Every neurodivergent person experiences the world differently. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence can influence how a person experiences communication, relationships, emotions, sensory information, routines, transitions, learning, and everyday life. Autism therapy in Mississauga at Serenity Psychotherapy Clinic provides compassionate, individualized therapy for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults — with an emphasis on understanding the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms or behaviours. Sessions are provided by Ahmad Shihab, MA, RP, the clinic’s founder and director — see his full background and registration details.

The approach is strengths-based, collaborative, and neurodiversity-affirming. Neurodivergence is part of a person’s experience and identity, and the goal is not to change who you are. Therapy can help individuals better understand themselves, develop practical strategies, navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and build a life that works for them.

This is therapeutic support; it is not a diagnostic assessment. If you are looking for an assessment, mention it during the free consultation and the clinic can discuss options with you.

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Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Approved Provider

Serenity Psychotherapy Clinic is an approved Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provider. OAP-related services can be an important source of therapeutic support for eligible children and youth on the autism spectrum — the Ontario Autism Program includes mental health services, including counselling and psychotherapy, among its core clinical services and supports.

If your child or youth receives funding through the OAP, the clinic works with families to provide appropriate therapeutic support based on the individual’s needs, strengths, goals, and treatment plan. If you are looking for an OAP-approved psychotherapy provider in Mississauga, ask about OAP-funded support during the free consultation.

What Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy Means

Neurodivergent-affirming therapy starts with understanding rather than judgment. Instead of asking “how do we make this person behave more typically?”, the questions are different: what is this person communicating through their behaviour? What environments are creating difficulties? What strengths can be built upon? What strategies would make everyday life more manageable?

Therapy may focus on emotional regulation, coping strategies, communication, relationships, self-understanding, sensory experiences, transitions, executive functioning, anxiety, self-esteem, or other concerns affecting day-to-day life.

Support for Children, Teens, and Adults

Children may communicate distress through behaviour, withdrawal, frustration, difficulty with transitions, or changes in routine. Therapy provides a safe, developmentally appropriate environment where children can explore emotions, build coping strategies, and learn to navigate overwhelming situations — often through play, art, storytelling, visual supports, and structured activities (see also children’s play and art therapy). The clinic works collaboratively with parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals when appropriate and with the necessary consent.

Teens face academic expectations, friendships, identity development, and the pressure to mask in order to fit in. Teen-focused sessions give adolescents room to talk openly without being judged or pushed to conform — exploring questions like “why do I feel different?”, “why are certain situations so overwhelming?”, and “how can I communicate what I need?” while building self-awareness, confidence, and independence.

Adults continue to navigate relationships, employment, communication, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, executive functioning, identity, and daily life — and some adults reach a better understanding of their neurodivergence later in life. Adult sessions provide a space to explore those experiences without judgment and to identify what works, what does not, and what accommodations would make everyday life more manageable. Related ADHD support is described on the ADHD therapy page.

What Therapy Looks Like

There is no single approach that works for every autistic or neurodivergent person. Treatment is individualized based on age, developmental stage, communication style, strengths, concerns, environment, and personal goals. Depending on the individual, therapy may include emotional regulation and coping strategies, anxiety and stress management, social and communication skills, self-esteem building, understanding emotional triggers, navigating relationships and boundaries, managing transitions, identifying sensory needs, building routines, supporting independence, exploring identity, and parent or caregiver guidance.

For children, sessions may incorporate play and art-based approaches; for teens, conversation combined with practical skill-building; for adults, a stronger focus on self-understanding, relationships, workplace challenges, and life transitions.

Fees and Booking

Autism and neurodivergence therapy is $250 per session hour, in person at the Meadowvale office in Mississauga or online for clients located anywhere in Ontario. Current fees are listed on the fees and insurance page. A free 30-minute consultation is the easiest first step — you can book directly through the online scheduler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide autism assessments or a diagnosis?

No. Serenity provides therapeutic support for autistic and neurodivergent clients — it does not provide diagnostic assessment. If you are looking for an assessment, mention it during the free consultation and the clinic can discuss options with you.

How does OAP funding work with your services?

If your child or youth receives funding through the Ontario Autism Program, the clinic works with your family to provide appropriate therapeutic support based on your child’s needs, strengths, goals, and treatment plan. Bring your OAP questions to the free consultation to work out the details.

Do you see autistic adults?

Yes. Therapy for neurodivergent adults covers relationships, employment, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, executive functioning, identity, and daily life — including for adults who developed a better understanding of their neurodivergence later in life.

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