Maisie Soetantyo, B.A., M.Ed.
Clinic Director
Maisie, the co-founder and director of the CATCH Clinic has been working with Neurodivergent children, teens and adults since receiving her undergraduate study at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1991. Maisie received her degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology under the supervision of Dr. Ivar Lovaas of the Young Autism Project. Upon graduation, Maisie worked under Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders for 6 years, holding the titles of Supervising Therapist and Branch Clinic Supervisor.
In 2001, Maisie co-founded the CATCH Clinic, a family services agency providing relationship-based programs for families and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum conditions. She chose to move away from the behavioral approach to autism treatments because she came to believe that supporting her client’s authenticity as autistic individuals is the best way for them and their family to create a pathway to fulfilling lives. She believes that every autistic person has a story to share to the world, and it is her passion to prepare the world to embrace their differences.
Maisie’s own late diagnosis of Autism empowers her to work towards changing the narrative on autism spectrum disorders definition, away from a deficit model. It is her mission to create a training curricula for Neurodivergent individuals of all ages with emphasis on strength-based and person-centered approach. Maisie believes that “Before you can be anything, you have to be you first”.
As a parent and professional coach, she has learned that every ND person is unique. Working with parents at home and empower them to be in the driver’s seat as competent parents who are willing learners themselves is an important foundation for each family.
With the completion of her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design, she aspires to develop vocational and adaptive living curriculum for teens and adults with neurological differences. Her goal is to create resources for educators, professionals, job coaches and business owners from all over the world to hire and support ND individuals in a variety of workplaces. Maisie recently founded the nonprofit Autism Career Pathway for the purpose of advocating and expanding neurodiverse job opportunities.