Therapy Program for Late-Diagnosed Autistic Women
Do you have a history of feeling “different” than other people and you wonder why that might be?
Have you been diagnosed with autism or suspect you might be autistic, but you don’t know what that means for your day-to-day life?
Being an autistic woman in a world that rewards neurotypicality creates challenges for personal relationships, work/career, and mental health.
If you are a late-diagnosed autistic woman or suspect you might be, this six-session therapy program is for you.
In six sessions, we will cover brief assessment, psychoeducation, identity integration, help with masking/burnout, and practical support.
The program is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed. All sessions are conducted by me, Dr. Janet Civitelli. The work is 100% confidential via a secure version of Zoom.
Cost is $140 per session. Sessions are 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or bimonthly depending on client preference and budget.
Session 1 – Assessment and goals
Together we will clarify your motivation for participation and goals for the program.
We will explore your developmental and social history, masking/camouflaging patterns, sensory profile, mental health comorbidities (anxiety, depression, eating issues, substance use), and functioning at home/work.
We will use brief self-report tools and collaboratively define two to three therapy goals (examples: reduce overwhelm/anxiety, improve mood, learn self-advocacy). For your review, here are examples of informal autism screening tools.
Session 2 – Psychoeducation and identity
I will review with you some of the reasons for delayed/missed diagnoses and how stereotypes and masking have caused the mental health industry to miss autism for many women.
We will explore the emotional reactions you may have about a late diagnosis. Many women feel positive emotions such as relief and increased self-compassion, but also anger, grief, and regret about the years of being misunderstood.
We will identify your strengths through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
We will discuss how to be authentic but strategic in a neurotypical world.
Session 3 – Masking, burnout, and emotional regulation
We will map specific masking behaviors to negative outcomes such as exhaustion, burnout, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
We will identify strategies to manage social anxiety and increase self-compassion.
We will build your unique sensory profile as a first step to managing sensory sensitivity.
Session 4 – Sensory and daily‑life accommodations
We will review sensory sensitivities and overload situations in detail (noise, light, clothing, social environments) and how they connect to meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout.
We will brainstorm and plan environmental changes and low‑cost accommodations at home and work (quiet spaces, noise reduction, schedule changes, communication preferences, negotiation for work-from-home allowance, etc.).
We will discuss the pros and cons of honesty with employers and practice communication scripts for work, personal relationships, and interacting with healthcare providers.
Session 5 – Relationships, communication, and support
We will explore and practice scripts for boundary setting and communication.
We will identify any needs for skills for specialty services such as occupational therapy, psychiatry/medication management, specialty care in mental health, etc.
Session 6 – Wrap up
We will review your progress toward initial goals and formalize a plan for longer-term self care and support.
If continuing treatment, we will collaboratively decide the next focus. Examples include deeper exploration of shame, grief, anger, and/or regret; career challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, or desire to change careers toward something better aligned for you; and/or relationship dynamics.
Please note this program is not for the purpose of a formal diagnosis and does not provide documentation for accommodations. The program is not reimbursable by insurance companies as there is a substantial coaching component that would not meet the insurance requirement of medical necessity. In some cases, we will decide to connect you with referrals for insurance-based care.
If you are interested in this program and/or have questions, please reach out.