Autism Therapy in Calgary for Children, Teens & Families

Understanding Autism Through a Strength-Based Lens

At Creative Sky Psychology, we understand that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents in beautifully diverse ways. While autism may involve challenges in social connection, communication, and sensory processing, it also brings unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of experiencing the world. Our Calgary child psychologists specialize in compassionate, individualized, and neurodiversity-affirming autism therapy for children and teens. We see your child for who they are — not just the behaviors they show.

Child psychologist in Calgary providing autism therapy through play-based support

What Does Autism Look Like in Children and Teens?

There is no single profile for autism. Some children may be quiet or withdrawn. Others are highly verbal and outgoing, but struggle with social boundaries or transitions. Many experience sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation challenges, or intense interests.

At Creative Sky, we look beneath behavior to understand how your child processes the world. Regulation is the foundation — when a child is dysregulated, they’re not in the “ready-to-learn” zone. That’s why therapy begins with helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.

Teen attending autism therapy in Calgary focused on flexibility and anxiety

Play, Perspective-Taking & Social Growth

Play is more than fun — it’s how children learn. Many autistic children struggle with pretend play or reciprocity, which can impact social and emotional development.

We use play-based and interest-based approaches to help kids:

  • Learn how to join and stay in play

  • Expand rigid play scripts into shared stories

  • Practice social flexibility and perspective-taking

  • Build peer connection in a safe, supported environment

We don’t “teach” social skills — we scaffold real social experience.

Sensory toys and play therapy setup for autism support at Creative Sky Psychology

Teen and Adult Autism Therapy in Calgary

Autism doesn’t disappear in adolescence or adulthood. Many autistic teens and adults face new pressures related to:

  • Social relationships and identity

  • Anxiety and sensory overload

  • Executive functioning and flexibility

  • Navigating school or workplace expectations

Our Calgary psychologists support autistic individuals with therapy that includes ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), CBT, narrative therapy, and sensory/emotion regulation tools. We also explore self-advocacy, communication, and building a meaningful identity.

How We Tailor Support by Age

Preschoolers (3–5):
We focus on sensory integration, emotional regulation, and early social development through play therapy, DIR/Floortime, and close parent collaboration.

School-Age Children (6–12):
Therapy helps build flexibility, emotional awareness, and peer connection. We use CBT, play, art, and parent involvement to address the “whole child.”

Teens & Adults (13+):
Support shifts toward identity development, managing anxiety and rigidity, and building real-world executive functioning. Teens often explore friendship, independence, and future planning.

Sensory toys and play therapy setup for autism support at Creative Sky Psychology

Parent Support & Collaboration

Parent and psychologist discussing strategies for autism support in Calgary

You are your child’s most powerful ally. We don’t just support the child — we support the whole family.

  • Psychoeducation to help you understand your child

  • Tools for everyday communication and co-regulation

  • Sensory and emotional strategies for home and school

  • Parent consultations and joint sessions (if helpful)

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ll walk this path with you.

Why Choose Creative Sky for Autism Therapy?

Neurodiversity-Affirming
We focus on strengths, not “fixing” your child.

Developmentally Attuned
We meet children and teens where they’re at — not where a textbook says they should be.

Collaborative & Practical
We partner with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a consistent, real-world support system.

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Autism Psychology expert in Calgary

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that expresses itself through various symptoms and observable behaviours. Receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder can be scary for many parents, however, early intervention can help your child develop and grow in the ways that are unique to their learning strengths and challenges. The severity of issues varies with each child, however children who receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically have difficulties with flexibility and social communication. You know your child best, if you feel something isn’t right, meet with a Pediatrician or Psychologist who specializes in childhood development, and more specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder. The research changes daily, so it is important to have dedicated professionals who can help your child or teen reach their full potential. Autism is not a "one size fit’s all diagnosis". Although there are similar threads, all children and teens express the challenges of ASD differently. A strength-based intervention plan that is tailored to your child's needs is the best approach for growth, change, and managing challenges. Creative Sky Psychology runs a dedicated program to help children and their parents manage the difficulties that travel with ASD. We take a step-by-step approach, first meeting your child where they are at developmentally. We support children and teens with ASD by managing areas of challenge, using strengths and interests. This laddering approach helps children feel success which ultimately fosters wellness and growth. 

    1. Some kids will appear very active and may have difficulties waiting their turn or be constantly interrupting.

    2. Your child may look as though they are paying attention but are actually daydreaming.

    3. Children with ADHD often have difficulties acquiring social skills and forming or maintaining relationships.

    4. Emotional regulation is also a common area of difficulty and this presents as quick shifts in mood. 

  • If your child receives a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is important to get the help and support needed. Your child will benefit from a dedicated intervention program that targets the most challenging needs first. It is important to help your child learn tools to feel safe and calm. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have sensory challenges and benefit from additional regulation support. Skill development is an important aspect of helping your child grow and thrive. A trained professional can help you develop a plan to meet your child’s most pressing needs. For example, if your child is struggling with sensitivity to light or sound, it will be difficult to teach additional skills until this area of challenge has been met. A child needs to be in a "calm and regulated state" to learn and grow. Having a dedicated treatment plan can help children, families, and schools navigate the needed steps for growth to occur. All children want to do well. All children can learn to access their superpowers with the right support. A strength-based, developmental approach to therapy allows your child’s superpowers to shine. 

  • The exact cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unknown, however research indicates that a variety of genetic and environmental factors are involved. ASD does appear to have a familial link. For example, if a child is diagnosed with Autism, there is a higher chance that their siblings will have it as well. Twin studies also lend much support to the heritability of Autism.  Environmental factors can play a role, though a direct causal link has not been established. Research indicates that certain environmental factors may contribute to or increase the symptoms of Autism but do not directly cause it. It is also important to address what does not cause Autism. Some parents who first receive the news that their child has Autism Spectrum Disorder find a ways to blame themselves or feel they have done something to cause this. ASD is a Neurodevelopmental condition, and there are no causal links between parenting and Autism. These thoughts are normal, however, and are worth addressing in therapy. It is also worth noting that certain parenting practices can help support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this involves meeting your child where they are at developmentally. 

     

    ASD is a Neurodevelopmental condition that causes individuals to experience differences in various areas of functioning. We often speak of the deficits or challenges that an individual with Autism faces. While challenges do exist, individuals with Autism also have special talents, gifts, and a unique way of learning. Fostering such gifts and abilities allows for children to build self-esteem and gain opportunities for interaction and future growth. Strength-based therapy is key for growth! 

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    Creative Sky Psychology offers treatment for areas of challenge related to Autism in several areas including:​

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    • Floortime (Greenspan)

    • Social Thinking

    • Reference and Regulate

    • Positive Discipline

    • Zones of Regulations

    • Autism Assessments (ADOS, ADI-R)

    • Art Therapy 

    • Play Therapy 

    • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

    • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

    • FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities)