Autism Spectrum (ASD), Neurodiversity, and Children with Special Needs

Children and teens with special needs, learning differences and Asperger’s can face many challenges with regulating emotions, navigating social challenges and developing a positive self-image. 

Autism Spectrum (ASD), Neurodiversity, and Children with Special Needs

Children and teens who are on the spectrum, who have special needs, and/or learning challenges can face many more barriers and challenges than their peers when it comes to regulating emotions, navigating social challenges, and developing a positive self-image. Positive therapeutic support could provide your child with the skills to navigate the confusing and challenging terrain in their social lives and to learn of and embrace their unique gifts.   

Parenting a neurodiverse child can be as rewarding as it is challenging when your child learns skills they need and you have the tools you need to support your child. Parent coaching and child therapy are often life changing supports when raising a child with special needs. Using evidence-based behavioral therapies, I work in collaboration with the child’s medical treatment and educational team to support the child in developing skills to regulate strong emotions, develop positive relationships, and to build a compassionate and positive self-image. Reach out now to learn more about what treatment could look like for your child.

Area of Focus

Dr. Luisa's diverse skillset allows her to focus on many areas.

Wellness & Resiliency

Life is often stressful. Wellness and resiliency training turns those stresses into opportunities to learn and grow.

ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a pattern of difficulty sustaining focus, attention, distractibility, and/or impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms, from overwhelming worry thoughts, expecting the worst, panic, fears and phobias. Treatment involves assisting clients to calm their “fight-flee-freeze” reactions.

Depression

Depression is a common, but serious mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest and sometimes irritability and isolation.

Sleep Difficulties

Sleep disorders involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. After ruling out medical causes for sleep difficulties, there are several treatments to address sleep issues in children and adults.

Autism Spectrum (ASD), Neurodiversity, and Children with Special Needs

Children and teens with special needs, learning differences and Asperger’s can face many challenges with regulating emotions, navigating social challenges and developing a positive self-image. 

Trauma

Traumatic reactions can include avoidance of reminders of the trauma, painful intrusive memories, nightmares, feeling irritable or in a heightened state of alert, anxiety, depression and edginess, guilt and shame. Seeking treatment is important.

Military Families & Transitions

Military Service Members, Veterans and their families often face challenges connected to the hardships and stress of service, trauma and sacrifices to serve. When service members return, they are encouraged to seek counseling to help themselves and their families adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here area answers to a few of the most common questions

Do you provide an initial free consultation?

Yes, I schedule a 15-minute initial free phone consultation, to determine if I am a good fit and able to assist.

Do you provide virtual or in person sessions?

I offer virtual sessions for clients residing in California if the service would benefit the client.  I also offer in person sessions, following health safety guidance.

Do you accept insurance?

I provide a detailed bill/receipt that clients can use to submit to their insurer or self-pay. Regrettably, I do not accept insurance or submit claims. I accept payment through Zelle, Venmo, Paypal and check.

How long does therapy take?

The duration and pacing of therapy sessions is different for each client. During the initial consultation and assessment/intake process, the pacing and duration of therapy or wellness coaching can be better defined in collaboration with the client to support their goals.

What services do you offer?

I provide individual adult therapy, child and adolescent therapy, including young child therapy. Additionally, I provide parent coaching and support. Services include wellness and resiliency training and coaching. Tailored to the needs and goals of the client, I draw from several research-driven treatments (CBT, DBT, PCIT, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic, Developmental Theory, and Social Learning Theory) to provide an integrated approach. Services offered are non-crisis outpatient therapy.

Dr. Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl

Contact Dr. luisa

Questions, concerns or request a consultation by contacting me. If this is an emergency, please call 911.

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