Autism Psychiatrists in Boerne, TX

Photo of Yajaira Yuri Paparone, MD, Psychiatrist
Yajaira Yuri Paparone
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006  (Online Only)
Dr. Paparone is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in family systems, attachment disorders, PTSD, treatment resistant depression, ADHD, post partum depression and adjustment disorders. Dr. Paparone has trained and worked closely alongside experts in the field of psychoanalytic therapy, family therapy and psychopharmacology. She has over a decade of treating patients in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Dr. Paparone is an experienced psychiatrist specializing in family systems, attachment disorders, PTSD, treatment resistant depression, ADHD, post partum depression and adjustment disorders. Dr. Paparone has trained and worked closely alongside experts in the field of psychoanalytic therapy, family therapy and psychopharmacology. She has over a decade of treating patients in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
(210) 934-1105 View (210) 934-1105
Photo of Jennifer Hill, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Hill
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I am a licensed a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner interested in providing comprehensive, compassionate and exceptional mental health care for adults and adolescents. I incorporate both psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy into my practice. I employ evidence-based practice unified with clinical experience, education, and patient observation to provide the best treatment on a patient-by- patient basis. I believe in treating all patients with the dignity and respect they deserve and strive to build excellent rapport with both the patient and their family.
I am a licensed a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner interested in providing comprehensive, compassionate and exceptional mental health care for adults and adolescents. I incorporate both psychiatric medicine and psychotherapy into my practice. I employ evidence-based practice unified with clinical experience, education, and patient observation to provide the best treatment on a patient-by- patient basis. I believe in treating all patients with the dignity and respect they deserve and strive to build excellent rapport with both the patient and their family.
(210) 899-7176 View (210) 899-7176
Photo of Vanessa L Vela, MD, Psychiatrist
Vanessa L Vela
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006
I have been practicing for 19 years and continue to look forward to helping others find the proper treatment for their needs. I enjoy working with children, teens and adults. I understand that each of my patients have unique strengths. I am committed to providing genuine, caring and confidential care for professionals, families and children. I am a firm believer in change and hold an optimistic view in helping others. I often find that people have gone without treatment for various reasons but I am here to help them find the appropriate direction.
I have been practicing for 19 years and continue to look forward to helping others find the proper treatment for their needs. I enjoy working with children, teens and adults. I understand that each of my patients have unique strengths. I am committed to providing genuine, caring and confidential care for professionals, families and children. I am a firm believer in change and hold an optimistic view in helping others. I often find that people have gone without treatment for various reasons but I am here to help them find the appropriate direction.
(830) 254-5217 View (830) 254-5217
Photo of Dr. James T. Fuqua - Board Certified Psychiatrist, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. James T. Fuqua - Board Certified Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Boerne, TX 78006  (Online Only)
Accepting new patients. Dr. Fuqua is a medical doctor certified in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other conditions. He started his practice with the goal of providing Texans with psychiatric care that is comprehensive and readily accessible. Visit our website for more information!
Accepting new patients. Dr. Fuqua is a medical doctor certified in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other conditions. He started his practice with the goal of providing Texans with psychiatric care that is comprehensive and readily accessible. Visit our website for more information!
(210) 880-2350 View (210) 880-2350

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Alejandro Perez - Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Perez @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, TX 78006
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.
(210) 361-6840 View (210) 361-6840
Photo of Riz Ahmad - Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Riz @ Evolve Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, TX 78006
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.
(830) 396-5174 View (830) 396-5174
Photo of Ted Edmund Williams, MD, Psychiatrist
Ted Edmund Williams
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78256
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Williams is founder of Genesis Behavioral Health, and treats adults, children, and adolescents. He is also an adjunct assistant professor of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In addition to medications and therapy, he believes that a person's growth in faith and relationship with God can be an important part of their healing, especially because many of life's struggles don't have easy answers. His approach to treatment is warm, non-judgmental, and professional, and he will talk about faith as much or as little as you like.
Dr. Williams is founder of Genesis Behavioral Health, and treats adults, children, and adolescents. He is also an adjunct assistant professor of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In addition to medications and therapy, he believes that a person's growth in faith and relationship with God can be an important part of their healing, especially because many of life's struggles don't have easy answers. His approach to treatment is warm, non-judgmental, and professional, and he will talk about faith as much or as little as you like.
(210) 529-8186 View (210) 529-8186
Photo of Julia C Jackson, MD, Psychiatrist
Julia C Jackson
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78257
Not accepting new clients
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with 23 years of experience treating kids and teens struggling with a variety of childhood disorders of thinking, feeling, & behavior. As a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 25 years of service I've had the opportunity to evaluate and treat children & teens from many parts of the country & world. One thing that remains true is that patients want to be heard and understood, regardless of age. I find this to be one of the most rewarding & privileged aspects of psychiatry. It is healing in many ways in and of itself, though requires time. This is why I chose private practice.
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with 23 years of experience treating kids and teens struggling with a variety of childhood disorders of thinking, feeling, & behavior. As a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 25 years of service I've had the opportunity to evaluate and treat children & teens from many parts of the country & world. One thing that remains true is that patients want to be heard and understood, regardless of age. I find this to be one of the most rewarding & privileged aspects of psychiatry. It is healing in many ways in and of itself, though requires time. This is why I chose private practice.
(210) 455-0444 View (210) 455-0444

Online Psychiatrists

Photo of Jennifer Schaefer, MD, Psychiatrist
Jennifer Schaefer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705
Schaefer performs diagnostic clinical assessments for a number of psychiatric illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and autism.
Dr. Schaefer is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Schaefer graduated from medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed both her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship training at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, where she served as chief resident. She works to collaboratively target each patient’s treatment to their particular goals through a combination of medication management and individual or family therapy.
Schaefer performs diagnostic clinical assessments for a number of psychiatric illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, and autism.
Dr. Schaefer is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Schaefer graduated from medical school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She completed both her general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship training at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, where she served as chief resident. She works to collaboratively target each patient’s treatment to their particular goals through a combination of medication management and individual or family therapy.
(512) 842-4316 View (512) 842-4316
Photo of Zuraima Caldera, MD, Psychiatrist
Zuraima Caldera
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Leander, TX 78641
Zuraima Caldera, MD is a dedicated, committed, and caring mental health provider. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She has extensive expertise in areas as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Phobic Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Tic Disorders, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), disorders related to the Autism Spectrum, among others. Dr. Caldera is the founder of Balanced Minds.
Zuraima Caldera, MD is a dedicated, committed, and caring mental health provider. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She has extensive expertise in areas as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Phobic Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Tic Disorders, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), disorders related to the Autism Spectrum, among others. Dr. Caldera is the founder of Balanced Minds.
(512) 607-9619 View (512) 607-9619
Photo of Rachal Katerle, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Rachal Katerle
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Rachal is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She graduated with her MPAS from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2023 and began pursuing her passion of supporting mental health through psychiatry. Rachal has experience in diagnosing and treating Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood Disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. She provides medication management and supportive psychotherapy in collaboration with Dr. Khan.
Rachal is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She graduated with her MPAS from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2023 and began pursuing her passion of supporting mental health through psychiatry. Rachal has experience in diagnosing and treating Depression, Anxiety, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mood Disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. She provides medication management and supportive psychotherapy in collaboration with Dr. Khan.
(512) 722-7976 View (512) 722-7976
Photo of Mary Tuttle, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mary Tuttle
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78730
Sometimes its hard being a person. Life can become overwhelming for all of us at times. I am a board certified psychiatric and family practice DNP, uniquely qualified in the whole person approach to healing. My extensive experience allows me to perform psychiatric evaluations, and to diagnose and provide treatments for most psychiatric and medical conditions. I treat anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma autism and bipolar disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Ultimately my goal is to offer hope and to empower others to tap into their essential core of strength and goodness by promoting self awareness and self compassion.
Sometimes its hard being a person. Life can become overwhelming for all of us at times. I am a board certified psychiatric and family practice DNP, uniquely qualified in the whole person approach to healing. My extensive experience allows me to perform psychiatric evaluations, and to diagnose and provide treatments for most psychiatric and medical conditions. I treat anxiety, mood, ADHD, trauma autism and bipolar disorders in children, adolescents and adults. Ultimately my goal is to offer hope and to empower others to tap into their essential core of strength and goodness by promoting self awareness and self compassion.
View
Photo of Dr. Abigail Talley, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Abigail Talley
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78209
She treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, to include ADHD, child behavioral issues, autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Abigail Talley, MD, is board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in San Antonio, Dr. Talley attended Trinity University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Biology. She completed medical school, General Psychiatry residency, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Talley joined the faculty at UT Health before starting her own private practice. In addition to patient care, she is passionate about mental health education for both patients and medical professionals. She regularly presents on women's mental health and pediatric mental health topics.
She treats a variety of psychiatric conditions, to include ADHD, child behavioral issues, autism, anxiety, OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Abigail Talley, MD, is board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in San Antonio, Dr. Talley attended Trinity University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Biology. She completed medical school, General Psychiatry residency, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Talley joined the faculty at UT Health before starting her own private practice. In addition to patient care, she is passionate about mental health education for both patients and medical professionals. She regularly presents on women's mental health and pediatric mental health topics.
(210) 382-6566 View (210) 382-6566
Photo of Azka Bilal - Kiddo Psychiatry    , MD, Psychiatrist
Kiddo Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
I have extensive experience and expertise in treating ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances and psychotic disorders.
Hi! I am a board certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist currently offering comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents in Texas. I believe in empowering families while providing evidence based treatments, comprising of medication management and/or psychotherapy. I can see patients in person in my office in Austin and virtually.
I have extensive experience and expertise in treating ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, behavioral disturbances and psychotic disorders.
Hi! I am a board certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist currently offering comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents in Texas. I believe in empowering families while providing evidence based treatments, comprising of medication management and/or psychotherapy. I can see patients in person in my office in Austin and virtually.
View
Photo of Karissa L Dungy, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karissa L Dungy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78735
Waitlist for new clients
There is so much that I would love to share with you about regaining and maintaining mental health, and parenting a child exhibiting low/fluctuating mood, ADHD and/or autism.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment including medication management to individuals across the lifespan from 6yrs old to adults (<55), in person and via Telehealth. My passion is for our next generation of leaders, our children and adolescents. But we are the now and we need help today. I believe every person, no matter their age, is a unique individual and deserves individually tailored care, focusing on their needs and desires. I am here to provide such care beginning with a full assessment of the biological, psychological, and sociological issues.
There is so much that I would love to share with you about regaining and maintaining mental health, and parenting a child exhibiting low/fluctuating mood, ADHD and/or autism.
I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner of whom provides psychiatric treatment including medication management to individuals across the lifespan from 6yrs old to adults (<55), in person and via Telehealth. My passion is for our next generation of leaders, our children and adolescents. But we are the now and we need help today. I believe every person, no matter their age, is a unique individual and deserves individually tailored care, focusing on their needs and desires. I am here to provide such care beginning with a full assessment of the biological, psychological, and sociological issues.
(512) 399-8154 View (512) 399-8154
Photo of Ziba Rezaee, MD, Psychiatrist
Ziba Rezaee
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78734
Our staff offers compassionate care and thorough treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depressive disorder, Anxiety spectrum illnesses, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention deficit, Post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, addiction and various developmental disorders such as autism and pervasive developmental disorder in addition to behavioral dysregulations such as anger, impulsivity, and mood reactivity.
I am double board certified in Brain Injury Medicine and General Psychiatry and treat neuropsychiatric trauma based illnesses. I am committed to providing comprehensive psychiatric services to my patients and helping them in improving their lives and finding their path to greater happiness and inner peace. I operate an outpatient psychiatric medical clinic that utilizes a holistic approach in treatment of our patients. We not only offer medication treatment but also encourage and engage patients in therapy, lifestyle modification and involvement with support groups.
Our staff offers compassionate care and thorough treatment of various psychiatric conditions including depressive disorder, Anxiety spectrum illnesses, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention deficit, Post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, addiction and various developmental disorders such as autism and pervasive developmental disorder in addition to behavioral dysregulations such as anger, impulsivity, and mood reactivity.
I am double board certified in Brain Injury Medicine and General Psychiatry and treat neuropsychiatric trauma based illnesses. I am committed to providing comprehensive psychiatric services to my patients and helping them in improving their lives and finding their path to greater happiness and inner peace. I operate an outpatient psychiatric medical clinic that utilizes a holistic approach in treatment of our patients. We not only offer medication treatment but also encourage and engage patients in therapy, lifestyle modification and involvement with support groups.
(512) 394-4846 View (512) 394-4846
Valen Mental Health services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Leon Valley, TX 78238
My specialization including, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Disruptive behavior, schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, OCD, Panic disorder, Insomnia, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD—reflects my commitment to addressing the diverse needs of my clients.
As a dedicated mental health professional, I take pride in providing compassionate and evidence-based care to my clients. My journey into psychiatry is rooted in a profound desire to empower individuals facing mental health challenges. I believe that every person deserves hope and the opportunity to reclaim their well-being. I am committed to advancing my skills and knowledge in psychiatry, with a particular interest in community mental health. I believe that access to compassionate care should be a right, not a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that promote mental health awareness.
My specialization including, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Disruptive behavior, schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, OCD, Panic disorder, Insomnia, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD—reflects my commitment to addressing the diverse needs of my clients.
As a dedicated mental health professional, I take pride in providing compassionate and evidence-based care to my clients. My journey into psychiatry is rooted in a profound desire to empower individuals facing mental health challenges. I believe that every person deserves hope and the opportunity to reclaim their well-being. I am committed to advancing my skills and knowledge in psychiatry, with a particular interest in community mental health. I believe that access to compassionate care should be a right, not a privilege, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that promote mental health awareness.
(726) 215-9785 View (726) 215-9785
Photo of Dr. Andrew Wong, MD, Psychiatrist
Dr. Andrew Wong
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of all psychiatric and mental health concerns through psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I work together with individuals to treat mood issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, autism, and/or behavioral issues. I like to collaborate care with families, therapists, or other providers. I will work to explore various treatment options and modalities best suited to one's needs.
I am a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of all psychiatric and mental health concerns through psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. I work together with individuals to treat mood issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, autism, and/or behavioral issues. I like to collaborate care with families, therapists, or other providers. I will work to explore various treatment options and modalities best suited to one's needs.
(512) 572-4268 View (512) 572-4268
Photo of Afshan A Khan, MD, Psychiatrist
Afshan A Khan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78746
I am a UTSW trained Adult and Child/Adolescent psychiatrist providing customized treatment based on individual needs. I am committed to improving the wellness of my patients through a flexible and responsive approach. I specialize in diagnosing and treating depression, mood problems, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral issues associated with cognitive and developmental delays and other psychiatric illnesses. I am well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy (insight-oriented psychotherapy). I'm board certified (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry.
I am a UTSW trained Adult and Child/Adolescent psychiatrist providing customized treatment based on individual needs. I am committed to improving the wellness of my patients through a flexible and responsive approach. I specialize in diagnosing and treating depression, mood problems, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral issues associated with cognitive and developmental delays and other psychiatric illnesses. I am well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), family therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy (insight-oriented psychotherapy). I'm board certified (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry.
(512) 357-7616 View (512) 357-7616
Photo of Kelly Campbell, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist
Kelly Campbell
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78731
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medication management for mental illness and psychotherapy. After medical school I completed five years in residency and fellowship training and a double board certification to give me psychiatric expertise in patients of all ages. I work with children, adolescents and adults (ages 4-55) and provide diagnosis and treatment on a wide range of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and OCD, autism, PTSD, and more.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in medication management for mental illness and psychotherapy. After medical school I completed five years in residency and fellowship training and a double board certification to give me psychiatric expertise in patients of all ages. I work with children, adolescents and adults (ages 4-55) and provide diagnosis and treatment on a wide range of conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and OCD, autism, PTSD, and more.
(512) 399-5403 View (512) 399-5403

Nearby Autism Psychiatrists Searches for Boerne

See More Autism Psychiatrists
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.