Autism Counselling in Spalding
![Photo of Alice Violet Vacani - Horizons Art Therapy, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7abedb0a-c57c-45f7-878e-8c1064e7f413/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you have found this page, you are more than likely experiencing a challenging time and are looking for some support. Life can throw us some difficult hurdles yet with a helping hand we can clear them, often even surprising ourselves! I have experience working with a wide range of mental health dianosis, learning difficulties, trauma and unsafe coping mechanisms. This includes Military veterans and offenders of all genders. If you are looking for an open and creative space, then here it is! I will support you in finding peace, harmony and healthy coping mechnaisms in life via creation, reflection and development.
If you have found this page, you are more than likely experiencing a challenging time and are looking for some support. Life can throw us some difficult hurdles yet with a helping hand we can clear them, often even surprising ourselves! I have experience working with a wide range of mental health dianosis, learning difficulties, trauma and unsafe coping mechanisms. This includes Military veterans and offenders of all genders. If you are looking for an open and creative space, then here it is! I will support you in finding peace, harmony and healthy coping mechnaisms in life via creation, reflection and development.
![Photo of Jo Thompson - Jo Thompson, MUKCP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2a9d3c5-91ab-4309-bd3a-39204a038508/1/320x400.jpeg)
At times life can become too much, you may be struggling and feeling stuck, not knowing which way to turn. You may chose to explore relationships, patterns of behaviour and influences from the past or present. Choices made due to abuse, trauma or any other issues may be holding you back from your true potential. Either way, we can work towards seeking greater understanding of your unique problems in a non-judgemental curious way.
At times life can become too much, you may be struggling and feeling stuck, not knowing which way to turn. You may chose to explore relationships, patterns of behaviour and influences from the past or present. Choices made due to abuse, trauma or any other issues may be holding you back from your true potential. Either way, we can work towards seeking greater understanding of your unique problems in a non-judgemental curious way.
![Photo of Karen Harrison - In Balance, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/582ca057-fd55-4143-be59-a94966bdf420/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for viewing this profile. At In Balance we offer a confidential space to explore your issues, worries and concerns through counselling or coaching. You have the choice to work either face to face with your therapist in person at our private, comfortable office, or remotely via video or telephone. We offer male and female counsellors and have appointments from 3pm-7.30pm weekdays and Saturday mornings. Counselling is always at your pace and frequency and duration of sessions can be discussed at your free initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
Thank you for viewing this profile. At In Balance we offer a confidential space to explore your issues, worries and concerns through counselling or coaching. You have the choice to work either face to face with your therapist in person at our private, comfortable office, or remotely via video or telephone. We offer male and female counsellors and have appointments from 3pm-7.30pm weekdays and Saturday mornings. Counselling is always at your pace and frequency and duration of sessions can be discussed at your free initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
![Photo of Philip Boddey - Philip Boddey Counselling, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/606fa5f2-7fa0-4c0e-84d0-dca4cf717fd1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been a qualified psycotherapist and counsellor for in the region of 30 years to 2020 and have, during this time worked with ages 5 and upwards both individually, as couples, groups and families. I have worked alongside local authorities social services, education establishments, foster agencies, Police, CAMH, Health Insurance companies, the NHS and others.
I have been a qualified psycotherapist and counsellor for in the region of 30 years to 2020 and have, during this time worked with ages 5 and upwards both individually, as couples, groups and families. I have worked alongside local authorities social services, education establishments, foster agencies, Police, CAMH, Health Insurance companies, the NHS and others.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Zoe O’Connor (Play Therapist), PTUK, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/531a01a4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
Hello, I’m Zoe. I am a play and creative arts therapist based in Bourne and I see children from 3 to 16. Do you know a child with big emotions? Are these emotions hard to manage? Play therapy can help children process their emotions and make sense of their worlds. I also offer parenting support. I know how hard parenting can be and I’m passionate about offering a holistic service. I am an advocate of therapeutic parenting, playful parenting and attachment play. I like to work with parents to help support the therapeutic process and provide ways to foster co-operation, connection and play.
![Photo of Joanne Wilsher-Mills - JWM Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51374a3d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling overwhelmed with difficult feelings? Have you been through a bereavement or loss that you're struggling to come to terms with? Have you experienced painful and traumatic life events that still impact on you today and stop you living the life you want. Would you like to improve your relationships with the people in your life? You may be struggling with issues life anxiety, depression or low self-worth. My focus is to offer a counselling relationship that is supportive, nurturing and empowering. I can offer practical coping strategies, better insight and understanding as well as help you find your own solutions.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with difficult feelings? Have you been through a bereavement or loss that you're struggling to come to terms with? Have you experienced painful and traumatic life events that still impact on you today and stop you living the life you want. Would you like to improve your relationships with the people in your life? You may be struggling with issues life anxiety, depression or low self-worth. My focus is to offer a counselling relationship that is supportive, nurturing and empowering. I can offer practical coping strategies, better insight and understanding as well as help you find your own solutions.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Sarah Reid, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af91888d-2385-4e0b-8a91-ff10919e39f0/3/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of speciality are working with children, supporting people with ADHD and autism and families.
I am a fully qualified Art Psychotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapist (BAAT). I specialise working with children, adolescents, families and mothers. Art psychotherapy is a form of therapy that uses art making as a way to express yourself, as well as speaking. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, respected and supporting trauma safely, emotional expression and psychological well-being. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my practice, based on trust to grow confident to explore feelings, experiences and relationships.
My areas of speciality are working with children, supporting people with ADHD and autism and families.
I am a fully qualified Art Psychotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Association of Art Therapist (BAAT). I specialise working with children, adolescents, families and mothers. Art psychotherapy is a form of therapy that uses art making as a way to express yourself, as well as speaking. I aim to create a space where you feel safe, respected and supporting trauma safely, emotional expression and psychological well-being. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my practice, based on trust to grow confident to explore feelings, experiences and relationships.
![Photo of Bogdan Micu, DCounsPsych, MUKCP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc1e7176-476f-4959-b508-ab0048c93f38/1/320x400.jpeg)
Before that, I worked for several years with young people with Autism in the education sector.
Welcome - I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Rickmansworth, Hackney (London) and online. I use an integrative and transpersonal approach. I hope you find here what you are looking for. -Experience and Background- Following my undergraduate degree in psychology, I trained and formed as a psychotherapist for five years at the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in London. I have been practicing since 2015, collaborating with a number of charities, and currently working in private practice.
Before that, I worked for several years with young people with Autism in the education sector.
Welcome - I offer counselling and psychotherapy in Rickmansworth, Hackney (London) and online. I use an integrative and transpersonal approach. I hope you find here what you are looking for. -Experience and Background- Following my undergraduate degree in psychology, I trained and formed as a psychotherapist for five years at the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in London. I have been practicing since 2015, collaborating with a number of charities, and currently working in private practice.
![Photo of Victoria Campbell, BACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/951a4351-7544-4354-8ffb-5f4ab12a3538/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialise in: ADHD, Autism, Relationships, Teenagers, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ+, Bereavement and Loss.
No matter what you bring to therapy, I will treat you with warmth and respect. Free consultation available. I have a comfortable room in Stockport Centre. I have many years experience, i'm naturally confident in creating a relaxed welcoming environment, where you, can freely express your thoughts, and feelings and truly be heard. I aim to bring into focus the tools, strategies and techniques you already have that empower growth and forward movement in life. I will assist in finding new perspectives, where appropriate, that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive personal growth and change.
I specialise in: ADHD, Autism, Relationships, Teenagers, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQ+, Bereavement and Loss.
No matter what you bring to therapy, I will treat you with warmth and respect. Free consultation available. I have a comfortable room in Stockport Centre. I have many years experience, i'm naturally confident in creating a relaxed welcoming environment, where you, can freely express your thoughts, and feelings and truly be heard. I aim to bring into focus the tools, strategies and techniques you already have that empower growth and forward movement in life. I will assist in finding new perspectives, where appropriate, that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive personal growth and change.
![Photo of Kevin Coogan, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5be37e3-066a-437b-9e1d-6c963ea28e8e/1/320x400.png)
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for over 30 years.
The pandemic and lockdown saw a dramatic increase in social isolation and loneliness, but it also saw an increase in people reaching out for help from counselling and psychotherapy. As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have seen this change first-hand. It’s okay to recognise that you are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that you are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that you know is doing you no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in your life that you want to change. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with you to create a space from which change is possible.
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for over 30 years.
The pandemic and lockdown saw a dramatic increase in social isolation and loneliness, but it also saw an increase in people reaching out for help from counselling and psychotherapy. As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have seen this change first-hand. It’s okay to recognise that you are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that you are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that you know is doing you no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in your life that you want to change. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with you to create a space from which change is possible.
![Photo of Dr Danielle Baillieu, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a057169-2141-46dd-a056-bc832302e496/2/320x400.jpeg)
While I work mainly in an existential and phenomenological way I also use a range of techniques, including CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, FLASH and Brainspotting. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults, children, couples and families where we can work on understanding the situation you are in and how to make changes in your life. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse clients struggling with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, self-harm or bullying.
While I work mainly in an existential and phenomenological way I also use a range of techniques, including CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, FLASH and Brainspotting. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults, children, couples and families where we can work on understanding the situation you are in and how to make changes in your life. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse clients struggling with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, self-harm or bullying.
![Photo of Anne-Marie Catterall, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c6487db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anne-Marie Catterall
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW19 (Online Only)
My NHS specialism was working with people with a different thinking styles: autism, ADHD, dyslexia/dyspraxia to achieve your potential.
Hello, my name is Anne-Marie, I'm a Clinical Psychologist specialising in helping adults deal with life transitions & achieve life goals. My specialism is in anxiety. I have 15 yrs + experience in the NHS and I offer a friendly and approachable private psychology service. My focus is on providing practical support and solution focused strategies. I offer phone appointments and online sessions via Zoom. I work with people who are looking to make positive practical changes in their lives and we will work together to get clear goals and help you get to where you want to be.
My NHS specialism was working with people with a different thinking styles: autism, ADHD, dyslexia/dyspraxia to achieve your potential.
Hello, my name is Anne-Marie, I'm a Clinical Psychologist specialising in helping adults deal with life transitions & achieve life goals. My specialism is in anxiety. I have 15 yrs + experience in the NHS and I offer a friendly and approachable private psychology service. My focus is on providing practical support and solution focused strategies. I offer phone appointments and online sessions via Zoom. I work with people who are looking to make positive practical changes in their lives and we will work together to get clear goals and help you get to where you want to be.
![Photo of Claire Leonard - Enhancing Futures Ltd, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b861507b-9393-421c-987f-aa7b12d6d664/2/320x400.jpeg)
With over 10 years NHS expertise in mental health, specifically working with people with Autism, Learning Disabilities and other Special Educational Needs, Dr Claire Leonard of Enhancing Futures Ltd offers a person-centred, compassionate support service. Her specialist interests include complex genetic health presentations, attachment difficulties, and supporting siblings. She uses an integrative approach to understanding presentations, building on systemic, compassion-focussed, acceptance-commitment, behavioural and attachment based therapies.
With over 10 years NHS expertise in mental health, specifically working with people with Autism, Learning Disabilities and other Special Educational Needs, Dr Claire Leonard of Enhancing Futures Ltd offers a person-centred, compassionate support service. Her specialist interests include complex genetic health presentations, attachment difficulties, and supporting siblings. She uses an integrative approach to understanding presentations, building on systemic, compassion-focussed, acceptance-commitment, behavioural and attachment based therapies.
![Photo of Hayley Louise Kelly - Hayley Louise online Counselling and Psychotherapy, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40fa08a9-1c15-4d97-bd62-5a7a671fb0e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hayley Louise online Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coventry CV6
I'm Hayley I am a Post graduate trained therapist and an accredited member of the BACP. I haved lived experience of neuro diversity and trauma. Within the rush of modern daily life our emotional health is often neglected and this can begin to impact on our wellbeing. I would like to offer you a safe space to sit and talk through whatever may be weighing heavy on your shoulders.Counselling can help with help with, Anxiety,Depression,Trauma,ADHD,Autism,Low self-esteem,Family issues,Low self-confidence, romantic and peer relationships.
I'm Hayley I am a Post graduate trained therapist and an accredited member of the BACP. I haved lived experience of neuro diversity and trauma. Within the rush of modern daily life our emotional health is often neglected and this can begin to impact on our wellbeing. I would like to offer you a safe space to sit and talk through whatever may be weighing heavy on your shoulders.Counselling can help with help with, Anxiety,Depression,Trauma,ADHD,Autism,Low self-esteem,Family issues,Low self-confidence, romantic and peer relationships.
![Photo of Nikki Howes, MA, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44bb537c-73cb-4bf9-af46-826d2962bb60/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nikki Howes
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingston upon Thames KT2 (Online Only)
Experienced drug and alcohol specialist for 15+ year and integrative trauma informed counsellor specializing in LGBTQ+ support, Autism, chronic pain, family estrangement.
Welcome to a supportive space where counseling transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. I specialize in helping individuals navigate a variety of issues, offering a unique and inclusive approach tailored to each client.
Experienced drug and alcohol specialist for 15+ year and integrative trauma informed counsellor specializing in LGBTQ+ support, Autism, chronic pain, family estrangement.
Welcome to a supportive space where counseling transforms challenges into opportunities for growth. I specialize in helping individuals navigate a variety of issues, offering a unique and inclusive approach tailored to each client.
![Photo of Jay McCarthy, MA, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c361459b-04ca-4fe6-b818-697745f68a14/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel like you’ve been living life in hard mode for too long? I am here to support you in finding your way from struggling to thriving. I am an experienced counsellor specialising in supporting neurodivergent (inc. autism, ADHD, & BPD) and LGBTQ+ clients. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or feeling stuck, I am here to offer you a space to bring all of that, openly, without judgement. I take a person-centred approach, not seeing you as broken or in need of fixing, but rather offering you a space to make sense of things and feel wholly accepted just as you are. I have extensive experience supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
Do you feel like you’ve been living life in hard mode for too long? I am here to support you in finding your way from struggling to thriving. I am an experienced counsellor specialising in supporting neurodivergent (inc. autism, ADHD, & BPD) and LGBTQ+ clients. Whether you are depressed, anxious, or feeling stuck, I am here to offer you a space to bring all of that, openly, without judgement. I take a person-centred approach, not seeing you as broken or in need of fixing, but rather offering you a space to make sense of things and feel wholly accepted just as you are. I have extensive experience supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
![Photo of Dr Louise Earley - Cura Psychology , PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c4995f7-d466-4252-bfa6-496d19602d0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cura Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lichfield WS13
We have availability in our expert team now for child/family and adult therapy. We recognise that reaching out for help can be a big step. I run Cura Psychology, Lichfield's most established independent clinical psychology, therapy and counselling practice. We are a bespoke team of highly skilled and experienced mental health professionals offering CBT, ACT, trauma treatments, DDP, theraplay, music therapy/art therapy and creative therapies and parenting advice as well as assessments for ADHD and Autism; delivered within a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship in our beautiful suite. We would love to hear from you!
We have availability in our expert team now for child/family and adult therapy. We recognise that reaching out for help can be a big step. I run Cura Psychology, Lichfield's most established independent clinical psychology, therapy and counselling practice. We are a bespoke team of highly skilled and experienced mental health professionals offering CBT, ACT, trauma treatments, DDP, theraplay, music therapy/art therapy and creative therapies and parenting advice as well as assessments for ADHD and Autism; delivered within a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship in our beautiful suite. We would love to hear from you!
![Photo of Tamsin Mitchell Black, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17e1e534-82b4-4f78-a082-3fb1f1f9e208/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have vast experience of working with neurodiversity, particularly Autism and ADHD.
I am a children's and adult counsellor, I offer a non-judgmental, confidential space, this safe space allows the client to share their thoughts and feelings. As a person-centred counsellor, and I use lots of creativity , I offer a holistic approach, with the client always at the centre of the counselling. I believe that everyone’s life and needs are unique, I work with every client differently and with compassion and non-judgment, I am not here to tell you what to do or give you advice but to walk side by side with you.
I have vast experience of working with neurodiversity, particularly Autism and ADHD.
I am a children's and adult counsellor, I offer a non-judgmental, confidential space, this safe space allows the client to share their thoughts and feelings. As a person-centred counsellor, and I use lots of creativity , I offer a holistic approach, with the client always at the centre of the counselling. I believe that everyone’s life and needs are unique, I work with every client differently and with compassion and non-judgment, I am not here to tell you what to do or give you advice but to walk side by side with you.
![Photo of Nicola Borthwick, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4835bf55-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked with a broad client group who have experienced anxiety, depression, bereavement, abuse, trauma, relationship/family difficulties, suicidal feelings, anger issues, OCD and domestic violence, as well as many other issues, including personality disorders & Autism/ASC.
Hello, my name is Nicola and I am an Integrative counsellor. This means that I can integrate a range of counselling approaches tailored to your needs, to help you find a way through difficulties so that you find your own solutions. This includes the following types of counselling: Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA)/Communication. I am an accredited member of NCS and a member of BACP, in addition I am also a qualified Adult Community Co-ordinator in Further Education. I have worked in this sector for almost 30 years and offer training in Mental Health including Mindfulness.
I have worked with a broad client group who have experienced anxiety, depression, bereavement, abuse, trauma, relationship/family difficulties, suicidal feelings, anger issues, OCD and domestic violence, as well as many other issues, including personality disorders & Autism/ASC.
Hello, my name is Nicola and I am an Integrative counsellor. This means that I can integrate a range of counselling approaches tailored to your needs, to help you find a way through difficulties so that you find your own solutions. This includes the following types of counselling: Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA)/Communication. I am an accredited member of NCS and a member of BACP, in addition I am also a qualified Adult Community Co-ordinator in Further Education. I have worked in this sector for almost 30 years and offer training in Mental Health including Mindfulness.
![Photo of Sara Bartlett Brown, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15ae1b57-5790-4eb5-818b-55163d7734f4/3/320x400.jpeg)
I've completed a Post Grad Cert in Autism with Dr Luke Beardon and I read widely the writing & research by autistic writers & advocates.
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
I've completed a Post Grad Cert in Autism with Dr Luke Beardon and I read widely the writing & research by autistic writers & advocates.
I work online with adult autistic Individuals and with Couples in the UK. I provide an accessible & compassionate service that reduces distress & enables people to address what is difficult. If we have not been understood and accepted we may develop ways of being and doing that do not support our well being. We keep our true selves hidden from others and whilst this protects us, it can cause much pain and limit us. With an understanding therapist we can trust, we begin to make sense of who we are, how we are and what has happened to us in our lives. We can be truer to ourselves and live with more confidence, ease and acceptance.
See more therapy options for Spalding
Nearby Autism Counsellors Searches for Spalding
- Bourne
- Ely
- Grantham
- Huntingdon
- Islington
- King's Lynn
- Lincoln
- Melton Mowbray
- Newark-on-Trent
- Oakham
- Peterborough
- Stamford
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.