Trauma

Autism Spectrum Disorder Program

Understanding ASD: What Is Autism spectrum disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodivergence. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder often communicate, learn, and behave differently than others. While we believe neurodiversity should be celebrated, we also understand how some common characteristics of autism spectrum disorder can make life, and mental health, more challenging.  

While symptoms typically begin to appear during the first two years of life, the wide range of symptoms and severity (hence the “spectrum” disorder) mean that individuals often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed well into adulthood.   

Autism advocate Dr. Stepen Shore once said, “if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” referring to the variety of ways the disorder manifests in each individual. However, through their extensive work within the ASD population, experts have identified a set of common characteristics including those listed below.

Common Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits

Difficulty understanding other's thoughts and feelings
Extreme adherence to routine
Fixation on subjects, activities, or interests
Frequent sensory overload
Repetitive actions and self-stimulating behavior
Emotional dysregulation
Difficulty with plannign and execution of tasks
Needing strict, predictable daily routines and feeling distressed by sudden changes
Persistent sense of being an "outsider"
the tlc approach

Our Autism Spectrum Disorder Program

At True Life Center, we want to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to live rich, full, and authentic lives. As one of the only mental health centers in San Diego specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder for adults, we have a unique understanding of the way neurodivergence and mental health conditions can go hand-in-hand.

Our compassionate team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and integrative providers are ready to help you or your loved one make strides toward overall health and well-being. True Life Center’s outpatient autism spectrum disorder program in San Diego, CA, includes a comprehensive assessment, mind-body treatment modalities, and personalized psychoeducation that provides clarity and a path forward.

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Why Choose TLC's Autism Spectrum Disorder Program?

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Rigorous outpatient program with structured support
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Individualized, person-centered treatment plans
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Integrative clinical team across disciplines
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Cohesive model of care addressing mind, body, and relationships
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High ratio of one-on-one therapy sessions
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Trauma-informed bodywork and somatic interventions
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Support for sleep, nutrition, and restorative movement
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Psychiatric and medical oversight when indicated
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Ongoing therapy and support for loved ones
how we heal

Evidence Based Modalities We Use To Address ASD Include:

CBT

Integrative Psychiatry

Medication management informed by each individual's unique neurobiology...

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IFS

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships...

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Text LinkEFT

Lifestyle Medicine

Manage and optimize foundational health factors, habits, and behaviors...

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Biofeedback

Chinese Medicine

Restoring balance through time-honored Eastern healing philosophies and practices...

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MSBR

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce stress and emotional reactivity...

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We’re here.And grateful to help on your healing journey.

At True Life Center, we believe in empowering neurodivergent individuals to reach their full potential. If you or a loved one are struggling with issues related to autism spectrum disorder or suspected neurodivergence, please reach out.

Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to listening to your unique needs and helping you explore treatment options. Seeking help can be challenging, but is a crucial first step on your way to holistic wellbeing through True Life Center’s autism spectrum disorder program in San Diego, California.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Program

Wondering what to expect? You’re not alone. We’ve got answers—and we’re here to talk through anything you’d like more information about.Contact Us, we’re here.

Does True Life Center Accept Insurance?

As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional and integrative mental health care, True Life operates as a private pay treatment provider, however, many of our patients receive partial reimbursement through PPO insurance plans. 

Each patient and family works directly with our concierge billing specialist, who submits courtesy claims and superbills to insurance on patients’ behalf, prepares and provides all required documentation for out-of-network claims, advocates for the maximum allowable reimbursement, and coordinates authorizations and doctor-to-doctor calls when necessary. Most importantly, our specialist provides transparency, accessibility, and ease to you along the treatment journey.

What Types of Care Are Included in The Program?

True Life Center offers an integrative mental health program combining carefully selected modalities from both Eastern and Western disciplines. Our approach brings together therapy, psychiatry, somatic practices, and lifestyle-based interventions under one coordinated plan. For an overview, please see our Complete Care Model graphic, or visit our Interventions page for a detailed breakdown of specific services.

What Mental Health Conditions Do You Treat?

True Life Center supports adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief and loss, chronic pain, life transitions, and more. Our integrative approach addresses not just the diagnosis, but the full experience of each patient. Visit our Treatment Specialties page for a complete list and to learn more about how our program can be tailored to your needs.

How Can I Get Started?

Starting your journey at True Life Center is simple. You can reach out via our confidential form, or give us a call and a dedicated team member will reach out to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help schedule you for a tour or initial assessment. Thanks to our boutique size, we are typically able to accommodate new patients quickly, so you can begin care without delay.