The Marriage & Family Institute

Autism Therapy

Autism Therapy to help children, teens, and adults build a life that feels authentic, balanced, and sustainable. In-person sessions in Columbus with online Autism Therapy available across Ohio.

Embrace Neurodivergence

Build Executive Functioning Skills

Recover From Burnout & Masking

When masking gets you through the day but leaves you drained…

Living in a world that isn’t designed for your brain can be exhausting. Whether it’s the constant masking, the shutdowns after long days, or the pressure to “just be normal,” it’s no wonder so many autistic individuals feel burned out, anxious, or disconnected. Social situations might feel confusing. Daily tasks can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it can all just be a little too much.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, we offer Autism Therapy in Columbus to help you understand yourself, feel more in control, and start living in a way that honors who you truly are.
mother playing with autistic daughter

Autism Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio

What Is Autism Therapy And How Can It Help You?

Autism is not a problem to be solved. It’s a different way of experiencing the world. But when you’re constantly masking, pushing through sensory overwhelm, or trying to meet neurotypical expectations, it can leave you feeling exhausted, disconnected, and burned out. Autism Therapy is designed to support you in understanding your neurodivergent identity, building emotional resilience, and creating a life that works for you.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, our therapists provide compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming Autism Therapy for children, teens, adults, and families. Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis or exploring autism later in life, our care is tailored to your goals, needs, and sensory capacity.

When you are navigating the challenges of:

We’re here to help you build a more balanced, authentic, and sustainable way of living.

Autism Therapy in Columbus & Across Ohio

How Autism Therapy Can Help

Our experienced therapists use a neurodiversity-affirming and evidence-based approach, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sensory regulation strategies, executive functioning coaching, and supportive family interventions, to create a space where autistic individuals of all ages can feel understood, accepted, and empowered to thrive.

You’ll explore your neurodivergent identity with compassion and clarity, without pressure to mask or conform. Together, we’ll unpack years of internalized judgment and help you step into self-acceptance.

When you’ve been masking for too long or constantly pushing through overwhelm, burnout can leave you feeling numb or shut down. In Autism Therapy, we’ll help you recognize early signs and develop realistic strategies for rest and recovery.

If planning, prioritizing, or staying on track is a struggle, we’ll introduce tools like visual aids, routines, and task breakdowns to support executive functioning in daily life.

From social anxiety to sensory overload, we’ll use practical, sensory-aware tools to help you feel more grounded, calm, and in control of your emotional responses.

Whether you want support with friendships, parenting, or work dynamics, Autism Therapy in Columbus can help you communicate your needs, navigate misunderstandings, and set boundaries confidently.

We offer coaching for caregivers and families who want to understand their loved one better, reduce conflict, and create a more supportive home environment.

Get started today!

Book an appointment or free consultation online or contact us directly.

Why Us

The Marriage & Family Institute

We understand that while we can't change the difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and overcome the challenges you face today.

With decades of combined experience, we take an integrative, compassionate, and genuine approach to therapy, rooted in the philosophy that all parts of the human person need to be addressed to bring long-lasting and substantial change. We believe in a holistic therapy approach that considers all aspects of your experience — psychological, spiritual, and physical to help you heal from trauma, improve relationships, and live a fulfilling life.

At The Marriage & Family Institute, our mission is to strengthen individuals and families by promoting healthy relationships, building resilience, and fostering secure attachments. We provide evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive services to help couples, individuals, and families navigate life’s challenges and achieve a fulfilling life together.

Dr. Sarah Cordonnier, LPCC-S
Founder & Executive Director

Together, we support you in creating a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

Compassionate

We create a safe and respectful environment that allows space for deep healing and transformation.

Integrative

We address intergenerational trauma in addition to your psychological, spiritual, & physical well-being to foster lasting change.

Authentic

We believe in being genuine and transparent with ourselves, colleagues, and clients, to support personal & relational growth.

Meet Our Team

Match With An Autism Therapist

Psychotherapy session, woman talking to his psychologist in the studio

Our Approach

How Autism Therapy Works

We begin with a neurodiversity-affirming intake to understand your unique strengths, sensory experiences, and personal history. This includes exploring late-diagnosed autism, masking, burnout, or any co-occurring challenges. You are welcome here, whether you have a formal diagnosis or are just beginning to explore your identity. 

Together, we clarify your goals for therapy. These may include building emotional regulation skills, improving executive functioning, recovering from burnout, or strengthening communication. We create a plan that aligns with your needs, pace, and preferences.

In each therapy session, we offer practical tools and strategies to support your daily life. These might include sensory regulation techniques, visual supports, or self-advocacy skills. We adjust the plan as you grow, always working in a way that respects your comfort and honors who you are.

Autism Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio

Common Questions About Autism Therapy

This is one of the most common questions we hear, especially when it comes to autism in adults. Many people have spent years masking or pushing through without ever realizing their experiences might be connected to autism. While anxiety and burnout can overlap with autistic traits, autism is a lifelong way of processing the world. We’re here to provide autism support that’s affirming and respectful and meets you where you are, whether you’re seeking clarity, a diagnosis, or just a place to explore your questions.

Not at all. Our approach to autism support is about understanding, not changing. Whether we’re working with autism in children or autism in adults, the goal is the same—to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, manage day-to-day challenges, and build a life that aligns with your values and needs. Therapy is always guided by your goals, not someone else’s expectations.

Yes, we can. Many adults come to therapy after years of masking and feeling like they have to hide who they are. This kind of burnout is common in autism in adults, and it’s incredibly valid. Autism Therapy can help you recognize the signs of autistic burnout, give your nervous system the support it needs, and help you slowly reconnect with your real self in a way that feels safe and manageable.

Absolutely. Autism support isn’t just for the individual. It often includes helping families understand each other better. Whether you’re a parent navigating autism in children or a partner supporting a late-diagnosed adult, we offer tools and education to strengthen connection, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more supportive home life.

Definitely. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to get started. Many people, especially adults, begin therapy while they’re still exploring the possibility of autism. We provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can be curious, ask questions, and move at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for validation, guidance, or just someone who understands, we’re here to offer meaningful autism support every step of the way.

Autism Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio

Positive Outcomes of Autism Therapy

Autism Therapy is the first step toward feeling more grounded, understood, and at ease in your own life. With time, care, and consistency, you may start to notice positive shifts such as:

Happy parents with daughter spending autumn day on camping in nature.
Autism isn’t an illness, it’s a different way of being human.
- Barry Prizant

The Marriage & Family Institute

How To Get Started

To get started with the Marriage & Family Institute, reach out to us! You can book a free consultation or appointment online using the button below. Note: Not all of our therapists are available for online booking. You can also get in touch via the contact form.

*Free 15-minute consultations

Call Us

614-664-7270

Email Us

admin@marriageandfamilyinstitute.net

*For fastest response, please use the contact form.

Locations

Send Us A Message!

Prefer to reach out via a form? Click the button below to send us a message.

* By providing your phone number and clicking “Submit,” you agree to receive text messages or phone calls from The Marriage and Family Institute. These messages will only be related to service inquiries, potential scheduling options, or clinical updates.

Autism Therapy In Columbus & Across Ohio

The Marriage & Family Institute

Helping neurodivergent individuals and their families unmask, recover from burnout, and reconnect with who they truly are.