Autism Spectrum Disorder
In-person appointments in Yardley, PA
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with social interactions and communication with peers, adults, etc. Individuals with ASD may also struggle with repetitive behavior and interests, allowing reciprocation with others to be difficult. Individuals with ASD often exhibit different ways of thinking, learning, moving, and focusing; this may allow for difficulties with routine and structure. ASD can often lead to sensory sensitivities as well including stimming behavior (e.g. flapping).
For children and adolescents with ASD, it can be even more difficult to navigate social situations that take place across settings, specifically in school. These individuals may not understand social cues or how to reciprocate dialogue with others. They may struggle in how to advocate for themselves when they feel bullied or wronged. ASD may also lead to decrease in self-esteem or feeling as if they are different than or less than their peers.
Our goal is to help individuals on the ASD spectrum not only thrive despite their differences but thrive because of their differences. We want to empower individuals on the spectrum to utilize their individual strengths and talents in order to navigate the world around them. The goal is to help individuals increase social skills, increase positive self-esteem and embrace their differences. We currently utilize CBT techniques to help challenge negative thoughts, but also include strength-based techniques as well as talk therapy. I utilize several role play techniques to help children and adolescents practice skills in session including asking questions, responding appropriately, advocating for self, and identifying strengths.
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”–Dr. Seuss
Lauren Wenclewicz, LPC
My name is Lauren Wenclewicz and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS) located in Yardley, PA. I currently work with children (ages 5-12), as well as teenagers (ages 13-18) who experience difficulties with hyperactivity (e.g. attention, lack of focus, school problems), impulsivity, oppositional defiance, anxiety (e.g. social anxiety, generalized anxiety), as well as adjustment issues (e.g. divorce, change in school or family dynamics). I also have a history of working with clients on the ASD spectrum and have a history of working on social skills (e.g. social boundaries, empathy, perspective taking). I currently focus on utilizing CBT techniques, strength based and solution-focused techniques to help challenge thoughts and focus on strengths and solutions to help clients focus on solutions rather than problems
Alexis Vasquez-Natale, LPC, M.S., LBS
Hi ! My name is Alexis and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Behavioral Specialist. I have experience in the field in various therapeutic roles and treatment settings providing support, guidance, and therapy to adults, children, and families from diverse walks of life.
My passion is working with children, parents, and families using various modalities, such as family systems approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy, attachment based therapy, and play therapy. This means I look at each member of a family within the family unit as playing an integral role in how the family functions as well as the individual needs of each person.