UNDERSTANDING AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that can influence social communication, sensory processing, executive function, and routines. Adults often describe strengths in focus, honesty, pattern recognition, and creativity—and challenges with sensory overload, transitions, and unspoken social rules. Many have spent years masking to fit in, which can lead to burnout. Therapy centers safety, clarity, and practical tools so you can live more authentically with less exhaustion.

• Common experiences: sensory sensitivities, monotropism (deep interest focus), social fatigue, preference for predictability, and difficulty with small talk.
• Impact: work/relationship misunderstandings, decision fatigue, shutdowns or meltdowns after cumulative stress.
• Hope: with supports that match your sensory and communication profile, daily life becomes more spacious and sustainable.

WHAT IS AUTISM? (PSYCHOEDUCATION)

• Neurodiversity lens: autism is a difference—not a defect. We focus on fit between person and environment.
• Sensory profiles: hyper/hypo-sensitivities to sound, light, texture, or interoception (hunger, heat). A personalized “sensory diet” reduces overload.
• Executive function: planning, task initiation, and switching can be effortful; visual systems and stepwise routines lower friction.
• Communication: directness and clarity are strengths; scripts, agendas, and explicit expectations prevent misfires.
• Masking & burnout: camouflaging to meet norms drives fatigue and mental health strain; therapy supports authenticity and boundary-setting.
• Co-occurring experiences: ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep/ GI issues. Addressing these improves regulation and energy.

THERAPY OPTIONS AT ASTUTE

CBT/ACT Adapted for Autism

Concrete, values-led, visual tools to reduce anxiety, increase flexibility, and support authentic expression.

Communication & Social Coaching

Scripts, perspective-taking, boundary-setting, and meeting/relationship planning—consent-centered and practical.

Executive Function & Daily Living

Visual schedules, task breakdowns, time design, environment and routine shaping to reduce friction.

Sensory-Informed Regulation

Identify triggers; craft sensory supports for work/home; build meltdown/shutdown recovery plans.

COORDINATED SUPPORT

• Collaboration with primary care/psychiatry and occupational therapy when helpful
• Accommodation guidance and documentation for work/education
• Connections to neurodiversity-affirming communities and resources

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Profile-first intake: map sensory, communication, and executive-function patterns and goals.
2. Plan: build a visual, stepwise roadmap with clear supports and pacing.
3. Practice: in-session skill reps, scripts, and real-life experiments; adjust quickly based on feedback.
4. Maintain: routines, accommodations, and relapse-prevention for burnout.

WHY CHOOSE ASTUTE

• Adult-focused (18+), neurodiversity-affirming, consent-centered
• Evidence-based + practical tools that generalize to real life
• Sensory-informed environment and pacing
• In-person and telehealth options