Autism Psychiatrists in West Los Angeles, CA
![Photo of Je Deuk Ko, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/679432a0-4709-452a-bc81-a7e0ed97d14f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I strive to deeply understand my youths with academic/career (ADHD, Autism) and emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, obsessions, mania, and anger issues), families with dynamic issues, those with substance use issues, as well as those with psychotic issues.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
I strive to deeply understand my youths with academic/career (ADHD, Autism) and emotional difficulties (depression, anxiety, obsessions, mania, and anger issues), families with dynamic issues, those with substance use issues, as well as those with psychotic issues.
I take on the tradition of detailed discovery of your issues and turn it around to supporting you in how best to reach your emotional, relational, and cognitive potentials. I am versatile in, and offer, various treatment approaches such as DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic therapy, as well as prescribing medications. I discuss the details of my Psycho-Bio-Social model integrated formulations before answering the scientific and functional rationales behind my recommendations. I believe the process of discovering your functional goal is the most important part of the process.
![Photo of Eric C Li - Eric C. Li, MD, Inc., MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f203c3c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a board certified child & adolescent psychiatrist who is Stanford and Columbia University educated, received my MD from USC Keck School of Medicine, and completed my residency and fellowship training in Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry from UCLA Resnik Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital. Most importantly, I am thorough, compassionate, and results oriented with every patient I see in my private practice. I have successfully treated patients of all ages for over 20 years as a well seasoned and caring cognitive behavioral therapist in the West Los Angeles area.
Hello! I am a board certified child & adolescent psychiatrist who is Stanford and Columbia University educated, received my MD from USC Keck School of Medicine, and completed my residency and fellowship training in Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry from UCLA Resnik Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital. Most importantly, I am thorough, compassionate, and results oriented with every patient I see in my private practice. I have successfully treated patients of all ages for over 20 years as a well seasoned and caring cognitive behavioral therapist in the West Los Angeles area.
![Photo of Tina Thu-Ha Nguyen, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5076810a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, as well as Psychotherapist. I believe in taking the time to fully understand each person’s unique situation because one’s state of mind is inseparable from the family and social systems that surround us. Each patient is seen as an individual and encouraged to be an active participant and collaborator in their own treatment planning. For some, this will involve medications, after a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and side effects. And for others the best course may be to start with psychotherapy or other supportive treatments before meds are considered.
I am a double board-certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, as well as Psychotherapist. I believe in taking the time to fully understand each person’s unique situation because one’s state of mind is inseparable from the family and social systems that surround us. Each patient is seen as an individual and encouraged to be an active participant and collaborator in their own treatment planning. For some, this will involve medications, after a thorough discussion of risks, benefits, and side effects. And for others the best course may be to start with psychotherapy or other supportive treatments before meds are considered.
![Photo of Dr. Chelsea Neumann - Chelsea Neumann, MD at West Coast Integrative, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d83665-545f-4e9a-b261-ff5514cb9a7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea Neumann, MD at West Coast Integrative
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Chelsea Neumann, MD is an integrative psychiatrist in California who is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Neumann practices using an integrative psychiatry model which incorporates the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the health and well-being of the whole person and family. She treats children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Her practice includes therapists and a nutritionist who provide all services within one mental health home at West Coast Integrative Mental Health.
Chelsea Neumann, MD is an integrative psychiatrist in California who is double board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Neumann practices using an integrative psychiatry model which incorporates the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to the health and well-being of the whole person and family. She treats children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Her practice includes therapists and a nutritionist who provide all services within one mental health home at West Coast Integrative Mental Health.
![Photo of Kemi Fawehinmi - Restoring Minds Behavioral Services, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/708d42de-fa45-4945-bf74-6b102f0d25e1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Restoring Minds Behavioral Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Are you are struggling with your emotions, having sad mood, anxiety and finding it difficulty to cope with your situation? It can be discouraging when you feel like you've bounced around to different doctors and therapists and never experienced true relief for your symptoms. You don't want to deal with the hassle of multiple locations, multiple providers, and trying to get them to communicate about YOUR best treatment. Considering psychiatric evaluation and medication management may be an appropriate treatment for you.
Are you are struggling with your emotions, having sad mood, anxiety and finding it difficulty to cope with your situation? It can be discouraging when you feel like you've bounced around to different doctors and therapists and never experienced true relief for your symptoms. You don't want to deal with the hassle of multiple locations, multiple providers, and trying to get them to communicate about YOUR best treatment. Considering psychiatric evaluation and medication management may be an appropriate treatment for you.
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Bernadette Grosjean, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e26db87-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
Specific areas of expertise are Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders and Adult Autism.
I have practiced psychiatry for over 30 years including 11 years as a professor of psychiatry at Harbor UCLA and 20 years in a NGO based in the Asian and Hispanic communities. Working with individuals with wide-ranging diagnoses and very different life journeys, I learned the value of flexibility and use different modes of psychotherapy based on my assessment of the patient's needs. I have a strong psychopharmacology background and prescribe medication when appropriate. I believe in a candid, respectful and collaborative relationship with the patient and his/her family if appropriate, and referring healthcare professional always.
![Photo of Zachary Schwager, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0182c387-2415-45cc-836e-e49c741f8426/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have particular interests in treatment of individuals with autism, athletes of all types.
For me, the decision to go into psychiatry was easy; I am passionate about advocating for people of all ages struggling with their mental health. My approach is to appreciate the human experience and to help make life more fulfilling for those in need of support. Each session with me you can expect a kind, thorough evaluation and personalized evidence-based treatment recommendations. The decision for or against a particular treatment is always shared and I empower patients to participate in formulating a treatment plan together with me.
I have particular interests in treatment of individuals with autism, athletes of all types.
For me, the decision to go into psychiatry was easy; I am passionate about advocating for people of all ages struggling with their mental health. My approach is to appreciate the human experience and to help make life more fulfilling for those in need of support. Each session with me you can expect a kind, thorough evaluation and personalized evidence-based treatment recommendations. The decision for or against a particular treatment is always shared and I empower patients to participate in formulating a treatment plan together with me.
![Photo of Ivana Viani, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a07b2ed-6b58-4c9d-b771-973b795e6e1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ivana Viani is a psychiatrist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School, completed her psychiatry residency in Boston, and her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She primarily specializes in working with young people with autism and other neurodivergencies, such as ADHD and learning differences, and those who are highly talented or knowledgeable in one or more domains. Dr. Viani is an LGBTQIA+ ally.
Dr. Ivana Viani is a psychiatrist certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She graduated with honors from Harvard Medical School, completed her psychiatry residency in Boston, and her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She primarily specializes in working with young people with autism and other neurodivergencies, such as ADHD and learning differences, and those who are highly talented or knowledgeable in one or more domains. Dr. Viani is an LGBTQIA+ ally.
![Photo of Tarik Hadzic, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d4614c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders.
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.
My specialties include autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, mood and psychotic disorders.
I am a board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist who practices psychotherapy, pharmacologic treatment and, when appropriate, refers for interventional psychiatry treatments. I see both children and adults, and approach patients and their families with respect, compassion and care. While I strongly believe in pharmacologic treatments backed by neuroscience, I am also a proponent of not simply medicating a child or an adult, but using the entire spectrum of interventions for a healthy brain (exercise, diet, meditation, mindfulness). I liaison with schools, teachers, parents, guardians, therapists, life coaches.
![Photo of Dr. Steven Siragusa, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb4a02aa-22ce-459b-934e-555684e71b01/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry with a focus on cutting-edge, evidenced-based mental healthcare. I am experienced in the diagnosis and treatment depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, bipolar, psychosis, substance use, and PTSD. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I employ a neurodevelopmental, family-centered treatment approach with shared decision-making and collaboration of care. I employ a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive, and dialectical behavioral therapies which are specifically tailored to each patient's needs and therapeutic goals.
![Photo of Matthew Soden, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f5fe658-c7d2-42b6-9289-f9ef9e3daa80/3/320x400.jpeg)
I approach our work in a spirit of collaboration. My therapeutic approach is warm, compassionate and kind with the goal of cultivating an environment where progress can take place. Some the conditions that I commonly evaluate and treat include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma related conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), psychosis, neurodevelopmental conditions, autism spectrum disorder, issues that often affect LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals in crisis, cultural stressors and family conflict. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy.
I approach our work in a spirit of collaboration. My therapeutic approach is warm, compassionate and kind with the goal of cultivating an environment where progress can take place. Some the conditions that I commonly evaluate and treat include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma related conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), psychosis, neurodevelopmental conditions, autism spectrum disorder, issues that often affect LGBTQ+ individuals, professionals in crisis, cultural stressors and family conflict. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy.
![Photo of Yeun Lim, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b1f5c90-ab16-4443-838b-99e4889b747c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm a board-certified general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a full scope of mental health disorders including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and trauma-related disorders.
I'm a board-certified general psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. I have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a full scope of mental health disorders including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, autism, OCD, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and trauma-related disorders.
![Photo of Alan Hanft, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a1e57cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My experience includes treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, and autism.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
My experience includes treating depression, bipolar, anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, and autism.
After college, I attended medical school at McGill University. I then completed a residency in Psychiatry at USC and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. After completing these 10 years of training in 1992, I worked mostly for academic centers. I was faculty in the medical schools of Harvard and Tufts universities, and then returned to California where I was faculty at the University of California and USC for many years. For several years I’ve been Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.
![Photo of Omid Naim - Hope Integrative Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ea4263a-bffe-4a0a-9ea8-e543aafdc9bf/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
If you would like to make an appointment or ask further questions you can also email us at admin@hopepsychiatry.com. Hope was founded to offer a more natural and complete way of helping people recover from mental illness. Blending together insights from the emerging sciences of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evolutionary Psychology with more ancient practices that have evidence like Mindfulness,Breathwork and Yoga, we focus on shifting people’s consciousness from a disease model to one that empowers our innate capacity to heal and find meaning in our struggle towards wholeness and optimal health.
![Photo of Mallory DeGray, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8713ad14-9e8f-4d4c-be27-36f0e94c465d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
I believe in holistic treatment, and assessing social, mental, and physical well-being in order to provide the most comprehensive care. I emphasizes self-love, self-compassion and self-nurturing. I provides a therapeutic relationship that helps patients rediscover their true strengths through integrated assessments and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
![Photo of Sarah Blue, MD-BC, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/749b67eb-4306-4274-b844-247116c8cab3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Are things becoming unmanageable? Is your time limited? Then welcome to WellPsyche! WellPsyche Medical Group provides experts in the field of Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Our practice offers the latest in psychiatry including Telemedicine! Now you can visit with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of your home or work. Our providers take a Conservative and Effective approach to medication management and can help you balance your life.
![Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ec67d80-09e5-42c7-a8b1-dd98dd5c4126/1/320x400.png)
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Which emotions stem from genetics and which are rooted in circumstances? How can you even begin to accurately express yourself? How much change is even possible? What if medications change you for the worse? These uncertainties can leave us in a never ending struggle that keeps us from achieving our true potential. If you’re finally ready to find out answers, then you need Evolve Psychiatry to navigate you out of this maze.
![Photo of Dr. Janelle Haider, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c782a8b-dc9a-43d4-9bd2-643bbe4acc74/1/320x400.jpeg)
You deserve the best care. I am a CA-licensed physician who is triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Neurology & Integrative Medicine. I have trained at top institutions (Cedars Sinai, UCLA, Baylor, NYU, & U of MN). My goal is to partner with any patient who voices interest and motivation to pursue optimal nervous system health. My style is supportive, warm, and flexible. I genuinely meet a patient where she/he/they are, working with them to refine their mental health goals and then, together, chart a supportive and positive care path forward. Let's collaborate.
You deserve the best care. I am a CA-licensed physician who is triple board-certified in Psychiatry, Neurology & Integrative Medicine. I have trained at top institutions (Cedars Sinai, UCLA, Baylor, NYU, & U of MN). My goal is to partner with any patient who voices interest and motivation to pursue optimal nervous system health. My style is supportive, warm, and flexible. I genuinely meet a patient where she/he/they are, working with them to refine their mental health goals and then, together, chart a supportive and positive care path forward. Let's collaborate.
![Photo of Minoo Mahmoudi, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b6c29ec-e860-4f1a-a005-b361a8c0757c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Mahmoudi spends good amount of time to do a thorough psychiatric evaluation and get to know her patients. She helps patients understand their symptoms and challenges with developing an individualized biopsychosocial formulation. She shares her finding and educate patients about possible diagnosis. She develops an individualized management plan that may include medications, therapy or combination of both. She makes sure to collaborate with patient's therapist if the patient already sees a therapist. She sees a big value in communicating with allied health professionals and other medical doctors involve in a patient's care.
Dr. Mahmoudi spends good amount of time to do a thorough psychiatric evaluation and get to know her patients. She helps patients understand their symptoms and challenges with developing an individualized biopsychosocial formulation. She shares her finding and educate patients about possible diagnosis. She develops an individualized management plan that may include medications, therapy or combination of both. She makes sure to collaborate with patient's therapist if the patient already sees a therapist. She sees a big value in communicating with allied health professionals and other medical doctors involve in a patient's care.
![Photo of Dr. David J Hermiz, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d2ea051-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist trained at UCLA, I focus on psychoanalysis, dementia assessment, personality disorders, mood disorders, organic psychotic disorders, and forensic psychiatry. My practice combines psychoanalytic psychotherapy with medication management, creating a supportive environment for profound emotional insight and effective symptom management. I offer extensive forensic evaluation services, specializing in competency and capacity assessments. I provide long-term psychotherapy-focused treatment in addition to evaluations, rather than solely offering medication management.
As an American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certified psychiatrist trained at UCLA, I focus on psychoanalysis, dementia assessment, personality disorders, mood disorders, organic psychotic disorders, and forensic psychiatry. My practice combines psychoanalytic psychotherapy with medication management, creating a supportive environment for profound emotional insight and effective symptom management. I offer extensive forensic evaluation services, specializing in competency and capacity assessments. I provide long-term psychotherapy-focused treatment in addition to evaluations, rather than solely offering medication management.
See more therapy options for West Los Angeles
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Autism Psychiatrists
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.