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Therapy for Autistic Adults in NY, From a Therapist Who’s Autistic Too
Sharon Kaye O’Connor, LCSW is an autistic therapist and coach who offers neurodiversity-affirming therapy and coaching for autistic adults, including those formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed or still wondering. Psychotherapy is available across New York State and coaching is available worldwide, in 45-minute sessions by phone, Spruce App or Signal App.
Benefits of Autism Therapy and Coaching
- Less autistic burnout, meltdowns and shutdowns
- Reduced anxiety and self-criticism
- More authentic communication and relationships
- Scripts and self-advocacy skills that feel sustainable
- More alignment at work or school
- Stronger autistic identity and self-trust
- Practical support for daily life and executive function
Booking and Pricing
Support that is accessible, predictable and transparent.
Session format: standard individual sessions are 45 minutes via phone, Spruce App, or Signal App.
Psychotherapy is available only in New York State. Coaching is available worldwide.
Contact me for fees
45-minute sessions
Sliding scale available on a limited basis
How to Book
Book your session by filling out the contact form.
Paying for psychotherapy yourself or not using insurance (including sliding-scale sessions)? You can request a Good Faith Estimate at any time through the contact page, in writing before your first session.
Autism therapy and coaching is not about “fixing” you. It is about understanding and supporting the way your brain and body already work.
Your Trusted Autistic Therapist and Coach in NYC
Therapy and coaching to support who we are, not change who we are.
Ever feel like the world wasn’t built with your needs in mind? Too often, therapy for autism focuses on making us “fit in” or “mask better.” What we need is support that honors our authentic selves and helps us thrive as the autistic people we are.
As an autistic therapist and coach, I get it. I’ve lived it. Instead of trying to change you, I help you grow in self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-celebration.
Welcome to a space where you’re seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are. Let’s build your best autistic life, together.
What Is Therapy and Coaching for Autistic Adults?
A space where you can make sense of your experience with gentle support. I offer neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic adults, as well as coaching tailored to the autistic and wider neurodivergent experience.
- How your brain processes the world
- Unpacking masking and burnout
- New ways to move through relationships, work, and daily life
You get emotional support, insight, strategies, and a compassionate autistic professional who understands the “why” behind your unique challenges and strengths.
Who Can Benefit
This therapy and coaching is designed for autistic adults who:
Diagnosed or questioning
Formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or wondering whether you might be autistic.
Exhausted from masking
Worn out from masking, people-pleasing, or constantly trying to “keep up.”
Overwhelmed
Struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, decision-making, or emotional dysregulation.
Relationships
Wanting support with friendships, dating, intimacy, or family dynamics as an autistic person.
Life transitions
Navigating parenthood, education, career or workplace challenges, or late-diagnosis identity shifts.
Lived experience
Preferring an autistic therapist and coach who “gets it” on a lived-experience level.
You do not need to be “certain enough,” “struggling enough,” or “organized enough” to start. If you recognize yourself here, this space is for you.
My Approach
From your first session, you’ll step into a space built for safety, clarity, and genuine collaboration, with no pressure to prove or perform.
Personalized Mapping
We explore your sensory profile, masking habits, and stress triggers, and pinpoint what energizes and drains you.
Flexible Session Structure
Your communication style and processing speed are honored. Take breaks or change the pace whenever you need.
From Insight to Action
Try new sensory strategies, scripts, and self-advocacy, reshape routines, and reframe old beliefs about yourself.
Building Lasting Habits
We review what works, troubleshoot together, and celebrate the quiet wins other people miss.
What We Will Cover in Therapy & Coaching
In therapy and coaching, we talk about…
- Your own unique autistic traits and attributes
- Communication needs and preferences
- Masking and un-masking
- Autistic burnout prevention and recovery
- Connecting with your authentic self
- Discovering your authentic needs
- Self-acceptance, celebration and Autistic Pride
- Self-advocacy
- Cultivating a life that works for you
- Special interests and favorite subjects
- Education and career path
- Making big decisions
- Autistic JOY
In Their Words
Reflections from individuals and families who have worked with Sharon, shared in their own words.
“She makes you feel seen”
— Reader
“Sharon gave me permission to listen to my nervous system and honor it.”
— Reader
“Sharon’s brilliant and gentle guide to navigating life as an autistic person is healing, inspiring and poetic.”
— Reader
“Her knowledge and careful attention to details have equipped our teachers with concrete tools and strategies to support our students in the classroom”
— Educator
“The absolute best book out there for Autistic/AuDHD folks…who are struggling with burnout.”
— Reader
“As a mother of a child on the spectrum this book helped ease my mind and made me connect with my child on a different level.”
— Reader
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an autism diagnosis to work with you?
No. I work with autistic adults who are formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or wondering whether they might be autistic. You do not need to be “certain enough” to start.
What is neurodiversity-affirming therapy?
It is therapy that supports who you are rather than trying to change you. Instead of teaching you to “fit in” or mask better, it helps you understand your brain, reduce burnout and build a life that fits you.
Can therapy help with autistic meltdowns and shutdowns?
Yes. Together we map your sensory profile, masking habits and stress triggers, and build strategies that work for you, so you have fewer burnouts, meltdowns and shutdowns.
Can you help with relationships and friendships?
Yes. I support autistic adults with friendships, dating, intimacy and family dynamics, including communication needs and self-advocacy.
What is the difference between therapy and coaching?
Psychotherapy focuses on treating clinical concerns while coaching serves more as a guide for personal growth development without addressing clinical concerns. Psychotherapy is available only in New York State and can be billed to insurance. Coaching is available worldwide and is not covered by insurance.
How do I find an autistic therapist?
Look for a clinician who is openly autistic and practices neurodiversity-affirming care. I’m an autistic LCSW, and you can book with me by filling out the contact form.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you’re unsure which type of support fits best, we can talk it through and take the next step together.