Terapias y Habilidades PEERS (SPANISH ONLY)

Rates vary depending on the service: Initial consultation (30 minutes): $20 Individual intervention session (1 hour): $80 PEERS training (social skills, 2 weekly sessions of 1 hour): $120 Parent coaching session (1 hour): $60

I begin with a low-cost initial consultation to understand the client's needs, answer questions, and determine if I’m the right professional to help. Next, we conduct an initial evaluation to gather information about the person's or family's challenges, goals, and priorities. From there, I design a personalized intervention plan—whether that involves PEERS social skills training, therapeutic support, or parent coaching. Sessions can be weekly or biweekly, and the process is continuously adapted based on progress and feedback. My approach is collaborative, respectful, and focused on practical goals that create real-life impact.

I am a licensed occupational therapist in Chile with a university degree in clinical intervention and working with people with disabilities. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Autism, which has deepened my understanding of evidence-based intervention strategies for neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. I’ve also completed the following specialized programs: Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability Across the Lifespan Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention Course International Certification as a PEERS Coach (developed by UCLA), focused on social skills training for adolescents and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions This training allows me to provide a comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming approach tailored to different stages of development.

I began my journey as an occupational therapist because I’ve always been passionate about helping people achieve greater autonomy, well-being, and quality of life. From my early clinical experiences, I felt a strong connection to working with individuals on the autism spectrum and others with neurodevelopmental conditions. Seeing their potential, unique strengths, and the barriers they face motivated me to specialize further. That led me to pursue a Master’s in Autism, earn certifications such as PEERS, and dedicate myself to providing personalized support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. For me, this work is a way to foster inclusion, respect, and meaningful change in people’s daily lives.

I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as individuals with intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. I’ve also supported parents and caregivers through coaching, guidance, and parent skill-building—helping them better understand their children and implement effective strategies at home. My interventions have taken place in both clinical and educational settings, and I always tailor strategies to individual needs, developmental stages, and family dynamics.

One of the most inspiring recent projects I worked on was a PEERS social skills training program for a group of teenagers with autism. The program lasted about 14 weeks with weekly online sessions. We covered topics like starting and maintaining conversations, understanding humor, handling rejection, and building and keeping friendships. The most rewarding part was watching the participants gradually gain confidence, begin to apply these skills in real life, and form meaningful connections with one another. I also collaborated closely with parents to reinforce learning at home. This experience reaffirmed for me how powerful structured, respectful, and individualized intervention can be for young people.

My main advice is to choose a professional who not only has training and experience, but who also values communication, empathy, and the individuality of each person or family. When working with neurodivergent individuals, it’s essential that the provider adapts their approach, listens actively, and honors the client’s pace and strengths. I also recommend asking questions before committing, scheduling an initial consultation, and making sure the provider’s approach aligns with your values and goals. Trust and collaboration are key to ensuring that any therapeutic process is effective and meaningful.

Before reaching out to a professional, I suggest reflecting on the following: What goal do I want to achieve through this process? (e.g., improving social skills, receiving parent guidance, supporting my child’s independence) What type of support am I looking for? (individual sessions, group programs, coaching, home-based or online interventions) What is my availability and budget? Am I looking for a structured or more flexible approach? Having clarity on these points will help you find the right professional and ensure a more focused and productive first conversation.