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Sea Hope Through Waves Of Change

Therapy for things you want more of in Life 

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Affirming Care

For Neurodivergent Minds

Our ADHD and autism services offer a supportive space where individuals of all ages can be understood, regulated, and empowered. Through compassionate, strengths-based approaches, we help clients build confidence, develop coping skills, and thrive in their everyday lives.

Understanding, Acceptance, and Growth

As an autism-informed specialist, ADHD certified clinician—and as someone who personally experiences disability and neurodivergence—I am deeply committed to supporting individuals of neurodiversity as they move toward greater understanding, confidence, and fulfillment. My work is grounded in trust, empathy, and respect for each person’s unique experiences and strengths. I strive to create a safe, affirming environment where clients can express themselves openly, explore challenges, and celebrate their individuality. Using evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming strategies, I tailor each session to the needs of the individual. Together, we focus on building practical skills in social connection, emotional regulation, daily living, and self-advocacy. My goal is to help clients develop resilience, strengthen their voice, and navigate school, work, and community life with greater ease. Above all, I believe every autistic individual has the capacity to thrive. I am honored to walk alongside each person as they discover their strengths, embrace their identity, and move forward with hope.

Answering Your Questions

What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the understanding that differences in brain functioning, such as autism, ADHD, and giftedness, are natural variations of the human experience rather than deficits. It is often considered a neurodevelopmental difference as it begins to show itself during early childhood and brain development.
How to get a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is typically made through a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed psychologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental specialist. Evaluations may include clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral observations, and input from caregivers and teachers. As a therapist I find a neuro- psychological assessment to be most informative along with information from family and others.

Why is knowing your diagnosis helpful?

A diagnosis can provide clarity, self-understanding, and access to appropriate supports, accommodations, and services. It can guide treatment planning and help individuals and families advocate effectively in school, work, and community settings. Each individual has a very personal and unique profile that with diagnostic assessment helps us know what tools we are working with and those that may be challenges. Without some help it is a bit of educated trial and error.

Is Medication necessary?
Medication is not required for neurodivergent individuals. For some people, medication may help manage specific symptoms, such as attention or emotional regulation, while others benefit from therapy, skills training, environmental supports, or a combination of approaches. Diet, supplements and learning functional skills and management can also make a difference. I have clients who use all varieties of interventions and different levels at success. Frankly, sometimes medication is what works at the end of the day and sometimes it is where we start while we learn and then grow out of needing it.
Does the ADA provide for neurodiversity?
Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with qualifying neurodevelopmental conditions by requiring reasonable accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public settings when a condition substantially limits one or more major life activities. The interesting news is that the neurodivergent population is continuing to increase more rapidly than thought. This means workplaces and communities are starting to understand that making spaces and places for such individuals needs to bea regular part of planning for the future.
How can I get help for my child in school in St Johns FL Schools?
Parents can request an evaluation through their child’s school to determine eligibility for supports such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. Requests should be made in writing to the school’s guidance counselor or exceptional student education (ESE) team. There are also scholarship and educational financial assistance programs to use for occupational, speech, and other therapies that may be needed. All this can be overwhelming and Education Advocates can be helpful in fighting for childrens rights and helping you on the right path. I can refer one if you need.
How can Occupational Therapy help along with counseling?
Parents can request an evaluation through their child’s school to determine eligibility for supports such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. Requests should be made in writing to the school’s guidance counselor or exceptional student education (ESE) team. There are also scholarship and educational financial assistance programs to use for occupational, speech, and other therapies that may be needed. All this can be overwhelming and Education Advocates can be helpful in fighting for childrens rights and helping you on the right path. I can refer one if you need.
What about Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is often part of the package and looks different for each individual. It often shows up in reading but can be present in numbers and other spaces. It is something to keep in mind with academic challenges. Neuroscience research shows that dyslexia involves differences in the structure, connectivity, and activation of brain networks responsible for reading. These networks primarily include areas in the left hemisphere that support phonological processing, word recognition, and rapid language decoding. In individuals with dyslexia, these regions often show less efficient activation, while other brain areas may work harder to compensate. Dyslexia is also linked to differences in how the brain processes sounds in language, particularly the ability to map sounds to letters. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate that with effective, structured reading instruction, the brain can reorganize and strengthen these networks, a process known as neuroplasticity. From a neuroscience perspective, dyslexia highlights how variations in brain development influence learning styles. Understanding these differences supports early identification, targeted interventions, and strengths-based approaches that help individuals with dyslexia succeed academically and beyond.
What is ABA therapy and is it for my neurodivergent child?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on teaching skills and reducing behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. ABA can be helpful for some individuals, particularly younger children, but it is not the right fit for every neurodivergent person. Treatment decisions should be individualized and aligned with the child’s needs, values, and goals.

Answering Your Questions

What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the understanding that differences in brain functioning, such as autism, ADHD, and giftedness, are natural variations of the human experience rather than deficits. It is often considered a neurodevelopmental difference as it begins to show itself during early childhood and brain development.
How to get a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is typically made through a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed psychologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, or developmental specialist. Evaluations may include clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral observations, and input from caregivers and teachers. As a therapist I find a neuro- psychological assessment to be most informative along with information from family and others.

Why is knowing your diagnosis helpful?

A diagnosis can provide clarity, self-understanding, and access to appropriate supports, accommodations, and services. It can guide treatment planning and help individuals and families advocate effectively in school, work, and community settings. Each individual has a very personal and unique profile that with diagnostic assessment helps us know what tools we are working with and those that may be challenges. Without some help it is a bit of educated trial and error.

Is Medication necessary?
Medication is not required for neurodivergent individuals. For some people, medication may help manage specific symptoms, such as attention or emotional regulation, while others benefit from therapy, skills training, environmental supports, or a combination of approaches. Diet, supplements and learning functional skills and management can also make a difference. I have clients who use all varieties of interventions and different levels at success. Frankly, sometimes medication is what works at the end of the day and sometimes it is where we start while we learn and then grow out of needing it.
Does the ADA provide for neurodiversity?
Yes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with qualifying neurodevelopmental conditions by requiring reasonable accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public settings when a condition substantially limits one or more major life activities. The interesting news is that the neurodivergent population is continuing to increase more rapidly than thought. This means workplaces and communities are starting to understand that making spaces and places for such individuals needs to bea regular part of planning for the future.
How can I get help for my child in school in St Johns FL Schools?
Parents can request an evaluation through their child’s school to determine eligibility for supports such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. Requests should be made in writing to the school’s guidance counselor or exceptional student education (ESE) team. There are also scholarship and educational financial assistance programs to use for occupational, speech, and other therapies that may be needed. All this can be overwhelming and Education Advocates can be helpful in fighting for childrens rights and helping you on the right path. I can refer one if you need.
How can Occupational Therapy help along with counseling?
Parents can request an evaluation through their child’s school to determine eligibility for supports such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. Requests should be made in writing to the school’s guidance counselor or exceptional student education (ESE) team. There are also scholarship and educational financial assistance programs to use for occupational, speech, and other therapies that may be needed. All this can be overwhelming and Education Advocates can be helpful in fighting for childrens rights and helping you on the right path. I can refer one if you need.
What about Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is often part of the package and looks different for each individual. It often shows up in reading but can be present in numbers and other spaces. It is something to keep in mind with academic challenges. Neuroscience research shows that dyslexia involves differences in the structure, connectivity, and activation of brain networks responsible for reading. These networks primarily include areas in the left hemisphere that support phonological processing, word recognition, and rapid language decoding. In individuals with dyslexia, these regions often show less efficient activation, while other brain areas may work harder to compensate. Dyslexia is also linked to differences in how the brain processes sounds in language, particularly the ability to map sounds to letters. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate that with effective, structured reading instruction, the brain can reorganize and strengthen these networks, a process known as neuroplasticity. From a neuroscience perspective, dyslexia highlights how variations in brain development influence learning styles. Understanding these differences supports early identification, targeted interventions, and strengths-based approaches that help individuals with dyslexia succeed academically and beyond.
What is ABA therapy and is it for my neurodivergent child?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on teaching skills and reducing behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. ABA can be helpful for some individuals, particularly younger children, but it is not the right fit for every neurodivergent person. Treatment decisions should be individualized and aligned with the child’s needs, values, and goals.