Adult Autism Services Ann Arbor

Effective Help for Living Proudly with Autism

It can be hard for adults with Autism to do everyday tasks. Things like interacting with others, preparing meals, going to work, and more. Luckily, effective support through autism therapy can make a world of difference.

Addressing the Challenges of Autism

The world is not built for people with autism.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by loud noises, large gatherings, strong smells, certain textures, and more. You know, everyday things that most take for granted.

But for those with autism, these things can be significant challenges. Autistics may have strong sense perception, intense focus on personally interesting topics, difficulty with social cues, and a challenging time taming emotions.

An autistic brain experiences the world differently. But that doesn’t make the experience less valuable.

You undoubtedly think differently as a person with autism. But I see that as a gift waiting to be explored.

“Autism means I miss what others catch, and I catch what others miss.”

Autism therapy can help curb the hardest parts of autism, and enhance the positives. Positives like increased empathy, analytical thinking, positive emotional expression, and intense focus on interests.

My perspective is this: You deserve to live a healthy, functional, happy life without masking.

Therapy for adults with autism can help. Together, we’ll reduce your feelings of being different and emphasize your unique strengths.

“My inner feelings are unlimited, but my mind only lets me express extremes or nothing.”

Autism therapy can help you build a life that flows with your brain’s natural grooves, not against it. You don’t have to navigate this alone. With support, you can thrive.

As Seen On…

Does Autism Therapy Actually Help?

Experience the best life you’re capable of

When my autistic clients are in a comfortable environment with acceptance for being unique, they function much more naturally. They feel less need to mask, and can talk very insightfully about living with autism.

Autism Therapy can help you build confidence, grow self-compassion, and learn practical ways to manage your autism. As someone who has helped dozens of clients with autism, I’m uniquely suited to help you, too.

An Autism Specialist in Ann Arbor

You deserve expert support

I have gained a sense of empowerment to be my authentic self and to be curious in discovering who that really is. I get tools from Jesse that help me practice approaching situations differently and in a way that helps me learn and cope.

Former Client

Treating Autism for 8+ Years

15,000+
Hours of Clinical Experience
Four
States Served
CA, CO, MI, and WI
250+
Hours of Advanced Training
Countless
Impact on clients’ lives

What Can You Expect in Autism Therapy?

See how each aspect supports your journey to peace

Therapy is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and the unique ways autism impacts your life.

Bringing compassionate curiosity to your current behaviors so that we can find new interventions that focus more on support than control.

Learn effective techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and intense emotions.

Feeling more accepted and connected in community and social settings.

Gain a deeper understanding of how autism works, including its impact on your brain, behaviors, and emotions.

Enjoy life with more connection, understanding, efficacy, and joy. Therapy can help you work toward this over time.

Improve communication and understanding within your family, friendships, and maybe even at work.

WHO IS JESSE?

An Autism Therapist for You

picture of Jesse Kauffman, LMSW

Jesse Kauffman

Autism Therapist and Owner of Atelier Therapy

I’m Jesse Kauffman, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in Autism and ADHD. I believe in intuition and cherish the divergent path.

Due to my specialized training and years of experience, I’m highly qualified to help you work with autism. Maybe you’re seeking better relationships, more personal peace, or are simply tired of feeling misunderstood and masking.

Autistics do not need a cure, they deserve compassion and acceptance.

Autism is only a difference in thinking and functioning. It does not make you “less than” anyone else. Autism is a valuable addition to society’s diversity. The world is much better with you in it.

Different, not less.

― Dr. Temple Grandin

Why Choose Atelier Therapy?

Expertise

You’ll benefit from working with a therapist who “gets” autism. I’m highly trained to work with autistic adults, and know that autism has infinite unique expressions.

Bravery

Choose Atelier Therapy because you’re ready to live a fuller life. You’re brave enough to do the work of getting better. That’s the kind of work that pays off.

Strength

Autism treatment is my strength. During our time together, we’ll identify and enhance your strengths, too. They’re waiting to be tapped into.

Accountability

I’m truly here for my clients. When you choose Atelier Therapy for support, you’ll get accountability in making positive changes that last.

Partnership

Living with autism in our current world is not easy. With me, you get an understanding partner for your journey.

Flexibility

I offer in-person and online autism therapy appointments. I serve clients in CA, CO, MI, and WI with my Ann Arbor, MI office as a home base.

How to Start Autism Therapy in Ann Arbor

01

Schedule Consultation

You start off by requesting a free consultation. Click the button below and choose a convenient time that works for you. We can meet over the phone or by video.

02

Meet Jesse

During your free consultation, we’ll have a relaxed, nonjudgmental conversation about what you hope to get out of our work together. I will tell you about my approach and we’ll talk about starting regular sessions.

03

Attend Appointments

If we decide to work together, you’ll join me at the same convenient time each week for your sessions. This is where the real progress begins.

04

Experience Relief

Now you have an expert in your corner who can support you, guide you, and hold you accountable for making positive changes. Over the weeks and months, you’ll feel so much better, and anxiety will give you less trouble.

Cost of Autism Therapy Services

Autism Therapy Online and In Ann Arbor

$310 per standard 50-minute session

  • Same convenient time each week
  • In-person appointments available in Ann Arbor, MI
  • Online appointments for CA, CO, MI, and WI residents

Autism Therapy FAQs

The autistic experience is multi-faceted and diverse, so in the same way that allistics (non-autistics) may seek different therapeutic support for different concerns, autistics can also benefit from a diverse number of therapeutic interventions. The best indicator for success in working with autism in therapy is when it’s provided by a clinician who is trained in working with autistics and committed to creating a safe and empowering environment. Then a tailored, multidisciplinary approach focusing on individual goals, sensory management, and skill development works best.

Therapy improves skills and quality of life but does not cure autism. Interventions like CBT, mindfulness, and communication skills training can help manage challenges through practical solutions. Mind and body approaches that address the traumatic experiences of autistics living in an unwelcome world can significantly reduce negative and critical thought patterns.

Since the traits of autism exist on a spectrum and impact people differently, the term high-functioning autism has commonly been used to differentiate between autistics who require more support for daily functioning versus those who can largely function independently with lower levels of support. Within the autism community alternative language such as “low or high support need autism”, “masked autism”, or “invisible autism” has also been proposed to acknowledge that a person’s value is not contingent upon their functioning. 

There is diversity within the autistic community, so while some may prefer referring to themselves as “low support need” and another may prefer “invisible autistic”. For example a person may prefer “masked autistic” to acknowledge the additional work they may be doing to function as expected by others while still honoring their autistic reality. The important part is to respect each person’s self-identification language.

Autism cannot develop later in life but may be diagnosed in adulthood if milder traits were previously unrecognized. Increasing stressors or the accumulation of unresolved trauma can also tax your nervous system making the autistic traits used to cope more pronounced. Some adults only receive their diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, or later. Getting clarity on how your unique nervous system works can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a mental disorder. It affects the processing of information, communication, and behavior but may co-occur with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Adults can cope with autism through therapy, routines, support groups, and self-care strategies. Professional help for co-occurring conditions is also important. Building a life that honors your unique needs and way of functioning makes a tremendous difference.

ADHD is not autism but shares overlapping traits. The two conditions frequently co-occur (sometimes referred to as AuDHD) and require distinct treatment strategies.

I offer autism therapy for $310 per session. I work with adults exclusively, not teens or children. New clients join for weekly sessions and appreciate seeing the progress of meeting regularly within the first several sessions. We can discuss options during the free initial consultation.

Getting started is easy! Contact me to schedule your free consultation. I’m always open to meeting new clients and would love to help you take the next step in your autism journey.

Get Autism Help and Experience These Benefits

Before

  • Struggling to navigate social situations without clear strategies
  • Feeling overwhelmed by sensory sensitivities and daily demands
  • Experiencing frustration with unmet goals and unproductive habits
  • Facing challenges in maintaining fulfilling relationships

After

  • Building confidence with tailored tools for social interactions
  • Managing sensory sensitivities effectively and reducing daily stress
  • Achieving personal goals with practical, structured approaches
  • Strengthening relationships through improved communication and understanding