CUSTOMIZED APPROACH FOR YOUR SENSORY NEEDS
Helping autistic adults have their needs met in a safe environment
What it means to be autistic is wildly misunderstood. In fact, we are sometimes found by individuals seeking autism treatment. However, autism is not something that needs to be “treated”. Using our approach, we aim to normalize and de-stigmatize what it means to be an autistic person. Additionally, we also customize our approach to create a safe space that assists in unmasking. Services are also offered to help with particular needs at no additional cost, such as access to session summaries if requested.
We can also help to connect you to other neurodivergent-informed practices as necessary to create a collaborative environment, subject to community availability.
ADDRESSING YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS
OTHER Focuses
GUIDING UNMASKING JOURNEY FOR AUTISTIC ADULTS
Adult autism Therapy in
A Supporting Environment
Many autistic adults engage in masking, adjusting their social image to blend in, which can lead to long-term harm and autistic burnout. We aim to support unmasking not only in therapy but throughout life, while recognizing that unmasking can feel unsafe in some settings. We’re here to provide support through those moments.
We recognize the connection between masking and social or emotional trauma. When masking is rooted in trauma, we provide compassionate support. If needed, we also connect clients with trauma-informed practitioners, understanding that not every therapist is equipped for every type of trauma.
NEURODIVERGENT-INFORMED THERAPY
Different Types of tALK Therapies TO SUPPORT AUTISTIC ADULTS
Client-Centered
This approach uses your lived experiences as sources of wisdom to help you generate personal insights. For those who find recalling thoughts and feelings challenging, we offer additional guidance to support the process. can be difficult.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps you accept what’s outside your control, while guiding you to take value-based actions aligned with your core values. It’s especially useful for self-understanding and unmasking.
Solution-Focused Therapy:
Ideal for those seeking short-term support, this hands-on approach focuses on solving specific problems rather than deep emotional exploration. We also draw on community resources to support your solution-seeking journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ADULT AUTISM?
Adult autism refers to a naturally occurring neurotype that continues across the lifespan and is often identified later in life. Unlike past beliefs that framed autism strictly as a developmental disorder, we now understand it as a difference in how the brain processes information, social interaction, and sensory input. Many autistic adults experience strong interests, a preference for routines, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli, traits that come with both strengths and challenges. Recognizing adult autism means acknowledging these unique traits and supporting individuals in ways that foster self-understanding, acceptance, and well-being.
HOW COMMON IS AUTISM?
According to recent statistics, one in every 59 people are assessed as autistic. This number has been increasing as more is learnt about what it means to be autistic. This number is high enough that most of us have had an interaction with someone who is autistic (although we may not know it).
HOW ARE INDIVIDUALS ASSESSED AS BEING AUTISTIC?
Generally speaking, if someone suspects that they are autistic, they can be assessed through a physician, a nurse practitioner, a psychiatrist or a a psychologist. However, because not everyone in these groups are trained to assess individuals as autistic, it can be difficult to seek an assessment. If you need help finding a specialist that can help in this area, feel free to reach out. Although we cannot assess you ourselves, we may have some leads in your area (subject to availability, results not guaranteed and the leads will not be associated with Unique Peace Counselling).
WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?
This question is difficult to answer, as autism isn’t something that’s “caused”. Instead, current research suggests that autism is a natural variance in neurotype that leads individuals to experience the world differently. This means that an individual is autistic throughout their life, even though they may only be assessed later in life. Additionally, one’s chances of being autistic are higher if individuals in your family are neurodivergent, as neurotypes seem to be, at least in part, hereditary.
WHAT ARE TRAITS ASSOCIATED WITH BEING AUTISTIC?
Autistic individuals have the capability of feeling a lot in some situations (hypersensitivity) and not much in others (hyposensitivity), leading to different insights and perspectives compared to neurotypicals. However, this often means that autistic individuals are more likely to avoid situations where they’re exposed to a lot of things at once, such as crowds, chaotic environments, etc. In addition, some autistic adults may control their sensory exposure by maintaing habits and routine. Because of differences in sensory perception, autistic traits can look very different from person to person.
WHY IS ASPERGER'S SYNDROME NO LONGER USED AS A TERM?
Asperger’s Syndrome was reclassified as “autism level one” to reflect autism’s spectrum nature and to move away from the term’s ableist origins. Autism level one describes minimal support needs, focusing on day-to-day task assistance and social support, in contrast to levels two and three, which require more substantial assistance.
