Originally from rural Illinois, Sarah passed the long winters getting lost in books and watching Reading Rainbow, and she had aspirations to be an author. Nowadays, her role as a therapist allows Sarah the opportunity to be a ghostwriter and editor - she helps facilitate clients’ telling of their own story. Whether in therapy sessions or the assessment process, Sarah partners with clients to integrate their inner experience and craft a cohesive narrative.
These days, Sarah still loves a good book, though her preferred genre is now non-fiction; her deep interest is learning all about neurotypes. She also loves maximalist decor, caring for her many bougainvilleas, drawing birds with pastels, and playing skeeball with her kids. Other favorites include 90s hip hop, athleisure wear, fidgets, greenbelt walks, audio message tangents with friends, dining out with her husband, watching their son play soccer, and hanging out in pastures while their daughter rides horses.
Neurodivergent Therapist | Austin TX
“Imagine if we measured success by the amount of safety people felt in our presence.” – Jonathan Louis Dent
Sarah McElvain, LCSW
Sarah is a neuro-affirming therapist who is passionate about supporting other neurodivergent folx. As a late-diagnosed multiply neurodivergent Social Worker (and parent to neurodivergent children), Sarah specializes in working with anyone identifying as or curious about AuDHD, autistic, ADHD, and PDA (as well as their families). Sarah is skilled in providing therapeutic and affirming autism and AuDHD assessments via strengths-based neurotype exploration sessions. And for clients already identified, Sarah offers warm and compassionate therapy sessions.
Specializing in working with anyone identifying as or curious about AuDHD, Autistic, ADHD, and PDA.
Person-centered, insight-oriented, co-regulatory, and felt safety focused.
Qualifications & Trainings
-
Cultural Competence in Autism Assessment by Adapting to Autism / M Perfect Consulting July 2025
-
Autistic Informed Autism Assessment Advanced Training for Licensed Professionals, Properties of Light, September 2024
-
MIGDAS 2 Diagnostic Interview System Workshop with Dr. Marilyn Monteiro, June - December 2024
-
ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity, Dr. Donna Henderson and Kelly Pickens, May 2025
-
Using Internal Family Systems (FS) Therapy with Autistic Clients, Sarah Bergenfield, April 2025
-
PDA Masterclass with Dr. Donna Henderson and Dr. Megan Anna Neff December 2024
-
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) Training for OCD, November 2024
-
Autism Differential Diagnoses Course (ADHD, BPD, bipolar, and trauma/PTSD), Dr. Theresa Regan, October 2024
-
PDA of North America: PDA Level 1 & 2 Certificate Training, January and July 2024
-
Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Training with Dr. Ross Greene, June 2024
-
Inclusive Approaches to Supporting Neurodivergent Children with ARFID/Feeding Challenges, Spring 2024 Cohort
-
Low Demand Parenting Summit, 2024
- Member of the National Association of Social Workers
Specialties
- Autism & ADHD Assessment
- PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Profile
- Neuro-affirming Individual Practice
- Trauma-Informed Nervous System Support
- Strength-Based Healing Strategies
- Parental Consultation for Neurodivergence
Populations
- Neurodivergent Children (6+)
- Adolescents & Young Adults
- Adults (Autism, ADHD, AuDHD)
- Parent & Caregiver Support
- PDA-identified Individuals
- LGBTQ+ Neurodivergent community
Individual & Consultation
Session (50 Minute): $165
Session (90 Minute): $270
Parent Consultations: $185
Investment in Your Healing
Sliding Scale & Payment Plans Available
*PDA profile will be indicated for any neuro-assessment
Assessments
- Adult Autism Only: $900
- Adult AuDHD: $1100
- Child Autism Only: $1400
- Child AuDHD: $1600
Sarah’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, insight-oriented, co-regulatory, and felt safety focused. She pulls from various therapeutic modalities including narrative, IFS parts work, person-centered, solutions focused, and Autistic-Centered therapy to help clients integrate their wiring and experiences. Sarah also supports clients with neuro-affirming I-CBT for OCD. With youth, she uses a mix of child-centered play and parts work to let kids lead with play, creativity, and conversation. She is anti-hierarchical in her work with all populations and centers accommodations (not exposures). As an AuDHD clinician, Sarah desires to build authentic connection, trust, and safety. She prioritizes your autonomy and colorful language is always welcome!
Sarah holds a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Human Development from Vanderbilt University. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in public schools, the juvenile justice system, mental health agencies, and her own practice as a postpartum doula and sleep specialist. Sarah is a systems thinker and is a disability rights advocate. She is passionate about making neurotype exploration more accessible and client centered and is actively involved in groups advocating for improved assessment.