Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment for Young Adults in New York City & Washington, D.C.

Autism looks different for every person, so it's difficult to make sweeping generalizations based on age. Challenges that appeared in childhood, such as social struggles, may show up in new contexts in young adulthood, like romantic relationships or in the workplace. As people experience new developmental milestones and life stages, their experience of autism may show up differently.

Masking is a learned behavior, sometimes conscious, sometimes not, in which autistic individuals camouflage to conform to neurotypical social norms. Unfortunately, there is often no clear roadmap for navigating the world as a neurodivergent person outside of conforming, which makes masking a common coping strategy. It tends to be more common in female-presenting clients due to broader social expectations and gender norms. If you want to learn more about ASD among young adults, we invite you to read this blog post explaining ASD and co-occurring diagnoses.

In your 20s, support often centers around navigating higher education and early career experiences for the first time, which can be a period of trial and error. In your 30s, individuals may be more comfortable with daily tasks but face greater challenges around intimacy and later developmental milestones. Both stages involve distinct considerations that shape what effective support looks like.

The Dorm uses an integrated model that serves both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients side by side, weaving neurodivergent-affirming care into all sessions and groups. In neurodivergent groups, such as Neurodivergent DBT or Neurodiverse Process & Lab, physical accommodations are welcomed. Clients use fidgets, walk around the room, step out briefly and take the accommodations they need to learn best.

Every session and space is neurodivergent-affirming, grounded in the awareness of each client’s unique abilities. Our main goal is to find what will work with each individual in the room. If you have questions about The Dorm’s neurodivergent-affirming care, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is highly structured and formulaic by nature, which doesn't always resonate with neurodivergent individuals. Our Neurodivergent DBT group adapts the traditional model by incorporating visual aids and reconsidering elements like acronym-heavy language that can feel confusing or unhelpful, making the content more accessible. Neurodivergent DBT also allows our clients to gain DBT skills, like mindfulness and emotional regulation, in a way that feels right for them. To learn more about our Neurodivergent DBT group, read this interview about how The Dorm adapts care to fit clients’ individual needs.

This unique process group offers a space for clients who are seeking direct community with others who are neurodivergent, allowing members to discuss how neurodivergence shows up in everyday life - such as managing anxiety around job interviews or masking their autism. Shared understanding of these experiences creates a sense of safety and community for many clients.

The lab is an experiential group, which is especially effective for neurodivergent individuals who learn better by doing rather than discussion. It may involve exposures or field trips and focuses on identifying personal goals, building social connection, and working through challenges like social anxiety, sensory processing needs, rejection sensitivity, etc.

There is no single best approach - what works for an individual depends on what that person is struggling with, whether that's depression, anxiety, or loneliness. The most important factor is a clinician’s willingness to be creative and adaptive. Virtually any therapeutic approach can be made neurodivergent-affirming when a clinician takes the time to understand how a client learns best and tailors treatment to them specifically. At The Dorm, our clinicians do the best they can to meet clients where they are at and tailor care to a client’s individual needs.

It can be daunting to try treatment again if it was unsuccessful in the past. It's important to advocate for yourself by sharing what has and hasn't worked in previous treatment with the clinicians you are working with. If past therapy was not effective, it's likely because it was not individualized enough, not because treatment is inherently ineffective. Being open and communicative with your provider about your needs is a key first step toward finding an approach that actually works. Our team is here to help if you or someone you know might be struggling.

A young adult with autism may be the only person in their family with the diagnosis, which can make it difficult to feel understood or connected at home. A parent coach serves as an important bridge, helping family members learn how to communicate more effectively, understand their loved one's needs, and reframe the way they express things; ultimately strengthening the relationship and reducing feelings of isolation. The commitment and involvement of our clients’ families are one of the greatest predictors of client success, learn more about family therapy at The Dorm.