Autism Spectrum Therapist in Austin, TX

If you or someone you love is navigating the world with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you’re likely facing a range of emotions—from confusion to frustration, and even isolation.

It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the unique challenges that come with autism, whether you’re a parent worried about your child’s development, a teenager struggling to fit in, or an adult trying to navigate the complexities of daily life but with the right support, individuals can thrive. At Just Mind Counseling, our dedicated team of therapists is here to guide you or your loved ones through every step.

Find an Autism therapist near you. Whether you're seeking in-person sessions in Austin, TX, or prefer the convenience of telehealth and online counseling, we're here to help.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition recognized in the DSM-5, characterized by challenges in social communication and the presence of restrictive interests and repetitive behaviors. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it manifests differently in each individual. Some may be nonverbal, while others might have a rich vocabulary but struggle with social interactions. Many individuals on the spectrum use “masking” strategies to navigate social situations, which can be exhausting and isolating.

Understanding autism is the first step toward finding the right support. If you have autism, you might sometimes feel isolated in your experiences. However, autism is more common than you might think, affecting people from all walks of life. According to the CDC, autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States today, and as awareness grows, so does the rate of diagnosis.

Common Symptoms and Behaviors of Autism

Social Communication Challenges: Difficulty in understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, or engaging in typical conversational patterns.
Restrictive Interests: Intense focus on specific topics or activities.
Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in repetitive movements or routines.
Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory inputs like sounds, lights, or textures.

Diagnosing Autism

If you suspect that you or your loved one might be on the autism spectrum, seeking a diagnosis is a crucial step. A comprehensive neurological or psychological assessment is typically required for an official diagnosis. This evaluation might include:

Standardized tests to assess behavior and abilities.
Observation-based instruments
Questionnaire forms filled out by the individual and close associates.
Interviews of the individual and those most involved in the individual’s life.

Schedule your initial consultation today!

Our Autism Therapists Are Accepting and Supportive

Supporting Children with Autism

Autism can be especially challenging for children, impacting their performance at school, relationships with peers, and overall self-esteem. At Just Mind Counseling, we provide specialized therapy tailored to the unique needs of children with Autism. Our approach focuses on helping kids develop coping strategies, improve their behavior, and build confidence.

We use evidence-based techniques such as play therapy and behavioral interventions to create a supportive and engaging environment where children can learn and grow.

Parenting a Child With Autism

As a parent, you may be grappling with questions like, “Is my child developing normally?” or “How can I help them succeed in school and make friends?” The uncertainty can be heartbreaking, especially when you see your child struggle with things that seem simple for others—like understanding social cues, coping with sensory overload, or managing routine changes.

Our therapists provide guidance and resources to help you understand your child’s needs, manage their behavior, and create a positive home environment. Key strategies include:

Consistent routines
Positive reinforcement
Clear communication

Autism Therapy for Teens

Being a teenager is tough enough without the added challenge of Autism. As they face increased academic demands, social pressures, and the quest for independence. Therapy for teens focuses on developing organizational skills, improving social interactions, and building self-confidence.

Is your child struggling with school or behavior issues? A psychological assessment can help.

Autism Therapy for Adults

Living with Autism as an adult can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Just Mind Counseling, we understand the real-life challenges you face — like missing deadlines at work, feeling constantly disorganized, or struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities. Our Autism therapy for adults focuses on practical strategies to help you regain control, improve your relationships, and boost your work and academic performance.

Let’s work together to make life feel more manageable and fulfilling. Schedule your initial consultation today.

Our Approach To Autism Therapy

At Just Mind Counseling, we recognize that everyone’s journey with autism is unique. Our approach is centered around understanding each individual’s needs and tailoring our support to meet those needs. We have specialists at our practice who have focused their careers on Autism Counseling. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or a loved one, our goal is to help build on existing strengths while implementing strategies to overcome challenges.

Our therapists work closely with clients and their families, continuously monitoring progress and adjusting the approach as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.

We also offer a comprehensive Autism Psychological Assessment.

Types of Autism Therapy

At Just Mind Counseling, we offer a range of therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with Autism. Our approach includes:

Mindfulness: Fostering present-moment awareness to manage emotions.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping manage anxiety, depression, and obsessive behaviors.
Modeling: Demonstrating desired behaviors for clients to emulate.
Enhancing Social Competence: Utilizing group settings and mentoring to build social skills.
Targeted Interventions: Focusing on specific areas like emotion recognition and perspective-taking.

We believe that consistency across different settings—home, school, work—and collaboration among all support members—parents, educators, medical professionals— is vital for optimal outcomes.

Autism Therapy Success Stories

Find An Autism Therapist Near You

The therapists below all specialize in Autism counseling. Click on one to learn more about them and their experience.

Alisar Eido, LCSW

Bill Campbell, LPC

Courtney Lougheed, LPC

David Jenkins, LCSW

Evan Sadler, LCSW

Kay Suttle-Field, LPC

Loren Lomme, LPC, RPT

Lyn Pierce, LPC

Matt Murphy, LMFT Associate

Supervised by Daniel Brake, LMFT-S

Melody Clark, LMSW

Mike Rosenthal, LMSW

Ron Grace, PsyD

Scott Allen, PsyD – Director of Neurodiversity Services

Susan Gurney, LPC

William Schroeder, LPC

Not sure which Autism Counselor to work with? We can help!

FAQs About Autism Therapy

Autism Counseling

What are common reasons that we may work with people who are on the spectrum?

Addressing school- or work-related difficulties
Determining life paths
Assistance with relationships, friendships, and dating
Impulse control
Learning how to self-advocate
Self-knowledge/acceptance
Coping with anxiety/depression
Handling social rejection
Planning for/adjusting to natural life transitions (e.g., into adolescence, into adulthood)
Identify development

What are common reasons that parents may seek out our support?

School-related struggles
Difficulties establishing friendships or playing with peers
Addressing bullying and building coping skills
Difficulties with emotional/behavioral regulation
Building flexibility
Learning/practicing perspective-taking skills
Learning communication strategies to ensure everyone is “on the same page.”
Planning for upcoming events/transitions
Preventing, responding to, and recovering from conflict

What are the causes of Autism?

The exact causes of autism remain unknown, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How common is Autism?

Autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States.

What terms are associated with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder: current DSM-5 diagnosis based on evaluation by a medical provider or a psychologist
Autism: Used to describe a medical diagnosis or as self-identification for people who are “on the spectrum.”
Asperger’s Syndrome: Diagnosis that was removed from medical diagnostic terminology in 2013 but is still often used to self-identify. People with Asperger’s Syndrome tend to have many of the social and behavioral characteristics of autism but tend to have well-developed general communication skills and average to high IQs.
Neurodiversity: Term describing the varying profiles of individuals’ brain functions and behavior and placing them on the continuum of normal variation in humans. The concept of neurodiversity ultimately changes the landscape because it challenges the notion of autism as a disorder to be “fixed” and places greater emphasis on strengths and acceptance. If the range of neurodiversity were considered to be line with two set ends, profiles closer to the center would be considered neurotypical while those further away would be considered neurodivergent.
Neurodivergent: Traditionally describes individuals who are on the spectrum; however, this term appears to be broadening to describe people with ADHD, challenges with executive functioning, and other types of cognitive/learning variations.
Neurotypical: Traditionally, a neurotypical person has been someone who does not meet criteria for autism or a related DSM-IV/DSM-5 disorder.
On the spectrum: even before the concept of neurodiversity took the limelight, distinctive differences were noted among skills and behaviors of individuals with autism. Autism, in itself, is considered a spectrum diagnosis because of these varying profiles.

Can Autism be cured?

Autism isn’t something that needs to be cured—it’s a fundamental part of who many people are. Individuals with autism often have unique strengths, such as exceptional visual skills, attention to detail, and innovative problem-solving abilities. The scientific community now views autism not as a condition to be “fixed,” but as a different way of experiencing the world.

Today, the focus is on acceptance, understanding, and support. This means helping people with autism recognize and build on their strengths, teaching them skills to navigate challenges, and providing the necessary support systems, whether at home, school, or work. Through a neurodiverse perspective, we see autism as a valuable and unique way of perceiving and interacting with the world—some of history’s greatest minds are thought to have been autistic.