Dawn La Brose, MSW, LCSW

Founder/ Clinical Director

Dawn La Brose is the founder of Autism & Anxiety Therapists, Inc. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience improving the lives of individuals with developmental, social and behavioral differences, and the lives of their families. Dawn’s combined expertise in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety is unique among providers, and promotes positive outcomes for her clients.

Dawn is a graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She completed her clinical training at The Institute for Juvenile Research at UIC, where she provided both individual and group treatment for children and adolescents in specialty autism and anxiety clinics. Dawn has extensive training and experience in the educational strategies used for children with ASD, which supports her clinical work and collaboration with teachers. She enjoyed over eight years of work and dedication to the students at Keshet Day School and HAVE Dreams (Helping Autistic Voices Emerge), and also provided consultation to numerous Chicago area classrooms during her time at UIC. Prior to focusing on her practice, Dawn also directed the Resource Center for Autism & and Developmental Delays (RCADD), of UIC’s Center for Literacy, which provides resources, referrals, consultation, and training for caregivers and professionals who serve children with ASD or other developmental delays.

Session Approach

Therapists take a collaborative approach in their work with clients and families. Individualized goals are developed for each client and family. Therapy sessions are tailored to match these goals, as well as the unique interpersonal and organizational needs of each client. A variety of treatment strategies are used to target these goals, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, the use of structure to promote organization and the development of new skills, social problem solving strategies, and perspective taking strategies.