Autism Psychiatrists in Manhattan Beach, CA
![Photo of Steve Khachi, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e25563fb-9fa3-42cb-83b0-390964f7e944/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Khachi is a Stanford-trained child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. He brings years of experience in neuroscience research and cutting-edge clinical care to the Los Angeles area. He is the founding CEO and Medical Director of Mind Study Center, providing world-class comprehensive psychological and psychiatric care. He is known as an innovator in the field and for his expertise in psychopharmacology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and other evidenced-based treatments for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr. Khachi is a Stanford-trained child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. He brings years of experience in neuroscience research and cutting-edge clinical care to the Los Angeles area. He is the founding CEO and Medical Director of Mind Study Center, providing world-class comprehensive psychological and psychiatric care. He is known as an innovator in the field and for his expertise in psychopharmacology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and other evidenced-based treatments for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
![Photo of Joshua Flatow, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90e637bf-8e80-4592-bd6c-7f4c3e10d8aa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
Pacific Mind Health approaches mental health using a variety of evidence-based treatments including medication, psychotherapy, telemedicine, Spravato, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We are excited to offer Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) - a revolutionary 3-minute procedure with equal or better efficacy to standard 40+ minute TMS protocols. We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you towards wellness. Please use this link for a free informational TMS session https://www.pacificmindhealth.com/tmsinfo.html
![Photo of Suzanne Dupee, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1c7e2b1-2d21-4b8a-b8eb-7a590c87c825/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting new patients. Dr. Dupée is a triple board-certified adult, child & adolescent, forensic psychiatrist who completed medical school in Australia. She continued her specialty training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, child & adolescent fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, and forensic psychiatry fellowship at NYU in New York City. Dr. Dupée has decades of experience treating adults, children, adolescents and young adults. She specializes in assessment and medication management of ADHD in children and adults, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post partum depression, OCD, PTSD, and many other issues.
Accepting new patients. Dr. Dupée is a triple board-certified adult, child & adolescent, forensic psychiatrist who completed medical school in Australia. She continued her specialty training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, child & adolescent fellowship at the University of California, San Diego, and forensic psychiatry fellowship at NYU in New York City. Dr. Dupée has decades of experience treating adults, children, adolescents and young adults. She specializes in assessment and medication management of ADHD in children and adults, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, post partum depression, OCD, PTSD, and many other issues.
![Photo of Alex Sahba - Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd1e099b-198e-4ec2-9fac-4ccb036d42cd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychiatric Evaluations - Dr. Alex Sahba
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
I'm Dr. Alex Sahba, board certified in general psychiatry/forensic psychiatry and trained at UCLA. As a recognized leader in the fields of psychiatry and qualified medical evaluations (QMEs), I am called upon to provide excellent service in various settings, including medical, legal, and academics. I conduct various types of evaluations, including: Legal/Forensics, Risk Assessment (Violence/Sexual), Drug/Alcohol Evals, Cognitive Evals, Competency Evals, Diagnostic Clarification, Fitness For Duty Evals., Pre-employment Evals., Immigration-related Evals., and Workers’ Comp. (QME/AME).
![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 Alejandro Perez - Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ec67d80-09e5-42c7-a8b1-dd98dd5c4126/1/320x400.png)
Dr Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
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.
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 Ana Popoca-Logue, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acaca84c-20ee-47e4-b888-6c79ff0a80c3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Popoca-Logue
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
I’ve come to love "challenging or difficult-to-treat" cases, whether treatment-resistant depression; bipolar/mood disorders; schizoaffective disorder/schizophrenia; anxiety disorders; addictions; insomnia; autism/developmental disorders; ADHD/ADD; eating disorders… let's talk.
We cannot escape pain & suffering, as they are part of the human condition; however, we can help alleviate their burden. Emotional pain and physical pain are often intertwined, thus a holistic approach is beneficial when dealing with mental conditions. Much has been written about human suffering, and of our collective quest to help one another; I believe our best tools are a caring brain & listening heart to hear you, understand you, assist you. This is your life. YOU are in the driver's seat; I will be your co-pilot, your guide, your listening ear... depending on YOUR needs. How can I help?
I’ve come to love "challenging or difficult-to-treat" cases, whether treatment-resistant depression; bipolar/mood disorders; schizoaffective disorder/schizophrenia; anxiety disorders; addictions; insomnia; autism/developmental disorders; ADHD/ADD; eating disorders… let's talk.
We cannot escape pain & suffering, as they are part of the human condition; however, we can help alleviate their burden. Emotional pain and physical pain are often intertwined, thus a holistic approach is beneficial when dealing with mental conditions. Much has been written about human suffering, and of our collective quest to help one another; I believe our best tools are a caring brain & listening heart to hear you, understand you, assist you. This is your life. YOU are in the driver's seat; I will be your co-pilot, your guide, your listening ear... depending on YOUR needs. How can I help?
![Photo of Ehab S Yacoub - Ehab Yacoub MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0f00dd2-dd63-4730-bb10-ed28f50fcb63/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ehab Yacoub, M.D. is a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorder, Psychosis, Autism, Intellectual disability, and Certified Addiction Specialist (Certified by AAAP for Opiod Dependence Treatment). He also conducts evaluations for weight loss surgeries. Dr. Yacoub had his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at USC. Dr.Yacoub has practiced in regional centers as well as private practices in Los Angeles, Northridge and Gardena offices.
Ehab Yacoub, M.D. is a psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorder, Psychosis, Autism, Intellectual disability, and Certified Addiction Specialist (Certified by AAAP for Opiod Dependence Treatment). He also conducts evaluations for weight loss surgeries. Dr. Yacoub had his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at USC. Dr.Yacoub has practiced in regional centers as well as private practices in Los Angeles, Northridge and Gardena offices.
![Photo of Stephanie Sabra, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/10acd2b8-aca1-4bde-b588-1972dd3aec50/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? As a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults, I am experienced in a wide range of psychopathologies including ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and women’s mental health (peripartum and postpartum illness). I work closely with my patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My office is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
Are you looking for personalized mental health treatment? A psychiatrist who cares, listens, and understands? As a board-certified psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and adults, I am experienced in a wide range of psychopathologies including ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and women’s mental health (peripartum and postpartum illness). I work closely with my patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aligns with their values. My office is based in Redondo Beach and we are happy to serve the Greater Los Angeles area.
![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 Lucy Yusun Won, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2155c78-c316-4aa8-886a-372c18e54929/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience in working with patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Autism spectrum disorder.
Spravato Treatment Center for Treatment Resistant Depression. It is okay to reach out for help. In fact, acknowledging that you need help tells me you are being honest with yourself, and reaching out for help tells me you are being brave. You want stability and balance back in your life. I see that and I will help you reach it. You and I just need to work together as a team. I will be here taking one step at a time with you, together.
I have extensive experience in working with patients with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Autism spectrum disorder.
Spravato Treatment Center for Treatment Resistant Depression. It is okay to reach out for help. In fact, acknowledging that you need help tells me you are being honest with yourself, and reaching out for help tells me you are being brave. You want stability and balance back in your life. I see that and I will help you reach it. You and I just need to work together as a team. I will be here taking one step at a time with you, together.
![Photo of James Rounds, MSN, PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2750e12b-c204-40d5-bbc0-b3fc4f2d71df/1/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to his clinical expertise, James is dedicated to treating populations such as first responders, military/veterans, individuals on the autism spectrum.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
In addition to his clinical expertise, James is dedicated to treating populations such as first responders, military/veterans, individuals on the autism spectrum.
James Rounds, PMHNP specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma, with a particular focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community. His practice in California is rooted in a holistic approach, combining empathetic and tailored care to address both symptoms and underlying causes. James creates a safe, affirming space for individuals, guiding them toward resilience, healing, and personal growth. James is passionate about addressing ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD/trauma. He utilizes individual therapy, medication management, and TMS to support his patients' diverse needs.
![Photo of Matthew Carpinello - Sonoran Psychiatric Care, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3440d59-6760-4df3-9c2f-f95b7814a564/1/320x400.png)
At Sonoran Psychiatric Care, our ideal client struggles with complex Psychiatric conditions that have been resistant to standard treatments. They may face persistent depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosomatic symptoms, or autism. Seeking thorough evaluation and precise, scientifically grounded treatment, they desire a Psychiatrist who understands the intricate connections between physical and mental health. Their goal is to achieve better mental health, find effective treatments, and improve their overall quality of life without the long wait times typical of insurance-based practices.
At Sonoran Psychiatric Care, our ideal client struggles with complex Psychiatric conditions that have been resistant to standard treatments. They may face persistent depression, anxiety, substance abuse, psychosomatic symptoms, or autism. Seeking thorough evaluation and precise, scientifically grounded treatment, they desire a Psychiatrist who understands the intricate connections between physical and mental health. Their goal is to achieve better mental health, find effective treatments, and improve their overall quality of life without the long wait times typical of insurance-based practices.
![Photo of Ronald Blustein, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58aaa18e-2ead-4368-ae98-46e02ee9e997/1/320x400.jpeg)
Blustein treats various concerns like hyperactive disorder, sleeping issues, alcoholism, autism, bipolar disorder.
Dr. Ronald Blustein is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist. Dr. Blustein obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He brings extensive experience to his role at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA, across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
Blustein treats various concerns like hyperactive disorder, sleeping issues, alcoholism, autism, bipolar disorder.
Dr. Ronald Blustein is a caring and compassionate psychiatrist. Dr. Blustein obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He brings extensive experience to his role at Ehab Yacoub, MD Inc. Brain Health USA, across Gardena, Van Nuys, Fullerton, CA.
![Photo of Paul Hartman, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34f1cfb8-d81b-4d01-8160-c55cb6ef3942/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hartman, MD sees patients for Autism and related disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders.
Paul E. Hartman, MD is a Psychiatry & Neurology Child & Adolescent Psychiatry specialty provider based out of Los Angeles, California.
Hartman, MD sees patients for Autism and related disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders.
Paul E. Hartman, MD is a Psychiatry & Neurology Child & Adolescent Psychiatry specialty provider based out of Los Angeles, California.
![Photo of Tatiana Molinar, PMHNP, MSN, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/715f68d2-be58-4c6d-b742-efc08ca2f5b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tatiana Molinar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90062 (Online Only)
I specialize in culturally sensitive and holistic trauma informed mental health care, focusing on understanding and addressing your unique mental, behavioral, and emotional needs. My practice supports clients seeking clarity on medication options, whether starting new treatments, adjusting current regimens, or considering reductions. I provide affirming therapy that respects diverse identities, and centers folx who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, BiPOC, and disabled.
I specialize in culturally sensitive and holistic trauma informed mental health care, focusing on understanding and addressing your unique mental, behavioral, and emotional needs. My practice supports clients seeking clarity on medication options, whether starting new treatments, adjusting current regimens, or considering reductions. I provide affirming therapy that respects diverse identities, and centers folx who are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, BiPOC, and disabled.
![Photo of Adel Mostafavi - WellPsyche Medical Group, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed5b938-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.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 Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dac9e1a4-790d-4d94-a40e-9c287b7b0478/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pedro Morante
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Gardena, CA 90248 (Online Only)
Mr. Pedro Morante is a caring and considerate nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner serving the communities of Los Angeles, Gardena, and Northridge, CA.
Mr. Pedro Morante is a caring and considerate nurse practitioner and mental health nurse practitioner serving the communities of Los Angeles, Gardena, and Northridge, CA.
![Photo of Joseph L. Gulino, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd6bf780-9032-43a2-89ff-1d68f8944b22/2/320x400.jpeg)
To hear a patient say, "I finally feel like myself again, thanks to you" shows that with the right doctor and treatment, people can start to feel better quickly. I established Beverly Hills Psychiatry to promote psychiatric wellness and healthy functioning in adults, adolescents, and children. By providing video appointments patients anywhere in California can be seen and treated. I strive to create an environment in which patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, experiences and concerns. I place maximum value on really listening to my patients and establishing an honest and trusting doctor-patient alliance.
To hear a patient say, "I finally feel like myself again, thanks to you" shows that with the right doctor and treatment, people can start to feel better quickly. I established Beverly Hills Psychiatry to promote psychiatric wellness and healthy functioning in adults, adolescents, and children. By providing video appointments patients anywhere in California can be seen and treated. I strive to create an environment in which patients can feel comfortable discussing their symptoms, experiences and concerns. I place maximum value on really listening to my patients and establishing an honest and trusting doctor-patient alliance.
See more therapy options for Manhattan Beach
Nearby Autism Psychiatrists Searches for Manhattan Beach
- Beverly Hills
- Culver City
- Gardena
- Hermosa Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marina Del Rey
- Redondo Beach
- San Pedro
- Santa Monica
- Torrance
- West Hollywood
- West Los Angeles
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.