Services

Engaging with autistic adults who are well trained in mental health provides teachers, employers, counselors, and businesses with a holistic understanding of autism, which is crucial for creating inclusive and supportive environments. It helps tailor approaches to meet individual needs, strengths the team, and promotes a more empathetic and informed experience for everyone.

I have given many presentations to private therapy practices, conference attendees, educators, and organizations like The Autism Society of NC, Lenoir-Rhyne University (Master's in Counseling Program), Mountain City Public Montessori School, AHOPE, The Southeastern Autism Conference, and AB Tech's Associate Degree Nursing students. 

I will be providing a free presentation about the medical issues that we see in people on the autism spectrum and how to advocate for screenings from your primary care doctor called "What You Wish Your Doctor Knew About Autism" at AmeriHealth Caritas Center in Asheville, NC on March 13th from 4:30pm-5:30pm EST that can also be live streamed. 

Use the contact form to get the link for virtual attendance.

https://fb.me/e/1sRMTqbBi

Please reach out about training, in-services, professional development days, and keynotes. I adore public speaking and enabling deeper connections between people with different brain types.

Sessions may be about:

** Executive Function

Support in developing executive functioning skills like planning, organization, task initiation, time management, and problem-solving.

** Communication

Provide techniques to improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills, including speech clarity, listening skills, and understanding social nuances.

** Parent

Provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers of individuals with autism, helping them better understand their child's needs and behaviors, and offering strategies for effective communication and behavior management.

** Independent Living Skills

Teach skills needed for living independently, such as cooking, grocery shopping, budgeting, and household management.

** Self-Advocacy

Empower individuals with autism to advocate for their own needs, preferences, and accommodations in various settings, such as school, work, and social situations.

** Health and Wellness

Promote healthy lifestyle habits like physical activity and stress reduction techniques.

Serve as a medical support person before, during, and/or after medical procedures.

** Crisis Management

Equip individuals and their caregivers with strategies for handling crises and stressful situations.

It's important to note that services should be tailored to each individual's unique strengths, challenges, and goals.

Talking to a healthcare professional before taking supplements is important for several reasons, including safety, proper dosing, identifying potential risks, monitoring progress, making sure the supplements don't interfere with your prescription medications, and cost effectiveness. 

I have been working with and studying supplements and vitamins for the last 20 years. As a registered nurse, I am also trained in teaching patients about their prescription medications' side effects and interactions.

Because the supplement industry is NOT regulated, a supplement company can make whatever claims they want about a supplement without worrying about litigation.

I've done extensive continuing education on the ways that supplements can interact with prescription medications and how supplements can be used to help with mental health challenges and sometimes exacerbate them. (see my supplement blogs for more information)

I've worked at residential facilities and inpatient programs that use supplements to increase the efficacy of prescription medications and/or allow for lower doses so that the side effects from medications are less dysregulating. These adjustments would be made by your prescriber.

Getting an autism diagnosis can be an overwhelming thing for both parents and adults. Here are some things that can be discussed in an in-home consult.

** Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a MEDICAL perspective

Explanation of what autism is and its characteristics.

Learning about the wide range of challenges and personality traits associated with autism.

** Creating a Supportive Home Environment

** Social Skills and Communication Development

** Addressing Behavioral Challenges

** Supporting Family Dynamics

** Connecting with Support Networks

** Planning for the Future

** Advocacy and Community Involvement

 

Walking therapy holds significant promise for individuals with autism, offering a unique and multifaceted approach to promoting their well-being.

Engaging in therapy while walking outdoors or in a natural setting can provide a calming and non-intimidating environment, reducing sensory overload and anxiety that might be triggered by traditional clinical settings. The rhythmic and repetitive motion of walking can have a soothing effect, helping to regulate sensory sensitivities and emotional states.

This mode of therapy can facilitate sensory integration, enhance social interactions, and promote self-confidence, ultimately contributing to a holistic and positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of people with autism.

These sessions are between an hour and an hour and a half long and happen at public parks, trails, and sometimes even the Asheville mall if it's raining or we're working with tools to minimize social anxiety.