What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment in communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The onset of symptoms is typically before the age of 3 years. The severity of impairment in the given domains as well as the pattern of impairments varies from individual to individual; that is why diagnosticians refer to a “spectrum” of disability.
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WHAT IS NEUROAFFIRMATIVE PRACTICE?
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Neuroaffirmative practice is a relatively new approach to healthcare that aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for neurodivergent people. It seeks to recognize and celebrate the differences in individuals and offers tailored support that is attuned to their specific needs.


Tree of Life Resources
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  • Autistic Adults Support Groups - Tree of Life offers a neuroaffirmative support group for adults with autism.  Everyone present in the group has autism spectrum disorder including the group leader.  This group is designed to be a place where autistic people can lead and find their voices in a world that often doesn't accept them.  This is a safe place for us to talk about our hyper fixations, our relationships struggles, and the difficulties of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world.  We have in person groups, online groups and dungeons and dragons groups. Our groups meet every Thursday at 6 at Tree of Life or every Saturday at 10am online. You can join the group via meetup or via the link below.  
  • Assessment Services - Tree of  Life can provide an autism assessment for $550.  We suggest adults take the online assessments below first and then if you feel you need a professional assessment call 256-278-2802 to schedule your appointment.  Tree of Life uses the ADI-R and CARS for diagnosis and other assessments as necessary. 
  • Individual Therapy - Our licensed professional staff included experts in the area of autism and adults with autism.  Our focus is on neuroaffirmative approaches to the complexities of living life with autism.  Our staff includes people with autism who are able to relate and understand to the struggles of living on the spectrum.  We focus on unmasking and self-love in our treatment approaches.  Call 256-278-2802 for more information. 
  • Trainings and Speaking Engagements - Our autism expert has spent years working with and writing about autism.  She is also an adult with autism.  We are happy to help educate professionals and community organizations about autism. Email treeeoflifebehavioral@gmail.com for more information. 
  • Play Therapy for Children - Our child therapists can help work with your child with neuroaffirmative approaches to autism.
  • Safe and Sound Protocol - This can help both adults and children with autism.  The Safe and Protocol (SSP), developed by Stephen Porges, is a non-invasive application of Polyvagal Theory designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience.  You can learn more about it at Dr. Stephen Porges' Safe and Sound Protocol | Unyte (integratedlistening.com).  Call 256-278-2802 to schedule your appointment today.
  • Autism Coaching - Autism Coaching is day to day support from someone who "gets it." Coaching is done by a professional coach on the autism spectrum.  It is different from therapy in that therapists are trained to treat mental illness and significant emotional concerns while coaches seek to help you navigate day to day stressor in a specific area.  Coaching can help with issues specifically relating to the struggles of autism in an affirming way that doesn't expect you to conform to neurotypical expectations.  Coaching may include help with: executive functioning, sensory needs, unmasking and learning to be comfortable with your real self, coping with minority stress, accommodations at work and school, and helping navigating meltdown, shutdown, and autistic burnout. 
  • Teen Group - Tree of Life offers a neuroaffirmative support group for teens with autism.  Everyone present in the group has autism spectrum disorder including the group leader.  This group is designed to be a place where people with autism lead and find their voices in a world that often doesn't accept them.  This is a safe place to talk about our hyper fixations, our relationships struggles, and the difficulties of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world.  We will play board games, bring our favorite hyperfixations and glimmers, and be part of a community that understands each other. 
Local Resources and Online Communities
Click the Button to Find the Resource You Need
FREE ONLINE TESTS AND ASSESSMENTS
BOOKS
Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity- Steve Silberman
Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood- Sarah Hendrickx
Unmasking Autism- Devon Price
We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation- Eric Garcia
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism- Barry M Prizant
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​Handouts and Infographics