#29 - Working with young people on the Autism Spectrum with Dr Marie Karakis

Dr Marie Karakis is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist with experience working in schools, community and clinical settings. She is the owner and director of private practice Young Minds Psychology.  She has specialist training in assessment, counselling and behavior management for a range of developmental issues, such as: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioural difficulties, grief and learning issues. She has extensive experience working with young people diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including Asperger’s syndrome and has a special interest working in the area of early intervention and school readiness. In the interview Marie talks in depth about the complexities of such a diverse and large spectrum, and why each individual case, requires careful assessment, formulation and treatment planning.  She also discusses the critical role that families and schools, play in the treatment of children with Autism, and the challenges that this often presents. One of the most important tips Marie give those in this line of work is to be playful. During the interview, I could see in the background of her office a large castle filled with superheroes - so I guess she means literally, be playful. So, lets see how we all wear it differently, with Marie Karakis. For all the links Marie spoke about and her best self-care tip check out the website!