Therapy for Autism

in newport beach, ca. Gain the confidence to take off the mask (and feel good about it).

 
 
 

Therapy for autism

We help children, teens, and adults feel understood and supported in a world that often feels like it’s not made for them.

 
 

When life doesn’t seem built with you in mind, everyday tasks can feel like mountains, social interactions leave you questioning your place, and it’s easy to feel like no one really gets what you’re going through. 

You’ve tried to fit in, hide your differences, and push through the exhaustion of constantly adjusting to expectations that don’t feel natural to you. But it’s incredibly difficult to keep up appearances—no matter what you do, you’re left feeling lonely, misunderstood, and not good enough.

 

You deserve support that recognizes your strengths, helps you build skills, and validates your experiences.

You’re ready to live authentically, with confidence and clarity in who you are beyond stereotypes or a specific “label.”

Our specialties

What we can help with:

    • Struggling with daily tasks and routines 

    • Difficulty maintaining friendships and social interactions

    • Challenges with dating and relationships, including navigating online platforms

    • Difficulty with emotional regulation, shutdowns, or spirals when things feel too much

    • Struggles with identity, including gender identity, sexual orientation, and neurodivergent identity

    • Masking and exhaustion from trying to appear "neurotypical"

    • Frustration with societal misconceptions and media portrayals of autism

    • Sensory sensitivities (e.g., clothing textures, food textures, temperature regulation)

    • Emotions and extended meltdowns

    • Difficulty recognizing hunger cues or managing bodily needs

    • Struggles in unstructured school environments (e.g., lunch, PE, transitions)

    • Limited interest in group activities and difficulty forming friendships

    • Special interests and intense focus on specific topics (e.g., gaming, anime, STEM, animals)

    • Being teased or misunderstood by peers, especially in middle school

HOW THERAPY FOR AUTISM WORKS

First things first: autism isn’t something to “fix” or “cure.” It’s a way of being.

 

We believe therapy should support your unique needs—not push you into a mold that doesn’t fit. As we work together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you, whether that’s making friends, managing sensory overwhelm, increasing independence, or exploring your identity. We’re here to help, not to change who you are.

We take a strengths-based, affirming approach to help you build confidence and skills in ways that actually work, supporting you in tuning into your needs and communicating them in ways that feel right for you. If executive functioning challenges make time management or routines tricky, we’ll find strategies that make sense in your life. If social situations feel overwhelming, we’ll explore ways to navigate friendships, dating, and workplace interactions—without forcing neurotypical norms.

We recognize that sensory sensitivities can make daily life challenging, so we’ll also work on tools to help you manage them in a way that respects your comfort and preferences. And if parents or family members need guidance, we can help them better understand and support you in ways that feel helpful—not intrusive.

You don’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of “normal.” We’re here to help you build a life that feels like yours.

Understand your brain, trust your body, and embrace the real you.

Therapists who can help

  • Melissa Mahboobian Mamola

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  • Kari Sylvester

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  • Riley Glasgow

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Frequently asked questions

  • Therapy is tailored to your needs and goals. It may focus on emotional regulation, executive functioning, relationship-building, or sensory management. For parents, therapy can provide guidance on supporting your child’s development in an affirming way.

  • Absolutely. Many adults come to therapy wondering if they are autistic, especially those who were overlooked in childhood. We can explore your experiences and help you understand what autism means for you.

  • Yes! Our therapists support children ages 6+ with age-appropriate tools for emotional regulation, social skills, and sensory management. We also provide parent guidance to help families create a supportive environment.

  • Yes. Many of our clients are young adults navigating independence, relationships, and career challenges. Therapy can help you build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and a deeper understanding of your needs.

  • Then you’re in the right place. Our therapy approach is about supporting you as you are rather than making you conform to neurotypical expectations. We want to help you build a fulfilling life on your own terms.

Schedule a free consultation

Get matched to the therapist who’s right for you.

You’ll get the most out of therapy if you’re working with someone you truly connect with. Click the button below to schedule a free consultation with us. We’ll discuss what’s going on, answer any questions you have, and then connect you to the therapist who is best equipped to help you reach your goals.