5 Highly Recommended Los Angeles Autism Therapists
Navigating the world as an autistic person can feel exhausting when you’re constantly expected to mask or conform to neurotypical standards. At Yellow Chair Collective, our neurodiversity-affirming therapists create a space where you don’t have to explain yourself—where your brain is valued exactly as it is, and therapy works with you, not against you. Meet our team here, learn more about our approach, and contact us when you’re ready to begin.
Meet our Los Angeles autism counselors
Kony Das, MSW
Kony specializes in neurodivergent affirming care and supports clients in freeing themselves from societal expectations that do not fit how their brains work. She brings years of experience working with neurodivergent clients and has extensive experience treating eating disorders, which informs her attuned approach to supporting clients with complex needs, including those navigating social anxiety. She creates a judgment-free space where autistic clients can unlearn shame and reconnect with their strengths.
Offers therapy for autism ✓
Clientele: Children, teens, adults, and families
Location: Arcadia, California
Virtual therapy: Yes, in addition to in-person
Emma Lin, MS
Emma offers a warm, affirming approach to therapy for neurodivergent clients exploring identity, queerness, or belonging. She understands what it’s like to feel like an outsider and helps autistic individuals reconnect with the parts of themselves that were never meant to be hidden.
Offers therapy for autism ✓
Clientele: Children, teens, adults, and families
Location: California
Virtual therapy: Yes
Lily Tran, MSW
As a queer, neurodivergent therapist diagnosed in her early twenties, Lily deeply understands the experience of moving through the world differently. She provides trauma-informed, identity-affirming care for neurodiverse teens navigating emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, and anxiety.
Offers therapy for autism ✓
Clientele: Teens and adults
Location: Irvine, California
Virtual therapy: Yes, in addition to in-person
Eliza Yoon Renner, LCSW
Eliza brings a psychodynamic approach to help autistic adults explore how past experiences shape present patterns. As a child of a Korean immigrant family and LGBTQIA affirming therapist, she offers culturally competent care for those navigating intersecting identities alongside their neurodivergence.
Offers therapy for autism ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: California
Virtual therapy: Yes, in CA, OR, and WA
Sonia Parecadan, MSW
Sonia supports neurodivergent, creative, and passionate adults who often feel misunderstood in how they move through the world, drawing on her own lived experience to guide her work. She offers a calming space where autistic clients can explore, reflect, and work through challenges at a pace that feels right for them while discovering the strengths they already carry.
Offers therapy for autism ✓
Clientele: Adults
Location: California
Virtual therapy: Yes
What autism therapy looks like at Yellow Chair Collective
Our approach centers on one core belief: you don’t have to change who you are to deserve support. Here’s what makes our approach to autism therapy different:
Neurodiversity-affirming: Autism isn’t something to be “fixed.” Here, we celebrate your neurological differences and work with your brain, not against it.
Identity-centered: We explore how autism intersects with your cultural background, gender, sexuality, and other identities you hold.
Trauma-informed: We recognize that many autistic individuals have experienced trauma from masking, rejection, or misdiagnosis, and we approach healing with care.
Sensory-aware: We respect your sensory needs and preferences, whether that means adjusting lighting, taking breaks, or communicating in ways that feel most comfortable.
Strengths-based: We focus on building confidence in your unique abilities rather than dwelling on deficits.
Community-connected: Beyond individual therapy, we offer neurodivergent support groups and community programs where you can connect with others who share your experience.
If you have any questions about our approach to neurodiversity-affirming therapy, we encourage you to reach out.
Who we work with
Autistic teens exploring identity and navigating school pressures
Adults processing a late diagnosis or facing burnout from years of masking
seeking late diagnosis support or post-diagnosis processing
LGBTQIA+ autistic individuals navigating intersecting identities
BIPOC and Asian American autistic people experiencing cultural dissonance
Highly sensitive and autistic individuals managing sensory overwhelm
Families seeking to better understand and support their autistic loved ones
Aspects of the autistic experience we help with
Sensory overwhelm and finding strategies that work with your nervous system
Social exhaustion and learning when to unmask safely
Executive function challenges, like time management and task initiation
Emotional regulation and processing intense feelings
Identity exploration after late diagnosis or self-discovery
Navigating relationships and communication differences
Processing rejection sensitivity and past experiences of being misunderstood
Managing autistic burnout and finding sustainable routines
Addressing anxiety, depression, or trauma related to masking
Setting boundaries with family members who don’t understand autism
Career stress and workplace accommodations
Grief around “lost time” or what could have been with earlier support
Why choose our practice for autism therapy in Los Angeles
Finding the right therapist for you can make all the difference. Here are some reasons why our clients choose us.
Cultural competence: Our diverse team speaks several languages and specializes in Asian American and multicultural mental health, recognizing how cultural expectations can complicate the autistic experience.
LGBTQIA+ affirming: Many of our therapists identify as queer themselves and create brave spaces for exploring the intersection of autism and LGBTQIA+ identity.
Actually neurodivergent: Several of our clinicians are neurodivergent themselves and bring lived experience to their practice.
Flexible formats: We offer both in-person sessions in Los Angeles County and virtual therapy across California, Oregon, and Washington.
Insurance accepted: We accept insurance, including Aetna and Cigna, to make therapy accessible.
Community orientation: Beyond individual therapy, we offer free workshops, support groups, and community programs that foster connection.
If you’re still not sure whether we’re the right match for you, we invite you to reach out so we can discuss your needs directly.
What to expect from the therapy process
Step 1. Initial consultation
Start by filling out our online contact form. From here, we’ll be in touch to answer your questions and gather more information about your needs and preferences. If you choose to move forward, we will help match you with the right therapist for you.
Step 2. First session
At your first full appointment, your therapist will ask more questions about your background, current struggles, and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. From here, you’ll work together to a few specific goals—like navigating work stress, reducing shutdowns, or improving routines.
Step 3. Building your personal toolkit
You’ll try out strategies tailored to your daily life, such as sensory regulation tools, communication supports, or planning systems that don’t rely on rigid structure. Afterward, you’ll discuss what felt helpful and what didn’t, so you both can adjust in real time.
Step 4. Processing and healing
As we work together, we’ll gently explore any painful experiences related to being autistic—perhaps years of masking, feeling misunderstood, or facing discrimination. We’ll help you release shame and reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been hidden or suppressed through ongoing conversation.
FAQs about therapy for autism
Do you provide autism testing?
No, we don’t provide formal autism assessments or diagnostic testing. However, we’re happy to provide referrals to trusted neuropsychologists in the Los Angeles area who specialize in autism evaluations. Many of our clients pursue diagnosis alongside therapy or come to us after receiving their diagnosis elsewhere.
Do I need an official diagnosis to get autism-affirming therapy?
Absolutely not. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Whether you’re self-identified, in the process of seeking assessment, or simply resonating with autistic experiences, you’re welcome here. We trust you to know your own brain and will meet you where you are.
Do you work with late-diagnosed adults?
Yes! Many of our therapists specialize in supporting adults who discovered they’re autistic later in life. We understand the complex emotions that come with late diagnosis—the grief, relief, identity shifts, and the process of recontextualizing your entire life. This is a significant aspect of our practice.
Is autism therapy covered by insurance?
How long does therapy usually last?
The short answer is that it depends. Therapy length can vary significantly depending on your specific needs and goals. Some clients find focused short-term work helpful (3-6 months), while others benefit from longer-term support as they navigate ongoing challenges. Many autistic clients find that having consistent support—even if sessions are less frequent—helps the most.
What will happen in my first session?
Your first session is about getting to know each other and ensuring we’re a good fit. Your therapist will ask about what brings you to therapy, your sensory preferences for sessions, your communication style, and what support looks like for you. There’s no expectation to share more than feels comfortable, and you’re welcome to ask questions about how we work. We will also work on setting some initial goals during your first appointment.
Do you offer virtual therapy?
Yes! All of our autism specialists offer virtual therapy, which many neurodivergent clients prefer. Virtual sessions can reduce sensory overwhelm from commuting and allow you to be in your own comfortable space. We also offer in-person sessions at our locations in Arcadia, Irvine, and other Los Angeles County areas for those who prefer face-to-face connection.