Therapist for Adult with Autism

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  • Psychiatrist for Adult Aspergers Eval, w Functional Medicine Approach to Meds

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    Mar 15, 2017

    Can anyone recommend a psychiatrist for an adult Aspergers evaluation & treatment?

    The adult patient had some stool testing done and found he was very high in some gut bacteria that are also found high in Aspergers patients.  He also has persistent challenges in social situations. So we are looking for someone to do an evaluation and recommend treatment if appropriate (meds / vitamins / social skills classes).

    Has anyone found a psychiatrist / physician that is knowledgeable about and might tackle the issue from a bacteria / functional medicine perspective?  This angle seems to be very new, not yet proven, & few practicing (non-research) psychiatrists thinking about it from this perspective.

    Any thoughts on the UCSF STAR clinic for an adult? Seems to be a long wait for an evaluation.  Wondering if it is worth the wait.

    Alternately, any thoughts on these community providers: Melinda Young (Lafayette), Phyllis Cath (SF), Madeleine Lansky (SF), Laura Davies (SF)

    Mar 15, 2017

    Functional Medicine goes under the heading of 'Nutrition', you get your specific metabolic pathways charted and are told what supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc) are required to make it better. Mental and emotional traits are considered in such an evaluation. Psychological help is important but I don't think you're going to find a psychiatrist with a dual specialty. I've been very pleased with Susan Blanc of Kitchen Table Remedies, who walked me through the functional medicine testing and results. I personally use Homeopathy to deal with mental health issues. I'm so pleased with the very personal and individual treatment from the Functional Medicine, it was an eye opener. Good luck. 

    Mar 22, 2017

  • Therapist/Social Awareness for Asperger Adult

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    Oct 17, 2016

    My husband is seeking a professional to help him understand how his (undiagnosed, not severe) Aspergers affects his social awareness, communication, and intimacy with other members of his family, and what he can do to reduce these effects. He's aware that he's not like many other people, but without an outsider's perspective it's difficult for him to understand how different he is and how this is affecting his relationships, let alone what (if anything) he can do to modulate his behavior. He'd prefer a person who is on the spectrum him/herself, but this isn't a deal breaker. I'd appreciate any recommendations! Please no comments about my need to accept him for who he is. I've done that for a very long time, and this is our last chance to save our marriage. Thank you for understanding.

    Oct 17, 2016

    For your husband with Asperger’s, I highly recommend Karen Levine, MFT. A large part of Karen’s therapy practice is focused on working with adults on the autism spectrum (whether they’re formally diagnosed or not), who have issues similar to those you describe. She is practical and warm, and offers tools to better understand and improve communication, intimacy, and relationships. She also focuses on recognizing and developing autistic clients’ unique strengths, and increasing their emotional understanding and resilience. Working with her has had an incredibly positive impact on my relationship, and I think my partner would agree.  Her office is in Berkeley, and you can reach her at 510-761-5303, karenlevinetherapy.com.

    Oct 20, 2016