Autistic & Considering Therapy? 5 Reasons That’s a Good Idea

Life on the autistic spectrum can provide you with gifts and challenges. How ideal would it be if you could maximize your ability to appreciate the gifts? As you’re about to learn, therapy can be a giant step in that direction for you.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. But they don’t need an “expert” to tell them they’re having trouble fitting in. During childhood, someone with relatively mild ASD symptoms can find ways to navigate social interactions. However, this process is a whole lot more tricky as an adult. So, for starters, let’s review some of the reasons why you may be considering therapy.

A Few Ways Being Autistic Can Be a Challenge

Nuance and Context

Adult human interactions, in general, can feel like a minefield. We’ve created so many unwritten rules and social norms that can, in turn, vary due to culture, geography, etc. Then we have jokes, inside jokes, metaphors, and sarcasm. All of this can make someone with ASD feel left out and confused.

Non-Verbal Communication

Body language, vocal inflections, and facial expressions are just some of the ways we can speak volumes without speaking a word. ASD can make “reading between the lines” particularly tough.

Spontaneity and Lack of Structure

Maybe you prefer structure. You may thrive with schedules and routines. Adult life can be chaotic and impromptu and thus, exasperating.

How much would it help to have a skilled professional guide you through the mazes and obstacles?

5 Reasons Why Therapy is a Good Idea For People With Autism Spectrum Disorder

1. Understanding Your Capabilities, Needs, and Viewpoints

Autism does not define you. Like everyone else, you are a complex being with an infinite amount of uniqueness. Working with a therapist can help you better understand who you are — to yourself and to the world at large.

2. Gaining Confidence

Through trial and error — and a fair amount of role play — you and your counselor can work toward reducing self-doubt. As you grasp more about your individual needs, you can better negotiate a world that often doesn’t seem accommodating. Let’s say you’re someone with high sensitivity to sensory input. Your sessions can support your efforts to manage environments that feel challenging. This can be a major confidence boost!

3. Building Healthier Relationships

Each person you meet has her or his own emotional inner life. This is often shaped by experiences they have lived through. Connecting with others requires us to develop an intuition for understanding where people are coming from. Right now, this may feel impossible. But it can be developed to a variety of degrees. As you do this work, you increase your ability to build lasting connections with others.

4. Interacting More Comfortably With Strangers

If you get a little shy or tongue-tied around strangers, you’re not alone. With or without ASD, this can be one’s of life’s toughest situations. Your therapist will be a stranger — at first. Your sessions are the ideal setting to get more comfortable with the whole “getting to know you” process.

5. Unpacking Negative Thought Patterns

Living with ASD can lead you to develop some unhealthy beliefs about yourself. These beliefs can translate into behaviors that work against you. An experienced therapist can assist you in learning the skills you need to replace both the beliefs and the behaviors.

I’ll Bet You Have Questions

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a reason to shy away from therapy. On the contrary, therapy can be essential. What I’ve stated above is only an introduction. If you want to ask more and learn more, I’m here. I’d love to connect with you for a free and confidential consultation.