◈ Specializations

Autism

Affirming, neurodiversity-informed support for autistic children and teens: building self-understanding, emotional tools, and confidence.

Children · Teens · In-person & Virtual
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Support That Sees the Whole Person

Autistic children and teens often experience the world in ways that can feel intense, misunderstood, or exhausting, especially when the environments around them aren't designed with them in mind. Therapy at Little Waves is affirming and neurodiversity-informed, meaning it starts from a place of respect for who the child or teen is.

Rather than focusing on changing who an autistic young person is, therapy focuses on supporting emotional well-being, self-understanding, and building skills that genuinely help in their day-to-day lives. This might include managing sensory overload, navigating social situations in ways that feel authentic, understanding their own emotions, or building confidence in who they are. Every autistic child and teen is different. Sessions are shaped to the individual: their communication style, their interests, their goals, and their pace.

What We Work On
  • Understanding emotions and how they show up in the body
  • Managing sensory overwhelm and transitions
  • Building a positive, affirming sense of self
  • Navigating social situations in authentic ways
  • Anxiety and emotional regulation
  • Developing communication and self-advocacy skills
  • Supporting parents to understand and connect with their child
  • Coping with masking fatigue and identity
  • Building flexibility and coping with unexpected changes
  • Navigating school-related challenges and demands

Autism is not something to overcome. Therapy supports autistic young people to understand themselves, manage challenges, and feel more confident in who they are.

◈ How We Help

Approaches Used

1

Person-Centered Therapy

Sessions are shaped around the individual child or teen: their pace, their interests, their communication style, and what matters to them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

2

Strengths-Based Approach

Autistic children and teens bring real strengths: deep focus, attention to detail, honesty, and unique ways of seeing the world. Therapy builds on these rather than trying to change who they are.

3

Mindfulness-Based Practice

Learning to notice body sensations, emotions, and thoughts: building self-awareness and tools for managing moments of overwhelm in a grounded, accessible way.

4

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Supporting autistic young people to live according to their values, navigate difficult emotions with flexibility, and build a strong sense of self.

Looking for autism-affirming support?

Every journey starts with a first step. Reach out and we'll find the right path forward for your child or teen, together.

66 Centre St, Thornhill, ON · In-person & virtual sessions available