About me
Katarina Živković — autism specialist and counselor, drawing on professional expertise and lived experience.
It is a joy to introduce myself as an autism specialist and counselor. I am married and the mother of two wonderful sons — my older son is on the autism spectrum, and my younger son has ADHD. For me, autism is not just a profession, but a matter of the heart that has changed and enriched my life in countless ways.
My son inspires me anew every single day. Through his uniqueness and his tireless drive toward self-realization, I have learned that every person, whatever the challenges, has the potential to achieve great things. As a mother, I have come to understand the meaning of empathy, patience and unconditional love in an entirely new way.
Behavior is communication — understand instead of correct, regulate instead of discipline.
I offer support and counseling to families living with autism, and I gladly share what I know so that together we can remove barriers and create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
— Katarina, Mika Autizam
My path
I was born and raised in Belgrade (Beograd). After finishing secondary school, I enrolled to study biology at the University of Belgrade. In 2008, I moved to Germany.
In Germany, I completed a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and a master's degree in biomedicine at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. With a scientific background and a passion for researching the biological foundations of a range of conditions, I wanted to contribute to the advancement of medicine and healthcare. This was followed by numerous placements at the University Medical Center in Mainz and work in the laboratory of the biochemistry institute at Goethe University in Frankfurt.
In the years that followed, I devoted my time to my family and, above all, to raising and supporting my children. During that period, I searched hard for an explanation for the differences I saw in my son's behavior. For three years there was no clear, reliable diagnosis — a long road that was deeply stressful and emotionally difficult for me and my family. When my son finally received confirmation that he is autistic, I spent my time attending many seminars, workshops and courses on autism and the various ways of offering support.
Along that path I discovered Tellington TTouch for you®, and I was amazed at how beneficial this method was for my son, and for our whole family. That led me to train as a Tellington TTouch for you® practitioner and inspired me to set out on a new professional path. Training as an autism specialist followed, so that I could round out and deepen my knowledge and combine it with the practical experience I have as the mother of a child on the spectrum.
I take part in professional development at autism seminars and events on a regular basis, so that I can support you as fully as possible. It is my deep wish to walk alongside you as parents and your neurodivergent children on this journey, and to support you through TTouch for you®.
Professional development and qualifications
A blend of lived experience, professional training and a scientific background.
Mother of two neurodivergent children
One son on the autism spectrum, one with ADHD. I know the diagnostic journeys, sensory overwhelm and parents' worries from my own everyday life.
Autism specialist
Certified training with a focus on structure, communication (including with nonspeaking people), working with parents, and challenging behavior.
Tellington TTouch for you® practitioner
A body-oriented method for self-regulation — gentle, mindful touches that calm the nervous system. "First calm the body, and then the mind can settle too."
Master's in biomedicine · Bachelor's in molecular biology
Studies at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, with experience in the laboratory and the clinic. An understanding of the neurobiological foundations of autism and ADHD.
About the content author
Katarina Živković is the author of the content on the Mika Autizam website. She writes from a blend of professional expertise and lived experience — as a certified autism specialist, a Tellington TTouch for you® practitioner and the mother of two neurodivergent children (one son on the autism spectrum, one with ADHD).
Her focus is on structure, communication (including with nonspeaking people), working with parents, and understanding challenging behavior. The guiding principle in her work is: Behavior is communication.
The qualifications the content draws on:
- Certified autism specialist (core certification).
- Certificate course "Autism and work" (BBWAZ) — a dedicated additional course.
- Tellington TTouch for you® practitioner.
- Master's degree in biomedicine (Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz) and bachelor's degree in molecular biology.
- The lived experience of a mother of two neurodivergent children.
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