The field of identifying and working with Autistic children and adults is undergoing a huge change. New science is rapidly emerging and opening up ways of thinking about difference and disability that fit within a civil rights paradigm. You will hear different views from different professionals. Find a psychologist who will connect with you or your child (whomever is being assessed or in therapy) and work out your views together. For many people, being Autistic is just normal. For these people, the distress and disability stems from society as social norms and capitalistic values do not allow for their needs or their communication style. Other Autistics and parents of Autistics, see this neurotype as a disorder in and of itself. I respect their worry and distress as I work towards a society that is more accommodating and inclusive so that marginalised people with unmet access needs can feel secure and valued. 

Autistic people may seek psychotherapy for mood disorders and other mental illnesses just the same as non-Autistic do.Psychotherapy with Autistic people is not simply the same therapy as for neurotypicals. We have an entirely different way of processing emotions and problem solving. Counselling and group work aims to help individuals and  families develop self-understanding, self-compassion, and self-advocacy.  (I regret that I don't have the skills to therapeutically with Deaf Autistics or those with significant intellectual disability).