Counseling for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Our main goal of treatment is to partner with you, the parent or guardian, to maximize your child’s ability to manage the intense emotions, disruptive behaviors, to improve daily functioning in relationships and learning, supporting your child throughout their development. Our counselors develop a trusting and warm relationship with your child, exploring and identifying how their brain works and responds to various situations and relationships. Counseling for autism spectrum disorders not only helps provide guidance and support, but also helps develop new coping and calming skills, communication skills and social skills.
But what about the parents and family?
You may be wondering now that my kiddo has an autism diagnosis, and is matched with a therapist to help with emotional regulation and behavior modifications, what do I do? Your relationship with the child’s other parent, sibling relationships and your parenting approach most likely has been challenged and needs to be cared for. At Embark Counseling Services, we approach Autism with the whole family, and will often structure our work with every member of the family, from the parents to the siblings, and yes, even the grandparents and other extended family members.
Our approach with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Our approach is compassionate, understanding, expectant and patient, while comprehensive and holistic, collaborating with applied behavioral analysis to balance overall wellness with play therapy, paying close attention to the whole person. We empower the child to implement the new skills they learn, while developing accountability in consistency. We value family involvement for complete and supportive therapy.
There are many effective treatment options for autism, however, our counselors specialize in helping those with autism overcome anxiety, depression, impulsivity, executive functioning, as well as social and communication skills.
Our counselors are happy to provide you with a free consultation to identify your child’s unique and individualized approach to overcoming the symptoms that cause distress.
Second opinions are also available if you have had an evaluation and concerned about the evaluation’s outcome. Our counselors take the time to get to know your child, and ultimately understand the internal working model of your child, and how your child’s overall development may impact intense emotions and maladaptive behaviors. Our counselors are trained in completing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC), Child Behavior Checklist (CBC), as well as the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS-3) to provide diagnostic impressions.
Our Counselors trained to work with Autism:
Lenexa Location
Teresa Paterson Bartch, LPC, LCPC, RPT-S (not accepting new clients)
Northland Location
Teresa Paterson Bartch, LPC, LCPC, RPT-S (not accepting new clients)
Lee’s Summit Location
Sarah Christy, Counseling Intern