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1-to-1 Specialist Online Support for Neurodivergent Individuals
(Autism, ADHD & Related Profiles)

Currently at full capacity and temporarily closed to new inquiries.
 

If you are interested in learning about neurodivergence, particularly autism and ADHD, through both scientific evidence and lived experience, you are welcome to join the waiting list for our course, “Neurodivergence
and Whole-Person Health,” to be notified when the next cohort opens.

1. Basic Information 

 

1.1. Who Is This For? ​

You might be…

  • Recently diagnosed as Autistic or Autistic + ADHD (AuDHD) and wanting to better understand yourself

  • Wondering if you might be Autistic or AuDHD

  • Autistic +* and feeling lonely in your life journey

  • Autistic + and tired of getting stuck in burnout cycles

  • Autistic + and feeling hopeless about finding support after negative experiences in traditional therapy, and seeking someone who understands neurodivergence on a deep, personal, and professional level

  • Autistic + and high masking

  • Autistic + and objectively identified as having high intellectual capabilities (e.g., “Gifted,” “2e,” or “Twice-Exceptional”)**, while experiencing challenges in daily life and navigating your life journey

  • Autistic + and navigating co-occurring mental and physical health challenges***

  • A parent of an Autistic + child and looking for individualized support for their child or themselves

 

The descriptions above reflect some of the experiences and characteristics of individuals who have found Dr Kana’s support particularly meaningful.

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Dr Kana has extensive experience working with Autistic + individuals across different stages of life, including school-age children, adolescents, and adults who are formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring the diagnostic process.

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Notes:

* “Autistic +” refers to autistic individuals who may also identify with additional neurodivergent profiles or lived experiences. Dr Kana’s work focuses particularly on Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, while also drawing on personal and professional experience across a wider range of neurodivergent profiles.

 

Here, neurodivergence refers to lifelong neurodivergent profiles, including Autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.

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** We use quotation marks around terms such as “Gifted,” “2e,” and “Twice-Exceptional” to acknowledge that while these terms help some individuals make sense of their experiences, they are also controversial and may unintentionally reinforce unhelpful divides.

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***  Examples may include depression, OCD, CPTSD, disordered eating, chronic fatigue, headaches, GI issues, and sleep difficulties. While many individuals may choose to discuss these experiences during sessions, and Dr

 

Kana is also board certified in lifestyle medicine, our support specializes in Autism + and is not a mental health or healthcare service.

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Due to international compliance regulations, we are unable to provide support to individuals located in certain sanctioned or restricted jurisdictions.

1.2. Meet Dr Kana​​​

Dr Kana Grace, BSc (Hons), MA (Counselling), PgCert (Autism), PhD, DipIBLM

 

Dr Kana Grace is an internationally recognized Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist. She has been featured in various media outlets, including the BBC, The Scientist, and Daniel Tammet's book "Nine Minds". Dr Kana specializes in the mental, physical, and social health of neurodivergent people. Dr Kana is also a board certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional currently pursuing advanced education in Rheumatology. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based practice and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.​​

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Dr Kana's work is deeply rooted in her own experiences of living with multiple neurodivergences — autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette — along with chronic pain related to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and associated conditions. Because of these lived experiences, Dr Kana now supports neurodivergent people both with and without chronic pain and chronic illnesses.

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Education:

PhD in Psychology, University College London (UCL), UK

PgCert in Autism (distinction), Sheffield Hallam University, UK

MA in Counselling Psychology, Boston College, USA

Bachelor of Science (honour), Northeastern University, USA​

 

Certification:

Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine

Certification in Nutritional Medicine, University of Winchester, UK​​​​​​​

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​​​Current External Roles:

  • Editorial Board Member, Autism in Adulthood

  • Guest Lecturer for the postgraduate autism course at Sheffield Hallam University and the National Autistic Society

  • Research Partner with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)

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Languages:

English and Japanese - bilingual, French - intermediate, Russian - elementary, ASL - elementary , Latin - basic (devotional use)

1.3. Areas of Support 

 

Our 1-to-1 support by Dr Kana is tailored to the individual and takes a whole-person approach to well-being. While it specializes in neurodivergent experiences, it also considers the broader health and lifestyle needs of each person.

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Here is a quick visual summary - there is more information available below.​​​​

logo_Snapshot of Our Support_Web.png

Neurodivergence-Specialized Support

  • Managing anxiety and stress

  • Recovering from and preventing burnout

  • Self-understanding and self-acceptance

  • Empowering self-advocacy (in school, at work, or within families)

  • Building strategies to manage meltdowns (intense stress responses with outward emotional expression), shutdowns (internalized responses leading to withdrawal or disconnection), and autistic inertia (“feeling stuck” - difficulty starting, stopping, or switching tasks)

  • Pre- and post-diagnosis guidance

  • Time management and planning

  • Designing a lifestyle that suits your unique needs

Navigating Healthcare and Professional Support

  • Guidance for navigating medical appointments (especially when multiple specialists are involved)

  • Understanding and managing overlapping neurodevelopmental and health conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette, chronic illness)

  • Helping identify the underlying challenges and guiding you toward the right professionals for further assessment and care (e.g., ADHD, chronic fatigue, hypermobility)

Study Support

  • Building time management and planning strategies

  • Establishing effective study routines

  • Discovering learning styles that work for you

  • Individualized tutoring for school-aged children from a neurodivergence-informed perspective

  • Support in completing higher education (undergraduate to doctoral levels)

Lifestyle Support

Dr Kana is board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine and is one of the few diplomates practicing in Okinawa.

  • Evidence-informed advice on nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors that support mental, physical, and social well-being

Exploratory Consulting

  • A safe space to explore questions like: “What if I’m Autistic?” or “Could this be ADHD?”

  • Understanding how your lived experiences might align with neurodivergence

  • Considering the pros and cons of seeking a formal diagnosis

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1.4. Fees​

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Standard Rate
10,000 JPY per 50-minute session

(approx. 65 USD | 50 GBP | 100 AUD | 55 EUR)*

 

Packages

  • 10 sessions – 90,000 JPY

      (approx. 580 USD | 440 GBP | 890 AUD | 500 EUR)*

  • 5 sessions – 47,500 JPY

      (approx. 310 USD | 230 GBP | 470 AUD | 265 EUR)*

 

Payment Method: PayPal

 

*Exchange rates are approximate and may vary at the time of payment.

1.5. How Sessions Work

​Sessions are usually held weekly at the same time each week. Especially at the beginning, weekly sessions are generally recommended rather than a less frequent schedule, although session frequency may evolve over time depending on individual needs  Some people also find it helpful to meet twice weekly at the start.

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Sessions may be short-term (e.g., a few months) or longer-term. While some individuals attend for a limited period, others find the regularity, consistency, and supportive relationship helpful over time.

​​1.6. Session Format

  • We arrange meetings on Zoom.

​​1.7. How to Get Started

  1. Submit the Intake Form: To schedule a session, please complete the intake form. It asks for the minimum information needed to arrange your initial session, including your reasons for seeking support. NOTE: After submitting your intake form, please check your junk or spam folder for our email—occasionally our replies may end up there. 

  2. Scheduling: We will respond to your inquiry to arrange a time and date for our initial session. At this time, we'll request the email address associated with your PayPal account to send you an invoice, unless you're scheduling a free 15-minute consultation. A free 15-minute Zoom conversation is available as an option for those who find it helpful to meet me first before regular sessions. Prior to our first regular session, I will email you an informed consent form which outlines the important details regarding the 1-to-1 support at Valtameri. You’ll have the opportunity to review it, sign it, and return it to me.

  3. Payment and Confirmation: The invoice for our session is due 24 hours before the scheduled session. Once your payment is confirmed on PayPal, we will send you a Zoom link the day before your session. We send the Zoom link a day before our session to serve as a reminder. If payment is not received by the deadline, we will need to reschedule the session so we can ensure your appointment time is reserved for you.

  4. Initial Session: Our first meeting will take place on Zoom.

  5. Next Steps: After the initial session, you can decide how you'd like to proceed—whether that means scheduling weekly meetings with Kana or seeking support from another practitioner. Our priority is to ensure the best outcome for you.

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This button will take you to a brief intake form, where you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory session.

Dr Kana aims to respond to inquiries within 3–5 days. If you don’t see a reply, please check your spam or junk folder. 🌱

2. Testimonials

 

 

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Below are a few testimonials from individuals we have supported. To read more testimonials, please click the button below. You can also find additional reviews on Google.

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I had only a few sessions with Kana, but they made a huge difference and became a turning point in my life. She helped me understand and work through my internalised ableism, finally make sense of what was happening to me, and start accepting and respecting my body’s limits. With her support, I began to act with more kindness toward myself and take the first steps on my healing journey from autistic burnout and chronic fatigue. I’m also extremely grateful that she helped me get the university accommodations I needed. Kana’s warmth, understanding, and insight made me feel genuinely seen and accepted for who I am.

Postgraduate student, Europe

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I genuinely feel supported in our work together. You are an amazing therapist, and it makes a real difference in how safe and understood I feel. I also always appreciate your advice and your insights on health-related matters, especially while going through all these medical appointments lately.

Data professional, France

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It was such a rich experience working with Kana. I bought a five session pack to help me process my autism diagnosis, and we have covered so much - many things that I would have felt really exposed unpacking with a conventional neurotypical therapist. She has helped me uncover more layers to my neurodivergence that are really helping me to make sense of myself, and that I am looking forward to exploring further. Our explorations have included the effects of hormonal cycles on the expression of different traits, and Kana has helped me explore accommodations and supports I can make in my life. One of the things I will treasure is her reflections on what my life is - if you are working in a very demanding job and are plagued by rejection sensitivity or perfectionism it can be hard to fully acknowledge all that is good in yourself, and Kana has helped me to appreciate different qualities in myself. I'm leaving the sessions confident in a strategy to better accommodate my needs at work and at home, and I'm looking forward to catching up with Kana in the future.

Female charity executive, UK​

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The fact that I am very functional in some aspects makes most people disbelieve my concerns about doing certain things.  Talking with Kana was one of the first times I've felt that someone fully understood some of the difficulties I was having. Talking with her has helped me clarify many things about my capabilities, fears, and how I should think about them, and made me feel much less alone.

ND individual, postgraduate student, US​​​​​​​​​​

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Below are a few paraphrased reflections shared verbally with Dr Kana about sessions

"Our teenage daughter had reached a point where she no longer wanted to speak with any therapists, counselors, or psychologists. However, after each session with you, she expresses a desire to talk with you again. As parents, we are truly amazed that she feels comfortable enough to continue these conversations."

"You’ve been able to get my 8 year-old son to open up in ways I never thought possible. Through your questions, he shares experiences that I, as his father, would never have discovered without your help."

"I’m so grateful to have met you!"

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"I wish I had met a therapist like you earlier in my life!"​

"I’ve stopped looking for additional support for my son because we’ve built a trusted and ongoing relationship with you. Your personal understanding of autism brings a unique and invaluable perspective to your work."

“It’s always helpful to speak with you!”

“Two therapists before you didn’t get it - but you get me!”

3. Supporting Individuals Worldwide

We are honored to support individuals from around the world, including:

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🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇧 Barbados, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇿 Czechia, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇯🇵 Japan,

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇳🇱 Netherlands,🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇸🇰 Slovakia,

🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇪 Venezuela

4. Dr Kana’s Thoughts Behind This Support ​​​​

 

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I wanted to have someone who truly understood me — someone I could confide in and walk together with through difficult times. This was especially true during the periods I struggled most in life: when I could barely get out of bed and had to drop out of university, when I was going through the diagnostic process, and when I was simply struggling with everyday life. In many of these moments, I felt lost and alone.

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I started supporting other Autistic + individuals because I wanted to be that person for them.

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If you are interested, I also talk more about my personal experiences in my course.

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Over the years, I worked with therapists, counselors, and psychologists in Japan, the US, and the UK. Most experiences were unfortunately negative, with only a few feeling genuinely supportive.

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During my PhD at University College London (UCL), when I was on the verge of giving up on receiving any form of support, I decided to try Specialist Autism Mentoring offered through UCL. My mentors turned out to be some of the most understanding practitioners I had ever met. I looked forward to meeting them every week and felt reassured knowing I had their support whenever I needed emotional or practical support.

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Specialist Autism Mentors are practitioners with higher education qualifications and experience specifically related to Autism. It is a unique form of support that is currently largely limited to students at UK-based universities.

 

I wanted to extend this kind of support to neurodivergent individuals of all ages, beyond the confines of higher education.

 

Around the same time that I established the first-ever Autistic Peer Group at UCL (now the UCL Autism Society), I began supporting other neurodivergent individuals in a similar way, initially offering free one-to-one support to its members.

 

Currently, I wholeheartedly support each Autistic + individual I work with.

 

We walk through the difficulties in your life together — you are not alone anymore, for I am with you — that is the core message behind my support. At the same time, I also provide practical advice and individualized suggestions to help make life easier, more manageable, and more fulfilling for each individual.

 

I may also serve as a bridge between you and your psychiatrist or other medical doctors (e.g., rheumatologists). Based on my own experiences navigating medical systems for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette, and chronic pains related to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome — I understand how difficult and overwhelming psychiatric and medical appointments can sometimes feel.

 

I wanted someone I could regularly talk to — someone who truly understood me and could support me in navigating my life. My hope is to be that person for you: someone you can turn to regarding neurodivergence and related health concerns.

 

As an Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist and Lifestyle Medicine Professional, I am dedicated to lifelong learning and evidence-based practice. With experience across both Psychology and Medicine, I have also built a network that includes psychologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

I spend considerable time documenting, tracking, and preparing for each session. Because of this, I intentionally limit the number of individuals I work with at any one time. I strive to make our time together meaningful and well spent, and I consider it a great honor to support every individual I work with.

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Note:

Please note that I do not work with every individual who approaches me for support. If I believe that support from other professionals would be more beneficial for someone’s needs, I encourage them to seek that support.

5. FAQs

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What kind of support do you offer?

Please refer to the “Examples of Support” section above for more details, as well as my profile on the “Our Team” page for information about my qualifications and background. My profile also includes links that provide additional details.

 

Can you talk to my teachers, employers, or university professors?

If you have been working with me for a while (at least five sessions or more), I can, upon request, write a supporting letter to your school, employer, or university. This letter will advocate on your behalf and clearly communicate your needs, often to request reasonable adjustments. Please note that writing a letter is considered and charged as one session.

 

Requesting reasonable accommodations is not a sign of weakness—it simply ensures a level playing field with everyone else. If accommodations are poorly received, it is the environment (and those within it) that need to change, not you. They need to better understand neurodiversity and create spaces that accommodate neurodivergent individuals more effectively.

 

Do you work with children or teens?

Yes, I wholeheartedly enjoy working with children and teens, and about half of my clients fall into this group. It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of a young person’s life and support them on their journey.

 

During my undergraduate years in Boston, while preparing to apply for a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, I worked as an assistant social worker in the pediatric chemotherapy and oncology unit at Tufts Medical Center. I was there every Friday, including on Christmas Day. It was a deeply meaningful experience that continues to inspire my work today.

 

Can I (parent/caretaker) join the sessions with my children/teens?

Yes. You are welcome to join the sessions as long as you and your children are in agreement with the arrangement.

 

How is your support different from many other therapists, counselors, or psychologists?

I bring a unique combination of personal, academic, and professional experience with neurodivergence, particularly autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette, and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

 

In addition to one-to-one support, I am actively involved in research, public speaking, and education. Some of my roles include:

  • Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University College London

  • Guest Lecturer in the Postgraduate Certification in Autism course at Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society

  • Advisor for SEDSConnective

  • Peer Reviewer for journals such as Autism in Adulthood and the Journal of Autism

  • Research partner with Autism Spectrum Australia

You can find more about my background and experiences on the “Our Team” page, which also includes links to further details.

 

Beyond my expertise in neurodivergence, I have a broader understanding of human health. I am board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine by the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine. In short, this means that I have a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based approaches to improve health and well-being. (For more details, please refer to the Lifestyle Medicine page.)

 

Additionally, I hold a certification in Nutritional Medicine from the University of Winchester.

 

These combined experiences and qualifications enable me to offer whole-person, individualized support that is grounded in both lived and professional expertise.

 

In what languages, do you offer your support?

I currently provide support exclusively in English. However, you are welcome to email me initially in English, Japanese, or French.

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