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Biography
Dr. Gaines is a counseling psychologist with over a decade of experience in clinical practice, specializing in assessment, as well as college-level psychology instruction. She is herself a late-identified autistic adult and has neurodivergent immediate family members. She is passionate about ensuring that accurate and neurodiversity-affirming information about autism is available and accessible for autistic individuals and others in their lives, as well as to broader society. She loves to focus on the many and varied strengths that autistic individuals have to offer to the world.
Education
PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of the South
Certifications
I am a licensed psychologist in the states of Alabama and Texas. I also have Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, which allows me to practice telepsychology in all PSYPACT states.
Area of Expertise
Psychological Assessment
Adult Autism Assessment
Psychotherapy
Psychological Education
Modalities
Client-Centered
Mindfulness-Based
Cognitive-Behavioral
Neurodiversity-Affirming
Affiliations
Research and Publications
Gaines, M.V., Giles, C.L., & Morgan, R.D. (2013). The detection of feigning using multiple PAI scale elevations: A new index. Assessment, 20(4), 437-447. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073191112458146
Gaines, M.V., Frederick, R.I., & Giles, C.L. (2009, March). Validating the SIRS using Mixed Groups Validation using the M-FAST as an estimator of base rate. In R.I. Frederick (Chair), Validating Tests without Criterion Groups [Symposium]. The American Psychology-Law Society, San Antonio, TX.
Gaines, M.V., Giles, C.L., Morgan, R.D., & Steffan, J. (2007, August). The combined use of the M-FAST and PAI in the detection of malingering among inmates [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association, San Francisco, California
Embracing Autism Acceptance Month: A Journey Towards Inclusion and Understanding
April is Autism Acceptance Month––a time to shift focus from mere autism awareness to genuine acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals.
In 2011, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, in collaboration with the autistic community, began commemorating Autism Acceptance Month instead of Autism Awareness Month since Autism Awareness Month centered on traditional narratives that emphasized deficits and championed the eradication of autism.
Autism Acceptance Month, however, offers a chance to embrace and celebrate the strengths and diversity of the autistic community. Autism acceptance advocates acknowledge autism as not just a diagnosis but an identity and a state of being. By prioritizing acceptance over awareness, we focus on the experiences of autistic individuals and allow for honest discussions of societal changes that may help alleviate some of the challenges faced by those individuals.
Instead of calling for cures and eradication, we celebrate how embracing neurodiversity enriches our society, encourages supportive environments and empowers autistic individuals to thrive as their authentic selves.
The Best Places to Live with Autism
Finding the right city to live in is a lofty task for everyone, especially autistic individuals. When considering where to plant roots, Autistic adults may want to consider things like extensive public transportation, inclusive communities, sensory-friendly environments and robust support networks. They should also think about proximity to family and friends, as well as consider any potential difficulties in coping with change before making a big move.
Thanks to inclusivity, public transportation, and advocacy groups, here are our picks for the best places for adults with autism spectrum disorder to call home.
How to Help with Autism Brain Fog: Effective Strategies for Autistic Adults
Has your brain ever felt fuzzy or exhausted––like it’s moving through molasses to complete basic tasks or remember something? If so, you’ve likely experienced brain fog. People use the term “brain fog” to describe mental fatigue, forgetfulness, impaired executive function and increased effort to do daily tasks.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and brain fog tend to go hand in hand since there’s some overlap between symptoms of brain fog and autistic traits, which can trap autistic adults in an exhausting cycle.
Brain fog has several causes and manifests differently for different people. While some may experience executive dysfunction or memory difficulties, others may find themselves struggling more with fatigue or social anxiety. Just like other facets of autism, brain fog doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why it’s important for autistic adults to feel empowered to create individualized solutions for the challenges that brain fog presents.
Read on to learn some potentially effective strategies for autistic adults to reduce brain fog.