About
My name is Katarina Živković, and I support families whose children experience the world differently.
I'm married and the mother of two wonderful sons — my older son is on the autism spectrum, and my younger son has ADHD. For me, neurodiversity isn't a term from a textbook; it's our everyday family life, with all its challenges but also with all the strengths and surprising perspectives our children bring.
That lived experience is what led me to this work. As a certified autism specialist and a Tellington TTouch for you® Practitioner, I combine solid professional knowledge with practical, body-based methods. As a biomedical scientist (M.Sc.), I also bring a scientific eye: I can help make sense of diagnoses, studies, and therapy options, and I translate research into clear, practical recommendations you can actually use at home.
After many years as both a mother and a counselor, here is what I believe: Behavior is communication. A meltdown is usually not defiance but overwhelm — and children on the autism spectrum don't need fewer rules; they need support that fits them better. That's exactly where I help: at home, in the Kita (daycare / nursery) and at school, and in the Hilfeplangespräch (assistance-plan meeting with the Jugendamt, the youth welfare office).
Counseling in your language: I'm happy to work with you in English, German, Serbian or Croatian — simply reach out in whichever language feels most comfortable to you.
Katarina Živković
Autism specialist and counselor, Mika Autism · Mömlingen, Miltenberg district & the greater Aschaffenburg area. My work is grounded in solid professional practice, a background in the natural sciences, and lived experience as the mother of two neurodivergent sons. My core message: Behavior is communication.
- Certified autism specialist
- BBWAZ certificate course "Autism and Work" (additional training)
- Tellington TTouch for you® Practitioner
- M.Sc. in Biomedicine & B.Sc. in Molecular Biology (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)
- Mother of two neurodivergent sons
My approach
Autism isn't just a profession for me — it's close to my heart, and it has changed my life and enriched it in so many ways. My son, who inspires me anew every single day, has given me a very particular perspective on autism. Through his individuality and his tireless drive to become fully himself, I've learned that every person — regardless of their challenges — has the potential to do remarkable things.
As a mother, I've come to understand empathy, patience, and unconditional love in an entirely new light. I love sharing what I know, in order to break down barriers and help create a more inclusive environment for everyone. I firmly believe that through understanding and acceptance we can shape a world where autistic people can develop their abilities freely — without being held back by prejudice.
My background
My path brings together science, family, and professional practice — here are the milestones that matter most:
Scientific background
- Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia; after finishing high school, I began studying biology at the University of Belgrade
- In Germany since 2008: a bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and a master's degree in Biomedicine at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Internships at the University Medical Center Mainz and laboratory work at a biochemistry institute of Goethe University Frankfurt
The personal turning point
After finishing my studies, I devoted my time to my family. My older son began showing some distinctive patterns in his behavior, and we spent three years searching for an explanation — a long, emotionally demanding road that eventually led to an autism diagnosis. Later, my younger son received an ADHD diagnosis as well. These experiences changed my perspective forever: I know from the inside what diagnostic journeys, Hilfeplangespräche (assistance-plan meetings with the youth welfare office), and everyday crises really feel like.
A new professional direction
- Training as a Tellington TTouch for you® Practitioner — the method whose soothing effect I first experienced with my own son and our whole family
- Continuing education to become a certified autism specialist — to pair my practical experience as a mother with solid professional knowledge
- An additional BBWAZ certificate course, "Autism and Work" — a deeper focus on adolescents and young adults, especially the transition from school to working life
- Cooperation with the Jugendamt Miltenberg (the local youth welfare office), along with regular seminars and further training
Qualifications at a glance
Autism specialist
Certified autism specialist — professional continuing education to become an autism expert.
BBWAZ certificate course
Additional course, "Autism and Work" — focused on adolescents and young adults (the transition from school to working life).
TTouch for you® Practitioner
Tellington TTouch for you® — a body-based method for relaxation and self-regulation.
M.Sc. in Biomedicine
Master's in Biomedicine and bachelor's in Molecular Biology (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz).
Focus areas of my training
Solid professional knowledge is the foundation of my work. Here's an overview of what my training has covered:
Continuing education as an autism specialist
- Autism: fundamentals, early childhood, and Frühförderung (early-intervention services)
- Behavioral approaches and TEACCH®
- Responding to aggression toward others and self-injury
- Communication with non-speaking individuals, and social skills training
- Working with parents; sexuality, puberty, and development
- Asperger's syndrome, medication, and reflecting on one's own practice
BBWAZ certificate course "Autism and Work" (adolescents & young adults)
- Recognizing autism and distinguishing it from other presentations; an overview of the diagnostic process
- Neurological foundations and underlying factors — with a focus on high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome
- Autism and co-occurring conditions; distinctive features of sensory perception
- TEACCH® in living and working environments; challenging behavior and crisis prevention
- Support at school and Nachteilsausgleich (formal disadvantage compensation, e.g., in school); pathways into working life
- Independence, leisure, friendship, sexuality, and relationships; the legal framework
A scientific foundation
On top of this, as a biomedical scientist (M.Sc., Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) I bring a natural-sciences understanding of the underlying neurology — and I can help make sense of current research and therapy options.
What sustains me is the conviction that every child wants to be seen for exactly who they are. If you'll let me walk alongside you and your family for part of that journey, I do so with all my heart.
Katarina Živković
Let's get to know each other
My deepest wish is to support you as parents and to accompany your neurodivergent children with TTouch for you®. A first conversation is free and comes with no obligation.