do not view autism as something to be “fixed.” Instead, we recognize it as a valid way of experiencing the world. We focus on practical strategies that support you in daily life while respecting your natural ways of thinking and being.
Therapy is a journey of growth and discovery. Progress takes time, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why Polaris Psychology is the Right Choice for Neurodivergent Therapy
Finding a therapist who truly understands autism can be challenging. At Polaris Psychology, we take an autism-affirming approach, meaning we don’t pathologize or try to change who you are—we work with you to create a life that honors your needs, strengths, and challenges.
At Polaris Psychology, we are here to help you embrace your unique strengths, overcome obstacles, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic.
Take the Next Step Toward Support
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re seeking tools to reduce sensory overwhelm, space to process your experiences, or support in unmasking and self-acceptance, therapy can be a transformative step. At Polaris Psychology, we understand autism and are here to help you create a life that aligns with who you truly are.
We invite you to take the next step:
- Schedule a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit.
- Learn more about our approach and how therapy can work for you.
- Start your journey toward self-understanding and support.
Click below to schedule your first appointment and begin working with a therapist who truly understands autism.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that beginning autism therapy can raise a lot of questions. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions we hear. If you need more information or have specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Q: How do I know if autism-focused therapy is right for me?
A: Autism-focused therapy may be right for you if you feel that your Autistic traits significantly impact your daily life, relationships, or emotional wellbeing. Therapy can help you understand yourself better, manage sensory overwhelm, reduce burnout, and build practical strategies to live more comfortably in a largely neurotypical world.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Polaris Psychology does not accept insurance at this time, but we can provide you with documentation that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider to see if they cover out-of-network mental health services and to understand your reimbursement options.
Q: How much does therapy cost?
A: Each individual therapy session is $250. Payment is due at the time of the session. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and FSA/HSA accounts.
Q: Is autism therapy only for individuals who have a formal diagnosis?
A: Not at all. You don’t need a formal autism diagnosis to benefit from autism-affirming therapy. If you resonate with Autistic experiences, have sensory sensitivities, or struggle with social interactions, self-advocacy, or masking, therapy can help you explore and navigate these challenges effectively—diagnosis or not.
Q: What happens during an autism-focused therapy session?
A: Sessions usually involve supportive conversations, strategy-building, and exploration of experiences relevant to your life. We create a safe, judgment-free space for you to unmask, reflect, and express your needs authentically. Your therapist will help you set achievable goals, build practical coping strategies, and increase your overall self-understanding and emotional wellbeing.
Q: How long will I need therapy?
A: The length of therapy varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term therapy to address a specific issue, while others find long-term therapy helpful for ongoing personal growth and self-discovery. Your psychologist will work with you to determine the best approach for your situation.
Q: Where do you offer autism-focused therapy?
A: At Polaris Psychology our licensed psychologists are authorized to practice in 43 states and territories across the United States:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Ready to Begin? Schedule Your Therapy Consultation Today.
We know seeking help is a significant step, and we want to make it as smooth as possible for you. Simply use the calendar below to choose a time that works for you. Once booked, you’ll be set up for a direct consultation with one of our licensed psychologists.
