Autism Psychiatrists in North Hollywood, CA

Photo of Alejandro Perez - Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
(747) 346-1601 View (747) 346-1601
Photo of Eri Minagawa, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eri Minagawa
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Hollywood, CA 91606  (Online Only)
I believe everyone has some issues that they need to work on. We as humans are always evolving. Personal growth and improvement are linked to happiness. Therefore, I want to create a safe place for my client to express their feelings and thoughts, so that I can give the support they need.
I believe everyone has some issues that they need to work on. We as humans are always evolving. Personal growth and improvement are linked to happiness. Therefore, I want to create a safe place for my client to express their feelings and thoughts, so that I can give the support they need.
(747) 832-3684 View (747) 832-3684
Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
Tired of the relentless cycle of self-doubt, fatigue, and panic attacks? Struggling with poor concentration, restless sleep, or irrational fears? Feeling hypersensitive or overwhelmed by a need for control? Are these emotional and behavioral patterns fixable? Which ones stem from genetics or brain chemistry, and which are rooted in upbringing or circumstances? 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.
(323) 968-9177 View (323) 968-9177
Photo of Adel Mostafavi, MD, Psychiatrist
Adel Mostafavi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Hollywood, CA 91601  (Online Only)
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.
(424) 361-1839 View (424) 361-1839
Photo of Randall Bailey, MD, Psychiatrist
Randall Bailey
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
North Hollywood, CA 91601  (Online Only)
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.
(424) 396-0264 View (424) 396-0264
Photo of Christopher Khoshoryan, MD, Psychiatrist
Christopher Khoshoryan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Christopher Khoshoryan is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, received his medical degree at St. George’s University, and completed his residency training in Psychiatry at Pontiac General Hospital. Christopher brings a patient-centered, empathetic approach to helping people. He believes in using evidence-based practices to assist patients through a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Christopher’s clinical competence, compassionate demeanor, and communication skills help patients achieve better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.
Christopher Khoshoryan is a Psychiatrist in California who has been practicing since 2020. He completed his undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, received his medical degree at St. George’s University, and completed his residency training in Psychiatry at Pontiac General Hospital. Christopher brings a patient-centered, empathetic approach to helping people. He believes in using evidence-based practices to assist patients through a wide range of psychiatric conditions. Christopher’s clinical competence, compassionate demeanor, and communication skills help patients achieve better mental health outcomes and improved quality of life.
(747) 351-3851 View (747) 351-3851

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Ivana Viani, MD, Psychiatrist
Ivana Viani
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
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.
(310) 582-5823 View (310) 582-5823
Photo of Je Deuk Ko, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Je Deuk Ko
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90024
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.
(310) 693-5837 View (310) 693-5837
Photo of Zachary Schwager, MD , Psychiatrist
Zachary Schwager
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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.
(323) 612-0135 View (323) 612-0135
Photo of Bernadette Grosjean, MD, Psychiatrist
Bernadette Grosjean
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
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.
(310) 896-4039 View (310) 896-4039
Photo of Tarik Hadzic, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Tarik Hadzic
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
I am actively engaged in autism genetics research at UCLA.
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.
I am actively engaged in autism genetics research at UCLA.
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.
(424) 317-8336 View (424) 317-8336
Photo of Ehab S Yacoub - Ehab Yacoub MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Ehab Yacoub MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Van Nuys, CA 91411  (Online Only)
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.
(310) 515-8113 View (310) 515-8113
Photo of Jacob Feldman, MD, Psychiatrist
Jacob Feldman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Dr. Feldman is a dedicated psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, with a focus on providing evidence-based, holistic mental healthcare. He brings a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions in both youth and adults, including depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, sleeping and eating disorders, and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Feldman earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai Morningside and West in New York City.
Dr. Feldman is a dedicated psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, with a focus on providing evidence-based, holistic mental healthcare. He brings a wealth of experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions in both youth and adults, including depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, sleeping and eating disorders, and developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Feldman earned his medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his General Psychiatry Residency at Mount Sinai Morningside and West in New York City.
(626) 269-6563 View (626) 269-6563
Photo of Lucy Yusun Won, DO, Psychiatrist
Lucy Yusun Won
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90010
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. T.O.V.A. neuropsychological assessment for ADHD provided. 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. T.O.V.A. neuropsychological assessment for ADHD provided. 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.
(323) 917-5155 View (323) 917-5155
Photo of Yeun Lim, MD, Psychiatrist
Yeun Lim
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90209
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.
(310) 361-7745 View (310) 361-7745
Photo of Mary Chavarria, MD, Psychiatrist
Mary Chavarria
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91356
My primary interests are medication management of ADHD, anxiety, autism-spectrum comorbidities, depression, gender dysphoria/diversity, OCD, other mood disorders (DMDD, bipolar, etc), trauma/PTSD, as well as peri/postpartum depression and anxiety. I work closely with psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, speech/language therapists, and other members of the care team for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to a patient's treatment.
My primary interests are medication management of ADHD, anxiety, autism-spectrum comorbidities, depression, gender dysphoria/diversity, OCD, other mood disorders (DMDD, bipolar, etc), trauma/PTSD, as well as peri/postpartum depression and anxiety. I work closely with psychotherapists, neuropsychologists, speech/language therapists, and other members of the care team for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to a patient's treatment.
(818) 776-8705 View (818) 776-8705
Photo of Lauren Laddaran, DO, MHS, Psychiatrist
Lauren Laddaran
Psychiatrist, DO, MHS
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211  (Online Only)
I have experience in providing treatment for those with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety and mood disorders, developmental disabilities, such as autism, trauma history, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to me that I collaborate closely with my patients and their families in their treatments since it is their health and wellbeing that we are focusing on. I believe spending individual time with each of my child and adolescent patients is an important part of the therapeutic process, as well as a providing a separate space and time for parents to share their own experiences. The patients and families that I would like to work with are those that are interested in investing in their child's and their health and needs so that they can progress towards a happier lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with others.
I have experience in providing treatment for those with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety and mood disorders, developmental disabilities, such as autism, trauma history, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
It is important to me that I collaborate closely with my patients and their families in their treatments since it is their health and wellbeing that we are focusing on. I believe spending individual time with each of my child and adolescent patients is an important part of the therapeutic process, as well as a providing a separate space and time for parents to share their own experiences. The patients and families that I would like to work with are those that are interested in investing in their child's and their health and needs so that they can progress towards a happier lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with others.
(310) 361-0981 View (310) 361-0981
Photo of Ashley Pirozzi, MD, Psychiatrist
Ashley Pirozzi
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
I specialize in child and adolescents with considerable experience with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, impulse control disorders and developmental issues.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, and young adults (ages 4-26). I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a focus on child development, behavior, and educational functioning. I frequently see teens and college aged students with depression and anxiety when therapy alone has not provided enough improvement in symptoms. I am able to recommend therapeutic approaches for specific conditions as well as psychiatric medication if appropriate. I work closely with parents or guardians to help a child or adolescent thrive.
I specialize in child and adolescents with considerable experience with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, impulse control disorders and developmental issues.
I am a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with a focus on children, teens, and young adults (ages 4-26). I provide a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation with a focus on child development, behavior, and educational functioning. I frequently see teens and college aged students with depression and anxiety when therapy alone has not provided enough improvement in symptoms. I am able to recommend therapeutic approaches for specific conditions as well as psychiatric medication if appropriate. I work closely with parents or guardians to help a child or adolescent thrive.
(323) 310-0560 View (323) 310-0560
Photo of Matthew Soden, MD, Psychiatrist
Matthew Soden
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
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.
(720) 740-8322 View (720) 740-8322
Photo of Carlos Barrios, MD, Psychiatrist
Carlos Barrios
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90210  (Online Only)
With 20+ years of experience, Dr. Carlos Barrios is a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist. He uniquely integrates metabolic health principles into his practice, emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and sleep for mental health. specializing in anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, pediatric ptsd, and autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Barrios advocates a holistic approach to reduce medication dependency. A cancer survivor, Dr. Barrios embodies his "healing minds, minimizing meds" philosophy.
With 20+ years of experience, Dr. Carlos Barrios is a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist. He uniquely integrates metabolic health principles into his practice, emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and sleep for mental health. specializing in anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, pediatric ptsd, and autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Barrios advocates a holistic approach to reduce medication dependency. A cancer survivor, Dr. Barrios embodies his "healing minds, minimizing meds" philosophy.
(669) 587-2898 View (669) 587-2898

See more therapy options for North Hollywood

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.