Autism Affects the Entire Family

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I specialize in providing therapy for families affected by autism. My typical clients are parents of children with autism, siblings of children with autism, and older children or adults with Asperger's or high functioning autism who can benefit from psychotherapy. I do not provide programs or interventions for autism, but my previous career is the foundation of my autism expertise.

I worked with children with autism from 1996 to 2005.  I designed behavioral intervention programs for children on the spectrum by integrating programs from Lovaas ABA, Greenspan Floortime, Sundberg and Partington's Verbal Behavior, and Son-Rise from the Options Institute. During this time, I worked with over 200 families.

I worked in many homes where it was no secret that challenges from autism put great stress on a family and a couple's relationship.  I witnessed many spousal hardships and many siblings that struggled to get their emotional needs met. I now focus on meeting the wellness needs of the entire family rather than specific autism interventions.

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These are some of the stresses that parents describe to me:
  • Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted at all times
  • Never feeling that you're doing enough
  • "Autism runs my life"
  • Anger and resentment (as well as guilt for having these emotions)
  • A sense of loss, grief, or hopelessness
  • Spousal conflict regarding treatment options for the affected child
  • Feeling you always have to fight for your child's rights
  • Anxiety about not knowing what your child's future will be like
  • Having no time for your relationship and your interests
  • Concern over the wellness of your other children
  • Fear about having another child with autism
  • Lack of community awareness
I notice that the healthiest families are able to step away from the world of autism and then step back in with focus and strength.  I support couples and individuals to increase their ability to effectively meet the needs of themselves and other family members. I am able to bring both a knowledge of autism and relational counseling to create new tools for your success.

Families often need a release valve for long term stress and a new force from within themselves to inspire loved ones to work together. Families affected by autism deserve to be acknowledged, fortified, and respected for their everyday triumphs, and they should have freedom, security, and wellness for such great efforts.

​OFFICE HOURS - MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BOTH DAYTIME AND EVENINGS
Michael Schimek, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - MFC 50766
445 Bellevue Ave. Suite 203, Oakland, CA 94610
510.423.1593      michaelschimekmft@gmail.com
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