Consulting OT for Autism in Charlotte, NC
Rachel Durban, OTR/L, MSOT, CAS
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Certified Autism Specialist
PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Level 1 Certified
Founder of Autistic Adult and Teen Consulting
Rachel has a Bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill in Psychology and Sociology. She found a passion for working with Autistic individuals when working in behavioral therapy following graduation. Rachel then attended East Carolina University to complete a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Drawn to the holistic nature of Occupational Therapy, she recognized the connection of improved engagement in life’s occupations as essential to all components of well-being (social, emotional, physical).
Rachel has worked as an occupational therapist (OT) in a variety of settings, including school and home health, with pediatric and adult populations alike. During her time working as an OT with adults in the home setting, she assisted many individuals with cognitive and/or physical challenges to work towards independence. Rachel has a passion for bringing her expertise to the Autistic adult and teen population.
As a Certified Autism Specialist, she is dedicated to working with Autistic individuals and families in identifying and achieving their goals for education, employment, and independent living. She is a champion of Autistic strengths, as well as an advocate for improved understanding of the challenges that can arise for a neurodivergent individual in various settings.
Heaven Clark, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Heaven has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science, along with a minor in Creative Writing from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has enjoyed working with neurodivergent individuals in various avenues throughout her life, including both volunteer and employment opportunities. Some of her favorite positions have been as an Adaptive P.E. Mentor in Chapel Hill, OT Group Leader at Pyramid Studios in Tallahassee, and a residential camp counselor during a fun and unforgettable summer in High Falls, NY.
Having solidified her desire for a career that values a holistic approach, Heaven attended The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to obtain a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. While studying, she showed special interest in the community aspects of occupational therapy, and continued to find joy in working with and learning from neurodivergent and differently-abled populations. She also completed and presented research that captured the voices of Autistic adults regarding pain perception and the effects on community engagement, at AOTA and FOTA conferences.
Heaven has worked as a school-based occupational therapist, serving K-12 students of varying strengths, challenges, and goals. She is happy to have joined AATC and is enthusiastic about working with teens, adults, and their loved ones to promote independence and advocacy with a holistic approach to life satisfaction.
Kaylee Cox, OTD, OTR/L, ASDCS
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Certified Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist
Kaylee has a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in psychology from the University of South Carolina. She went on to receive her doctorate in occupational therapy from Wingate University. She completed fieldwork in a psychiatric inpatient setting as well as pediatric and adult outpatient rehabilitation settings. Kaylee focused her doctoral capstone within a community-based mental health treatment facility, and has a background of facilitating individual and group therapy sessions. Early in her career, Kaylee developed an interest in serving neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan.
During her career, Kaylee has also worked as a school-based occupational therapist, working with children of various ages on student-specific goals and challenges. While working, she received a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist certification in order to best serve her clients. Kaylee values a holistic and client-centered approach, and is passionate about mental health, wellness, and empowering others to achieve their goals. At AATC, she is eager to foster meaningful relationships with her clients and their families, and is committed to helping her clients gain independence and self-advocacy skills.
Sam Hinson, LCMHCA, MS
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Sam specializes in working with ND individuals as well as neurodiverse couples & families.
She uses an interoception-informed approach to emotions with the understanding that there is no single “right” way to feel, process, or express ourselves.
Sam is a good fit for those who are ND or who have struggled to feel validated/understood by therapists in the past.
Kelly Pearce, LCMHCS, MA
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Co-Clinical Director
Kelly brings lived experience as a neurodivergent individual into the therapeutic space and enjoys working with a range of ND individuals, especially late diagnosed autistic teens and adults.
In her work, she uses an integrative & collaborative approach to implement creative interventions.
Kelly uses her understanding of interoception to approach each of her clients in a unique way that meets how they process and navigate the emotional space.
Megan Yeakley
Administrative Assistant
Megan is an accomplished administrative assistant with a passion for helping people. She is warm, friendly, and empathetic. Megan is excited to help clients find the right fit for their needs! She enjoys painting, crafting, travelling, and spending time with her two cowboy corgis (Pupachino and Puppermint Pattie).
Do you offer Occupational Therapy for Autism?
While we are an occupational therapist-led company, we do not use a traditional therapy approach. Since we work with autistic teens and adults, we work in a consultative manner, teaching strategies that can be used across areas of independence (such as at home, school, or work).
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Do you take insurance?
We do not currently accept insurance. As stated above, our services are delivered in a consultative manner, rather than as “hands-on” therapy. In addition, insurance providers require documentation of need based on deficits. Our company addresses the challenges that arise due to differences, but we choose not to operate in deficits-based language.
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Where do you see clients? Do you see clients outside of Charlotte?
We offer both virtual visits and in-office appointments.
We are licensed to work with individuals in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Our office is located in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Charlotte, close to the Cotswold area.
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Why invest in an adult Autism specialist?
We know the reason to invest in higher education. It has a significant return benefit for our future.
But not everything essential to a successful, independent future is taught in a classroom. Many of the other essential skills for a successful future are those that autistic individuals often struggle with.
Independent living skills for home management, executive functioning skills (organization, time management, etc.), goal setting, self-awareness of personal strengths/weaknesses, and self-advocacy skills.
Self-regulation is a fundamental skill that many autistic individuals struggle with due to sensory processing differences. This basic skill is foundational to higher level skills: Executive functioning, communication, socializing.
Self-awareness and self-advocacy, for example, are essential to communicate your strengths to potential future employers, as well as to communicate a request for reasonable accommodations that will ensure you are operating at your best.
Read more about why it’s essential to invest in the “non-educational” part of your future on the page Why Invest in Services.
Think you would benefit from our services?
We are located close to the Cotswold area of Charlotte at 5130 Monroe Rd Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205.
