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THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE IN OTTAWA, ON
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“Autistic people see the world in a unique way that’s different from everyone else, and that’s something to embrace.”
– Chris Bonnello
You’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you’re transitioning into a new stage in life—starting a new job, moving away from home, or entering higher education—and finding it difficult to navigate changes in your routine. Or perhaps you’re trying to manage day-to-day responsibilities, like self-care or relationships, but something always feels off. You may feel misunderstood or isolated from others, and everyday activities like socializing, completing tasks or even taking care of yourself feel like insurmountable tasks. It sometimes feels like everyone else got a manual on how to interact socially that you missed out on.
You could be experiencing sensory overload, struggling to filter out distractions, or finding it hard to understand social cues. Despite your best efforts, you just can’t seem to get it right. It’s possible that you’re struggling to communicate your needs, making it harder for others to understand or support you. Sometimes, this results in frustration, anxiety, shame or even feelings of isolation. You might even be dealing with low self-esteem, questioning whether you’ll ever feel truly at ease in your own skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present itself differently for each individual, and it’s important to understand how it affects you personally. With the right support, it’s possible to navigate and manage the challenges of neurodiversity and embrace a fulfilling life.
Common signs and symptoms of autism include:
Struggles with understanding or navigating social situations
Socializing feels exhausting
Difficulty making and-or keeping friends
A preference for routine and difficulty with change
Trouble with communication, whether verbal or nonverbal
Intense focus on specific interests or activities, sometimes at the expense of broader responsibilities
Repetitive behaviours or movements that when overwhelmed
Intense interests
Challenges with change
Difficulty with sensory processing (overreaction or underreaction to stimuli like lights, sounds, or textures)
Feeling like you need to study others in order to “fit in” (e.g., masking)
These symptoms can vary from person to person, and while they may seem overwhelming, an autism therapist can help you understand and manage them more effectively. Sometimes, a little guidance can make a big difference in finding peace and fulfillment in your life.
HOW CAN THERAPY FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE SERVICES IN OTTAWA HELP?
We want to help you work through and rise above your struggles
At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, we understand that autism can affect many aspects of your life, from your personal relationships to your career, education, and self-worth. Our goal is to help you navigate these challenges so you can embrace your true potential and lead a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. Our experienced psychologists and therapists support autistic individuals at different stages of life, from adolescence to well into adulthood.
Many of our clients come to us feeling isolated, overwhelmed or unsure of how to handle their day-to-day life. Through therapy, they learn practical skills to manage their emotions, improve communication, create routines that work for them, and build stronger connections with others. After therapy, many individuals report feeling more empowered, confident, and in control of their lives.
We want to help you create a space where you can thrive and embrace your unique neurodiversity. With the right support, you can start building a future where your challenges become opportunities for growth.
Our team is here to help!
Melisa Arias-Valenzuela
Julie Prud'homme
Amélie Vézina
Ryan Watt
Natasza Tarnowski
Olivia Lazimbat
Gregory Rokhlenko
Other Issues We Help With
ADHD
Anxiety
Relationships
2SLGBTQI+
Students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is autism and how is it diagnosed?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Autism is diagnosed through comprehensive evaluations that assess social communication and repetitive behaviors. Diagnosticians—typically psychologists, psychiatrists, or pediatricians—use clinical observations, developmental histories, standardized tools, and parental input across multiple settings to confirm a diagnosis.
What types of therapy do psychologists and therapists use to support autistic individuals?
At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, we take an integrative approach—tailoring our work to each person’s cognitive, sensory, and emotional profile. While some individuals benefit from more structured behavioural strategies, others thrive through relationship-based interventions that emphasize social-emotional learning, self-advocacy, and regulation. Depending on the goals, we may incorporate:
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) adapted for autism
-Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) adapted for autism
– Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) adapted for autism
– Radically-Open Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (RO-DBT) adapted for autism
-Play-based or creative therapies (e.g., art, music, narrative work)
Our role is to create a safe, affirming therapeutic relationship where growth happens at a pace that respects each individual’s identity and autonomy.
How do you approach ABA therapy and the concerns some people have about it?
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) has a long history in autism treatment, and while research supports its effectiveness in building functional skills, we are also mindful of ethical concerns raised by autistic individuals—particularly around masking and compliance-based approaches. At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, we prioritize neurodiversity-affirming practices. If we incorporate ABA-informed elements, we do so with consent, flexibility, and the individual’s well-being at the center. Therapy should never aim to “normalize” someone, but rather to support communication, independence, and well-being in ways that are meaningful to them. We also emphasize self-advocacy, choice-making, and collaborative goal-setting with families and clients.
How can therapy help with sensory processing differences?
While we as psychologists and psychotherapists don’t directly provide sensory integration therapy (that’s typically the role of an occupational therapist), we often work in tandem to support individuals in understanding and coping with their sensory world. Many of our autistic clients experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, or movement, which can significantly impact mood and functioning. In therapy, we use sensory-informed strategies such as creating sensory regulation plans, practicing body-based coping tools, and supporting emotional awareness tied to sensory experiences. When needed, we coordinate care with OTs to ensure a well-rounded and supportive environment for sensory wellbeing.
Do psychologists prescribe medication for autism?
No—psychologists do not prescribe medication, but we frequently work as part of a broader care team. If we observe signs of co-occurring challenges such as severe anxiety, depression, aggression, or attentional difficulties, we may recommend a consultation with a psychiatrist or family physician. Medications such as SSRIs, antipsychotics, or stimulants are sometimes used to manage these symptoms, but always within a comprehensive plan that includes therapy and other supports. At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, we ensure that any discussions around medication are collaborative, transparent, and focused on enhancing the person’s overall quality of life—not altering their identity.
How do I choose the right therapy and provider for autism?
Finding the right therapist is about more than credentials—it’s about finding someone who understands autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens and who offers a relationship-based, respectful, and individualized approach. Look for a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or mental health professional who has experience with ASD, uses evidence-informed practices, and values family involvement. At Uprise Psychology & Wellness, we offer an initial consultation to learn more about your goals and determine the best match within our team. You can learn more about our therapist here.
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