Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 

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Understanding Autism: What It Really Is

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, and experiences the world around them.

Because it exists on a “spectrum,” each individual has their own unique strengths and challenges. Some people with ASD may have difficulty with social interactions, understanding social cues, or expressing themselves, while others may show strong interests, prefer routines, or process sensory information differently—like being sensitive to sounds, lights, or textures. Many individuals with autism also possess remarkable abilities, including creativity, attention to detail, and strong memory skills. With the right support—such as therapy, structure, and understanding—children, teens, and adults with ASD can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. 

At Touch Brain Counselor, every treatment plan is created with one core belief in mind: no two individuals experience neurodevelopment the same way. That’s why our approach is evidence-based, personalized, and rooted in both neuroscience and creative therapeutic practices. Whether a child is navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, sensory challenges, or developmental delays, we tailor each plan to their strengths, learning style, and unique needs.

What Autism Actually Affects

Communication

Autistic individuals may:

  • Use fewer words, many words, or no words at all

  • Communicate through gestures, devices, typing, or behavior

  • Have unique speech patterns (echolalia, scripting, monotone speech)

  • Need extra time to process language

Important: Communication differences are not deficits — they’re just different styles of expressing.

Behavior & Routine

Autism often includes:

  • Repetitive behaviors (stimming)

  • Strong preference for routines

  • Deep, focused interests

  • Difficulty adapting to sudden change

Stimming (such as hand-flapping, rocking, or fidgeting) helps regulate emotions and is considered a healthy behaviour, not a harmful one.

Sensory Processing

Many autistic individuals experience the world with heightened (hyper) or reduced (hypo) sensitivity.

This means things like:

  • Loud sounds

  • Bright lights

  • Certain textures

  • Strong smells

  • Busy environments

…can be overwhelming or comforting, depending on the person.

Social Interaction

Autistic people often:

  • Prefer smaller groups or one-on-one interactions

  • Show connection in subtle, nontraditional ways

  • Have difficulty with unspoken social rules (eye contact, tone, sarcasm)

  • Crave meaningful, predictable relationships

Their social style is not “wrong” — it’s simply different from typical expectations.

Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment

Our treatment process begins with a comprehensive assessment—looking at behaviour, sensory needs, emotional regulation, and brainwave patterns through tools like QEEG brain mapping (when applicable). This helps us understand how the brain is functioning and what areas may need support.

Using this information, our team designs a customized treatment plan that supports growth in:

  • Communication & speech development

  • Emotional regulation

  • Focus, attention, and executive functioning

  • Behavioural skills & impulse control

  • Sensory processing

  • Cognitive flexibility

  • Anxiety reduction

  • Social skills & confidence

A Whole-Family, Supportive Approach

We understand that caring for a neurodiverse child involves the whole family. That’s why we offer:

  • Parent education

  • Regular progress check-ins

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Transparent communication

  • A calm, sensory-friendly environment

Neurofeedback Therapy

A research-supported method that trains the brain to self-regulate. Sensors measure brainwave activity and provide real-time feedback, helping improve attention, behaviour, emotional balance, and cognitive function.

Play & Art Therapy

Creative therapies that support expression, emotional processing, communication, and social-emotional development—especially for children who may not communicate verbally.

Occupational Therapy

Focuses on sensory integration, motor skills, coordination, functional independence, and day-to-day confidence.

PBM Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)

A gentle, non-invasive method that increases cellular energy in the brain, supporting improved mood, attention, memory, and neurological functioning.

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What Autism Is Not

Autism is not:

  • Caused by parenting style

  • A behavioral problem

  • A disease

  • Something someone “outgrows”

  • The same in everyone

It is a lifelong neurotype, not a temporary condition.

Strengths Often Seen in Autism

While every individual is different, many autistic people show strengths such as:

  • Exceptional memory

  • Honesty and direct communication

  • Creativity and innovation

  • Strong pattern recognition

  • Deep focus and passion areas

  • Unique problem-solving skills

Why Understanding Autism Matters

When we understand autism, we can:

  • Reduce stigma

  • Support self-confidence

  • Build healthy communication

  • Create sensory-friendly spaces

  • Encourage independence

  • Strengthen emotional regulation

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Get To Know Us.

With 14 years of experience in therapy, our dedicated counsellors provide specialized counselling and therapy sessions to adults, teens and children. Our counsellors are deeply committed to exceptional client care and positive therapeutic outcomes for everyone we serve in Coquitlam. Proudly supporting 100+ children, teens, adults, and families across Coquitlam on their path to improved mental wellness.

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