Children interacting together, illustrating social and communication signs in autism

Autism Evaluation & Support

Neuroaffirming, collaborative care for children, teens, and young adults—focused on communication, sensory needs, behavior, and school success.

Our Autism Support Services are designed for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across the developmental continuum. We focus on strengthening social communication, supporting sensory and behavioral regulation, and easing transitions at home, school, and in the community.

Care is individualized and collaborative. We partner closely with caregivers, educators, pediatricians, and therapists to build practical, meaningful goals and an integrated plan that honors each person’s strengths and needs.

Building Social Interaction Skills

Empowering individuals with autism to communicate effectively, foster relationships, and thrive socially with confidence.

At SHIELD Psychiatry, we help individuals with autism develop essential social skills to improve communication, build relationships, and confidently navigate social settings.

Through structured interventions—including role-playing, guided practice, and cognitive-behavioral strategies—we teach core skills such as recognizing social cues, initiating conversations, interpreting emotions, and managing peer interactions.

By reinforcing these skills in real-world contexts, we reduce social anxiety, enhance self-confidence, and foster meaningful connections at home, school, and in the community.

Children running together, illustrating social and communication signs in autism
Child with selective eating patterns — Food Aversion Therapy at SHIELD Psychiatry
Evidence-based therapy for selective eating and food aversions in children and young adults.

Managing Anxiety & Sensory Aversions

Personalized strategies to reduce sensory overwhelm, foster regulation, and enhance daily confidence for individuals with autism.

At SHIELD Psychiatry, we help individuals with autism manage anxiety and sensory sensitivities that can make everyday environments overwhelming. Sensory triggers—like loud noises, bright lights, textures, or unexpected touch—often increase stress and anxiety.

Our approach focuses on identifying triggers, building tolerance, and introducing calming techniques that promote comfort and stability. Through structured routines and sensory integration strategies, individuals gain tools to regulate their emotions and function with greater ease.

By addressing both emotional and sensory needs, we empower individuals to feel more secure, confident, and capable in diverse settings—whether at home, school, or in the community.

Child playing with blocks — SHIELD Psychiatry autism non-verbal communication support
Strengthening social and non-verbal communication through play and evidence-based autism support.

Nonverbal Communication Support

Enhancing social connection through body language, facial expressions, and alternative communication strategies.

At SHIELD Psychiatry, we recognize that communication extends beyond words. For individuals with autism, nonverbal communication is often a key area of growth.

Our support services focus on helping individuals understand, interpret, and use nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. These skills enhance communication and build confidence in social settings.

When verbal communication is limited, we introduce augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods—gestures, visual supports, picture systems, and AAC devices—ensuring each individual has tools to express themselves effectively.

By strengthening these skills, we empower individuals to form stronger connections and navigate interactions with greater ease.