For people who see therapists that specialize in autism:

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ElleGaunt
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05 Apr 2018, 7:14 pm

Do you see a therapist who specializes in autism? I just had my first session today. It was mortifying. I felt so raw and exposed. I'm curious to know what it's like for other people, what you do and how it works.



SplendidSnail
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05 Apr 2018, 8:08 pm

I still see the psychologist who diagnosed me about once a month. For the most part, we basically just practice conversation, although we do also talk a little bit about various difficulties I might have been having.

Based on some of the questions he sometimes asks, I do find myself wondering whether I'm still being assessed, even though the assessment was completed months ago and I have a report confirming I have level 1 ASD.
:D


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Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder


MrsPeel
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06 Apr 2018, 5:16 am

The specialist psychologist who diagnosed me has a full client list, so when I wanted to see her about some mood issues, she directed me to see one of the younger staff at the practice. I'm not sure the status of the young woman I see, she's either not fully qualified or a new graduate.

It's actually pretty cool, because she's young enough not to have developed set views on aspies.

I get to talk about any issues I've been having, and she listens and offers the occasional suggestion. She does sort of study me, but that's OK, because I feel I'm helping her learn about adult Aspergers.

My mood's fine now, but I want to keep attending the sessions, I found it helps to have someone I can talk to about various pressures I'm under, without feeling judged.



agwhanooo
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07 Apr 2018, 1:05 pm

I very recently started seeing an ASD-specific talk therapist who, although undiagnosed, claims (and appears) to be on the spectrum himself. I actually find him very refreshing; he isn't condescending, he doesn't push me to discuss things I'm uncomfortable with, and he doesn't try to minimize my issues. Unlike the battery of other therapists I've visited over the years, I feel he's actually listening to me, and when I ask him for an honest answer he seems unafraid to give me one.

Therapists trained in autism are few. Ones trained in autism and actually in touch with the condition are fewer still. But they do exist, so don't lose hope!



SH90
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07 Apr 2018, 2:42 pm

I did, but my therapist was mostly worthless... Unfortunately she would say lots of stuff, without following through and only trying to keep me coming back based on what she felt I wanted to hear. She had no plans for our sessions and that was confirmed when I requested and reviewed therapy notes. What really annoyed me with her, was the fact she didn't listen very well and didn't remember key information of something I was presently having trouble with... I would spend a good 5-10 mins refreshing her on the details getting the same reaction, hell sometimes she would obviously mix me up with other clients.

Your going to have to shop for a good therapist. Unfortunately, that is more difficult when looking for an ASD specialist. Even in large cities, there maybe only one or two who advertises it and you can't tell if their BSing until talking with them.