Ali Perkinson, EdD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, considers herself a social scientist as she has always been curious about relationships and interpersonal dynamics. She is a licensed educational psychologist, speech-language pathologist, board-certified behavior analyst, licensed neurodiverse couples counselor, certified sexologist, and a proud ADHDer. She uses traditional and alternative modalities, including Ayurveda, attachment theory-based psychotherapy, Social Thinking, Neurodiversity-Affirming, Trauma-Informed, ACT (acceptance commitment therapy), CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy), Gottman Method, SSP (safe and sound protocol), social and emotional learning (SEL), and mindfulness. She strives to build genuine connections with her clients, feels social support is a biological necessity, and wants to help all neurodivergent individuals achieve holistic communication and show that perfection is an illusion.
Knowing the difference between preferred distance and loneliness can support emotional well-being. Many autistic individuals have different social needs, enjoying solitude in their areas of hyperfocus. Others quietly struggle with loneliness that goes unnoticed. Understanding the difference between being alone and feeling lonely is essential for supporting emotional well-being. When caregivers, families, and professionals understand
