Autism Psychiatrists in Summit, NJ
![Photo of Marc Cantillon, MD, FAPA, FANA, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f6fb5df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sadness, ADD, addiction, relationships, other anguish? No matter what pain you bear, there is hope, with care, scientific evidence, and if needed legal help. For every problem, there are solutions: I have witnessed personal change, growth at any age. For children: identity and learning; for adults work/other responsibilities, or staying active and fully enjoying the wisdom of a mature life. Together we identify the issue(s), talking support CBT therapy and/or medication including natural complementary, exercises, work coaching. For fees, I work flexibly with those patients who have out of network coverage so they are reimbursed.
Sadness, ADD, addiction, relationships, other anguish? No matter what pain you bear, there is hope, with care, scientific evidence, and if needed legal help. For every problem, there are solutions: I have witnessed personal change, growth at any age. For children: identity and learning; for adults work/other responsibilities, or staying active and fully enjoying the wisdom of a mature life. Together we identify the issue(s), talking support CBT therapy and/or medication including natural complementary, exercises, work coaching. For fees, I work flexibly with those patients who have out of network coverage so they are reimbursed.
![Photo of Seth Michael Dorsky, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ceb017-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
Dr. Seth Dorsky is a Harvard trained child and adolescent psychiatrist. He completed his child and adolescent fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital where he held 2 academic appointments: one as a clinical fellow at Harvard Medical School and one as fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children's Hospital. Dr. Dorsky received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, attended medical school at the University of Vermont, and completed his adult psychiatry residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Dr. Dorsky is dual board certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry.
I am a board certified psychiatrist in child & adolescent/Adult medicine with 20+ years of experience. Associated with the field of psychiatry, my work experience and professionalism have led me to establish myself as a strong candidate for dealing with patients with chronic mental ailments. I offer psychiatric consultations, evaluations & medication management through telemedicine.
I am a board certified psychiatrist in child & adolescent/Adult medicine with 20+ years of experience. Associated with the field of psychiatry, my work experience and professionalism have led me to establish myself as a strong candidate for dealing with patients with chronic mental ailments. I offer psychiatric consultations, evaluations & medication management through telemedicine.
![Photo of Tolga Taneli, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52e6afde-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tolga Taneli
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Summit, NJ 07901
Not accepting new clients
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016 & 2022).
I'm a child & adolescent psychiatrist who trained physicians and medical students, as the Division Director for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School for 13 years. I worked a busy emergency room and sub-specialty clinics. I specialize in medicine treatments for Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, learning disorders, and anxiety disorders. I am honored to have been recognized by the readers of NJ Family Magazine as one of "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2016 & 2022).
More Psychiatrists Nearby
![Photo of Khushbu Shah, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6103bb4-dded-4a63-833b-692ee12cdf4b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Khushbu Shah is a trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She completed her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey and her residency training in general psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York. She has extensive experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorders, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, and many others. She has worked closely with school-based mental health, with a special interest in providing current, innovative treatments.
Dr. Khushbu Shah is a trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. She completed her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey and her residency training in general psychiatry at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York. She has extensive experience working with mood and anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorders, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, and many others. She has worked closely with school-based mental health, with a special interest in providing current, innovative treatments.
![Photo of Keeva Madden, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75812690-c748-4d39-8e9f-be099c12f665/1/320x400.jpeg)
Madden is well-versed in a wide range of conditions, but she particularly excels in addressing ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Madden attended the University of Ottawa as an undergraduate, before attending Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine. She then completed her adult psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she served as chief resident, subsequently completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Vermont. Dr. Madden treats most conditions, with particular expertise in ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder. She treats children, teenagers, and adults, providing medication management, as well as psychotherapy.
Madden is well-versed in a wide range of conditions, but she particularly excels in addressing ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder.
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Madden attended the University of Ottawa as an undergraduate, before attending Trinity College Dublin School of Medicine. She then completed her adult psychiatry residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she served as chief resident, subsequently completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Vermont. Dr. Madden treats most conditions, with particular expertise in ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder. She treats children, teenagers, and adults, providing medication management, as well as psychotherapy.
![Photo of Farah Asim Khan, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43dc3b73-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialized in children with ASD ( Autism spectrum disorder) ADHD and other behavioral problems. Learning how to treat children with behavioral problems has equipped me with a unique perspective and an invaluable tool with which I can provide the best care for my patients. A good psychiatrist not only needs to be competent and knowledgeable in the discipline, but also empathetic and sensitive towards patients. My training from New York Medical College and Robert Wood Johnson University hospital has enhanced my the ability and given me the experience to deal with diverse patient population ranging from children to adolescents and adults.
Specialized in children with ASD ( Autism spectrum disorder) ADHD and other behavioral problems. Learning how to treat children with behavioral problems has equipped me with a unique perspective and an invaluable tool with which I can provide the best care for my patients. A good psychiatrist not only needs to be competent and knowledgeable in the discipline, but also empathetic and sensitive towards patients. My training from New York Medical College and Robert Wood Johnson University hospital has enhanced my the ability and given me the experience to deal with diverse patient population ranging from children to adolescents and adults.
Hightower Medical Services LLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, BSN, PMHNP, - BC
Verified Verified
Hillside, NJ 07205 (Online Only)
Autism, Spectrum, ADHD, Sleep disorders, and Grief.
Hightower Medical Services is an organization that specializes in tailored mental health care. Since, untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems, our aim is to assist client to achieve optimal health to function and enjoy a quality life. We approach this through comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and diagnostic with interpretation, medication management, and a multi disciplinary intervention. Also, to enhance self-esteem with evidence based modalities through goals focused on self-perception, self-worth, and challenging negative self-beliefs. Our clientele is across the life span.
Autism, Spectrum, ADHD, Sleep disorders, and Grief.
Hightower Medical Services is an organization that specializes in tailored mental health care. Since, untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems, our aim is to assist client to achieve optimal health to function and enjoy a quality life. We approach this through comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and diagnostic with interpretation, medication management, and a multi disciplinary intervention. Also, to enhance self-esteem with evidence based modalities through goals focused on self-perception, self-worth, and challenging negative self-beliefs. Our clientele is across the life span.
![Photo of Dr. Jordan Metsky, DO, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ca576df-6935-4f49-a331-42b0250dc03b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I’m Dr. Jordan Metsky, a double Board Certified child and adult psychiatrist. I am currently welcoming new patients into my practice including children, teens, and adults and can get you or your child scheduled from our initial phone call. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and tics. I evaluate and treat autism and ADHD in children and adults and I can work with your child's school to help get them the accommodations they need to succeed. I offer patients psychiatric medication as well as other non-pharmacologic treatment options.
Hello, I’m Dr. Jordan Metsky, a double Board Certified child and adult psychiatrist. I am currently welcoming new patients into my practice including children, teens, and adults and can get you or your child scheduled from our initial phone call. My areas of expertise include treating depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and tics. I evaluate and treat autism and ADHD in children and adults and I can work with your child's school to help get them the accommodations they need to succeed. I offer patients psychiatric medication as well as other non-pharmacologic treatment options.
![Photo of Joseph Stricker, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31e036f2-fd10-4a8b-b3c0-114ef598ed0b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! I am a double board certified psychiatrist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry. I have trained and worked at leading hospitals across the United States in many treatment settings. My clinic is open on Saturdays to be minimally disruptive to work and school. I specialize in treating symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, oppositional/disruptive behaviors, parent-child relational issues, school avoidance, among many other conditions.
Hello! I am a double board certified psychiatrist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry. I have trained and worked at leading hospitals across the United States in many treatment settings. My clinic is open on Saturdays to be minimally disruptive to work and school. I specialize in treating symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Panic Attacks, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, oppositional/disruptive behaviors, parent-child relational issues, school avoidance, among many other conditions.
![Photo of Jason Minion, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93a8a14f-fc84-4257-9cba-cdf425a26fa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have years of prior experience in outpatient, inpatient, and specialty care settings at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, including serving as medical director of an eating disorders program, being embedded in an autism clinic, and collaborating with pediatricians to manage mental health concerns in the primary care setting.
It can be difficult to get started in mental health treatment, especially for children who might not be seeking the help themselves. By creating a welcoming, responsive, and warm environment at Pegasus Psychiatry Associates, I strive to connect with all my patients and get to know each of them well. I collaborate closely with families, schools, primary care physicians, and therapists to obtain a complete view of each patient’s individual needs. Whether a child, adolescent, or young adult, we will develop together a comprehensive treatment plan that includes only the prudent use of medication.
I have years of prior experience in outpatient, inpatient, and specialty care settings at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers, including serving as medical director of an eating disorders program, being embedded in an autism clinic, and collaborating with pediatricians to manage mental health concerns in the primary care setting.
It can be difficult to get started in mental health treatment, especially for children who might not be seeking the help themselves. By creating a welcoming, responsive, and warm environment at Pegasus Psychiatry Associates, I strive to connect with all my patients and get to know each of them well. I collaborate closely with families, schools, primary care physicians, and therapists to obtain a complete view of each patient’s individual needs. Whether a child, adolescent, or young adult, we will develop together a comprehensive treatment plan that includes only the prudent use of medication.
![Photo of Maryanna Vrettos Domenic, APN, PMHNP, CSN-NJ, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85336820-dbe5-411c-bccc-48afe63d7272/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maryanna Vrettos Domenic
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APN, PMHNP, CSN-NJ
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
With over 10+years in the field, I have gained invaluable expertise in a range of settings: long-term care, in school systems as a Certified School Nurse catering to children on the autism spectrum & with special needs, & in community health.
I am a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner committed to empowering individuals of all ages to achieve mental wellness. When crafting personalized treatment plans, I emphasize open communication and collaborative decision-making to foster patients' overall well-being and resilience in addressing mental health concerns. I value collaboration & teamwork in my practice, actively involving patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. I strive to provide holistic care by incorporating non-pharmacological interventions with traditional treatments, thereby promoting comprehensive mental wellness.
With over 10+years in the field, I have gained invaluable expertise in a range of settings: long-term care, in school systems as a Certified School Nurse catering to children on the autism spectrum & with special needs, & in community health.
I am a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner committed to empowering individuals of all ages to achieve mental wellness. When crafting personalized treatment plans, I emphasize open communication and collaborative decision-making to foster patients' overall well-being and resilience in addressing mental health concerns. I value collaboration & teamwork in my practice, actively involving patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. I strive to provide holistic care by incorporating non-pharmacological interventions with traditional treatments, thereby promoting comprehensive mental wellness.
![Photo of Erin Zerbo, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b67b67a-60d5-4aa2-9f68-d9faac1bba81/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also work with individuals with ADHD and/or autism.
I am an open-minded practitioner and I feel strongly that it is every person’s birthright to be happy and to live a fulfilling life. I believe that every person is always doing their best; there is no such thing as laziness or a lack of motivation. I employ a client-centered approach to help people tackle the burdens that are holding them back. I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and only recommend medication cautiously and with clear intention.
I also work with individuals with ADHD and/or autism.
I am an open-minded practitioner and I feel strongly that it is every person’s birthright to be happy and to live a fulfilling life. I believe that every person is always doing their best; there is no such thing as laziness or a lack of motivation. I employ a client-centered approach to help people tackle the burdens that are holding them back. I provide a thorough psychiatric evaluation and only recommend medication cautiously and with clear intention.
![Photo of Lilian Oguh - Anya Comprehensive Health Services , DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0341a783-8df5-4a30-9e1d-0cac9902df65/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anya Comprehensive Health Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Livingston, NJ 07039 (Online Only)
We perform diagnostic assessments and management of Anxiety disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorders, Bipolar disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
I aim to walk the client through their journey of maintaining stability and balance in life while managing their mental health issues. I provide effective diagnosis and management of most mental health problems within a reasonable amount of time. Anya Comprehensive Health Services has evening and weekend hours to suit our client's needs.
We perform diagnostic assessments and management of Anxiety disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorders, Bipolar disorders, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
I aim to walk the client through their journey of maintaining stability and balance in life while managing their mental health issues. I provide effective diagnosis and management of most mental health problems within a reasonable amount of time. Anya Comprehensive Health Services has evening and weekend hours to suit our client's needs.
![Photo of Merritt Hubsher - ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4402f6d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
ADHD, Mood & Behavior Center is a comprehensive Child, Adolescent & Adult psychotherapy center, available ONLINE throughout NJ & NY, from the comfort of your home, and in person in northern NJ. Our three board certified child, adolescent & adult psychiatrists are devoted to the evaluation and treatment of emotional, behavioral, social, academic & employment difficulties, including ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Autism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, learning issues, bullying & video game addiction, and collaborate with our highly trained therapists to find solutions and bring stability to the child, adult or family.
![Photo of Alimata Sore Ouedraogo, DNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/efed4824-0e5b-4036-85fe-fce81e140ccd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alimata Sore Ouedraogo
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Newark, NJ 07102
Accepting New Clients. Call and get your same day, week, evening and weekend appointment. Are you or a loved one suffering from mental health concerns? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, or as if your life has no purpose? Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Look no further. At Prime Minded Care, we believe that high quality mental health care is more than treating illness - it is a journey to achieving wellness.
Accepting New Clients. Call and get your same day, week, evening and weekend appointment. Are you or a loved one suffering from mental health concerns? Do you feel hopeless, helpless, or as if your life has no purpose? Are you struggling to balance your physical and mental health? Look no further. At Prime Minded Care, we believe that high quality mental health care is more than treating illness - it is a journey to achieving wellness.
![Photo of Dr. Leopold Bolona, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c89f7e1e-e13d-4f6f-a845-28417b6be4da/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Leopold Bolona is a compassionate psychiatrist in private practice in Westfield and Brick, and Freehold NJ seeing adults only at this time. The practice has 9 Nurse Practioners offering comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment for a variety of issues such as: Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction and more. 6 Therapist ready to assist all of our patients. The practice offers both in person and telehealth. All offices offer Genetic testing and Neuropsych testing. The Westfield and Freehold office also offers both TMS and Spravato for Treatment Resistant Depression.
Dr. Leopold Bolona is a compassionate psychiatrist in private practice in Westfield and Brick, and Freehold NJ seeing adults only at this time. The practice has 9 Nurse Practioners offering comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and individualized treatment for a variety of issues such as: Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, addiction and more. 6 Therapist ready to assist all of our patients. The practice offers both in person and telehealth. All offices offer Genetic testing and Neuropsych testing. The Westfield and Freehold office also offers both TMS and Spravato for Treatment Resistant Depression.
![Photo of Olaitan Eboda - Rhapsody Healthcare Systems, DNPc, MSN, PMHNP-, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfab9053-cbbb-4f05-960b-d2a5485391f0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rhapsody Healthcare Systems
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNPc, MSN, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
Kenilworth, NJ 07033
“A listening ear and a caring heart”. We manage mental and behavioral health with an individualized approach, providing care in person or via telepsychiatry. Providing care with empathy and compassion is paramount for all new or recurring mental health / behavioral diagnoses. We manage care using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological / holistic intervention.
“A listening ear and a caring heart”. We manage mental and behavioral health with an individualized approach, providing care in person or via telepsychiatry. Providing care with empathy and compassion is paramount for all new or recurring mental health / behavioral diagnoses. We manage care using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological / holistic intervention.
![Photo of Altagracia Gomez Aracena, MD , Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a88d3007-b635-466e-891b-eaf0b406a510/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Altagracia Gomez Aracena is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Instituto Tecnologico and completed her residency and subsequently her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, where she was appointed Chief in both programs. She has been working as an attending psychiatrist at Robert Wood Johnson- Barnabas Health covering adult program and the child and adolescent outpatient clinic. Dr. Gomez Aracena provides non-judgmental and compassionate care and strategies to achieve and embrace one's full potential.
Dr. Altagracia Gomez Aracena is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Instituto Tecnologico and completed her residency and subsequently her fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, where she was appointed Chief in both programs. She has been working as an attending psychiatrist at Robert Wood Johnson- Barnabas Health covering adult program and the child and adolescent outpatient clinic. Dr. Gomez Aracena provides non-judgmental and compassionate care and strategies to achieve and embrace one's full potential.
![Photo of Dr. Tola Ogunsakin - Precious Medical Care, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, MHA, NEA-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b3a2ec2c-a1e4-419b-a29b-cd2a29a94937/2/320x400.jpeg)
Precious Medical Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, MHA, NEA-BC
Verified Verified
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
Precious Medical Care (PMC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic based in New Jersey. Our goal is to keep you healthy at all times. Our practice is staffed with highly qualified psychiatric providers with many years of experience helping mental health patients to regain sound health and mind.
Precious Medical Care (PMC) is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinic based in New Jersey. Our goal is to keep you healthy at all times. Our practice is staffed with highly qualified psychiatric providers with many years of experience helping mental health patients to regain sound health and mind.
See more therapy options for Summit
Nearby Autism Psychiatrists Searches for Summit
- East Orange
- Elizabeth
- Irvington
- Livingston
- Maplewood
- Montclair
- Morristown
- Newark
- Parsippany
- Short Hills
- Union
- Westfield
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.