Therapists who understand ASD in adults? Do they exist?

Use Google: “Therapist who knows neurodivergent autism spectrum “… I believe it popped up Psychology Today’s directory of therapists in my area. 

Warning, there were many therapists who had autism listed as their “specialty”… but I read their bio’s and called the one who had experience with neurodivergent adults and children. Bingo! She was a great fit (AFTER trying too many neurotypical therapists who did not understand autism!) 

I am in America so ask for it - NEAR ME. It’ll pop up therapists in your zip code and surrounding area.

Are you American? If so, I can give you a name. She is great and does tele-health sessions.

www.sapphireminds.co.uk 

Max has left the platform (them/they) said:

She did not know anything about autism

Max has left the platform (them/they) said:

She's also newly qualified

There is clearly a deficit in autism education when a newly qualified therapist doesn't know anything. It really should be a standard part of the curriculum given how many of the population are autistic.

Morganna Le Faye said:

Could anyone recommend a therapist  (of any kind) who offers online sessions and specializes in ASD in adults?

I found mine through the Psychology Today database of therapists - just select the ISSUE of Autism and any additional major subject matters that apply to you and you should get a good selection who have experience in what you want.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/england?category=autism

The one I found is based in Canada (better for my time zone) so it isn't just for UK based people.

My therapist has autistic children herself so had a much better understanding of the subject matter. She was the third one I used (the first left the practice they worked for and had a non-compete clause so I couldn't continue with them plus their replacement lacked knowledge of the subject), so I've found 2 out of 3 to be good so far.

My sessions are all done though Zoom supplied by the therapist.

I have found a good counselor but through a lgbt+ charity. She did not know anything about autism but she's gone out of her way to learn. Obviously that wouldn't work for everyone but I'm diagnosed so I'm past the point of needing someone to believe me cos I have it in black and white. 

My counselor has her own health issues and occasionally shares just enough and herself to let me know she really does understand. She's also newly qualified and when I started with her she was getting in her hours to pass her course. But she's my age, she's disabled, and she has ADHD adult kids, she's got life experience and she believes me which is the key point for me. 

She is the only counsellor I've seen in 25 years that understands. And I've seen a lot of counselors. I can work with her because she read up on PDA and doesn't treat me like a subservient client, she respects my perspective. It's much more like a working partnership instead of therapist and client. PDA does not like being subservient to anyone. 

So yes it is possible to find a therapist, if you are really lucky. I would suggest looking sideways, not straight at the NHS. Look up local charities which might be relevant to you, look outside the main stream because sadly the NHS keeps autistic support locked behind the diagnosis barrier, and most staff still seem to equate autism with learning disabilities.