Affirming Counselling for Autism, ADHD, and FASD
“No brain is the same. No brain is the best. Each brain finds its own special way” (from a poem written by Edward Hallowell).
At ICC we celebrate differences and want all clients to feel safe and supported. All counsellors at ICC have experience working with individuals with neurodiversity, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism (including Autistic or self-identifying Autistic adults), and FASD. Our services can also be paid for using the Autism Funding Unit.
ADHD is often misunderstood and mismanaged. It can look differently depending on whether the identified gender of the adult or child. ADHD gets involved in everyday relationships. ADHD can result in distraction, forgetfulness, impulsivity, mood sings, feeling or acting disorganized, and hyperfocus. ADHD coaching helps educate clients about their symptoms. As a coach, we work collaboratively with clients and caregivers to help develop stronger emotional regulation, create and meet academic/professional/personal goals, enhance self-acceptance and create practical solutions that help reduce symptoms. Coaches use basic counselling skills to support their clients. It is also a very practical appointment and clients find it useful to engage in concrete strategies and techniques. Some techniques include using body doubling, visual reminders, an external brain, creating routine, simplifying tasks, taking breaks and minimizing distraction. Coaches, Registered Clinical Counsellors, and interns are able to help you go through a self-report measure and write the findings in a letter for your family physical or your child’s pediatrician.
Autistic individuals of all ages receive affirming care at Island Clinical Counselling. We offer individual support that is adapted to the needs of the client. We also offer numerous groups for children and adults.
The journey towards diagnosis is a hard one, and while we do not offer diagnoses at Island Clinical, we are able to support you as you navigate the processes to get one. Working with an affirming therapist is important. Many adults we see want to receive a diagnosis. Autism assessment as an adult is a hard process to go through and there are limited resources. For those looking for adult assessment we can support this process by walking through the diagnostic criteria and writing a support letter to your psychiatrist or psychologist of choice.
Services for Neurodivergent Individuals and Families:
- Individual counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor or intern
- Individual counselling with a Child and Youth Care Counsellor
- Family and couples counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor or intern
- Parent Support with a Child and Youth Care Counsellor, intern, or RCC
- Child and youth in person groups
- ADHD Coaching
- Advocacy support at school, medical, and professional meetings