Navigating the day-to-day requires a lot of moving pieces and skills; on top of that, as we grow up, there are more responsibilities and opportunities for self-advocacy. Let’s focus on these building blocks as you figure out your next steps and work on your goals! I work with neurodivergent and Autistic people of all ages, as well as family members and others supporting them. I’m also LGBTQIA+ affirming and support your communication preferences (e.g., AAC) and accommodation needs.

What are you looking to work on? Potential areas that I work on that may be of interest to you:

(1) Self-advocacy (goal-setting, decision-making, asking for help);

(2) Self-regulation (self-awareness and self-knowledge, coping strategies, problem-solving);

(3) Executive functioning (adaptable thinking, organization, planning, self-monitoring, task initiation, time management, working memory);

(4) Social communication (learning about your communication needs and preferences and ways to express them; learning about working with others);

(5) Life skills (transition to adulthood, navigating adulthood); and

(6) Vocational skills (preparing for work, finding work, being in the workplace)

I’m a PhD (in Applied Developmental Science and Special Education from UNC-Chapel Hill) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with over 15 years of experience working with Autistic people and their support networks, from families, schools, and in the community.

My experience spans the lifespan with community programming, coaching teachers with Autistic students from elementary to high school, and being a direct support professional working with my 2 Autistic brothers.

What does a session look like? I start with you and your interests, needs, and goals. From there, we will create a plan with goals we will work on together. I use a combination of techniques, pulling from strengths-based, person-centered, solution-focused, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness in order to individualize to you.

tara@threeoaksbehavioralhealth.com