Autism Therapists in Newport Beach, CA
![Photo of Dr. Quan Nguyen - Counseling With Integrative Medicine, NMD, MPH, MS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/03edc18c-5358-4b82-8089-ab8953e86fb9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Quan Nguyen - Counseling With Integrative Medicine
NMD, MPH, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you suffering from insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, addiction, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders? Discover Dr. Quan's holistic, integrative care, offering customized emotional and physical wellness solutions. Leveraging naturopathic therapies, functional diagnostics, holistic counseling, and nutritional guidance, Dr. Quan's approach is designed to understand and manage your unique health needs effectively. Experience compassionate, educational, and empowering treatment to enhance your health and well-being. Join us for a journey to optimal your health with Dr. Quan's personalized, empathetic healthcare approach.
Are you suffering from insomnia, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, addiction, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorders? Discover Dr. Quan's holistic, integrative care, offering customized emotional and physical wellness solutions. Leveraging naturopathic therapies, functional diagnostics, holistic counseling, and nutritional guidance, Dr. Quan's approach is designed to understand and manage your unique health needs effectively. Experience compassionate, educational, and empowering treatment to enhance your health and well-being. Join us for a journey to optimal your health with Dr. Quan's personalized, empathetic healthcare approach.
![Photo of Tara Hawkins, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fb205ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Offering psychological testing (ADHD, autism, diagnostic clarity) in person and through telehealth (depending on your insurance). Our office solely offers psychological testing. I accept most insurance plans.
Offering psychological testing (ADHD, autism, diagnostic clarity) in person and through telehealth (depending on your insurance). Our office solely offers psychological testing. I accept most insurance plans.
![Photo of Michael Uram - Uram Family Therapy, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e0d99b3-c42d-4bb9-9c8d-089e728fde20/2/320x400.jpeg)
Uram Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Couples, Autism and Asperger's.
Have you wanted to sit across from a therapist and wanted to feel understood and learn tools that you can use at home? Michael helps you get to the pivot point where you can change your mood, feel less stuck, and more empowered! Michael primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). If desired, Michael offers online gaming therapy through Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite and Chess.com.
I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Couples, Autism and Asperger's.
Have you wanted to sit across from a therapist and wanted to feel understood and learn tools that you can use at home? Michael helps you get to the pivot point where you can change your mood, feel less stuck, and more empowered! Michael primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). If desired, Michael offers online gaming therapy through Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite and Chess.com.
![Photo of Lisa L Popper - Social Skills Development Center, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f8c267-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Social Skills Development Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I am a licensed Marriage & Family therapist, licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, certified PEERS instructor, and credentialed teacher. I have effectively taught social skills privately and in school settings to children, teens, and young adults with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia for over 20 years. In addition to social skills groups, I can provide one-on-one therapy to children, teens, and young adults experiencing specific concerns. I also provide mentoring/therapy services to parents with child rearing issues and concerns.
I am a licensed Marriage & Family therapist, licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, certified PEERS instructor, and credentialed teacher. I have effectively taught social skills privately and in school settings to children, teens, and young adults with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia for over 20 years. In addition to social skills groups, I can provide one-on-one therapy to children, teens, and young adults experiencing specific concerns. I also provide mentoring/therapy services to parents with child rearing issues and concerns.
![Photo of Regina Walsvig - Regina Walsvig, Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc., MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bcca7c3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Regina Walsvig, Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I specialize in working with families who have children/adolescents with developmental disorders like Autism, using a relational and developmental approach.
Helping you achieve a balanced sense of well-being is my primary goal as a therapist. No matter what you might be concerned about that brings you to this search, I am interested in helping you gain, not only relief, but also the tools needed for your future beyond therapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults using individual, couple, family, and/or group psychotherapy.
I specialize in working with families who have children/adolescents with developmental disorders like Autism, using a relational and developmental approach.
Helping you achieve a balanced sense of well-being is my primary goal as a therapist. No matter what you might be concerned about that brings you to this search, I am interested in helping you gain, not only relief, but also the tools needed for your future beyond therapy. I treat children, adolescents, and adults using individual, couple, family, and/or group psychotherapy.
![Photo of Mojdeh Amani - Talk Therapy Mental Health Inc., LMFT, MA, BA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47da1ac0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Talk Therapy Mental Health Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
I have experience in treating school-aged children who suffer from autism, ADHD and depression.
My approach is client-centered. I help clients who suffer from depression, anxiety and other issues. I have specialty training and numerous certificates in various modalities. I believe people who suffer from depression are dealing with grief and focus treatment accordingly.
I have experience in treating school-aged children who suffer from autism, ADHD and depression.
My approach is client-centered. I help clients who suffer from depression, anxiety and other issues. I have specialty training and numerous certificates in various modalities. I believe people who suffer from depression are dealing with grief and focus treatment accordingly.
![Photo of Liza McCorkle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37028f39-cbfe-40e7-8784-615e89bee7c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Liza McCorkle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Are you feeling helpless as your teen battles anxiety, low self-esteem, or overwhelming school stress? It’s painful to watch them struggle, unsure how to help. I guide teens, young adults, and families through these tough moments with compassion. Specializing in anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD, I create a nurturing space for your child to find their voice, grow, and thrive. Together, we’ll help them face challenges, overcome obstacles, and build confidence. Imagine your child strengthening relationships, handling stress with resilience, and thriving in school.
Are you feeling helpless as your teen battles anxiety, low self-esteem, or overwhelming school stress? It’s painful to watch them struggle, unsure how to help. I guide teens, young adults, and families through these tough moments with compassion. Specializing in anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD, I create a nurturing space for your child to find their voice, grow, and thrive. Together, we’ll help them face challenges, overcome obstacles, and build confidence. Imagine your child strengthening relationships, handling stress with resilience, and thriving in school.
![Photo of Rachel Fenning Baker, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50186620-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Fenning Baker
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Waitlist for new clients
We offer diagnostic evaluations and psycho-educational assessments, with a specialization in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
B.A., Psychology: Yale University; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, UCLA. Fenning & Baker Psychology is dedicated to providing empirically-based psychological assessment, consultation, and treatment services in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We specialize in child, family, and young adult clinical psychology, with particular expertise in: 1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ASD, ADHD, learning and language disorders, intellectual disability and developmental delay 2. Anxiety and related difficulties 3. Behavioral challenges and emotion regulation issues 4. Parenting support, coparenting, and family therapy.
We offer diagnostic evaluations and psycho-educational assessments, with a specialization in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
B.A., Psychology: Yale University; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, UCLA. Fenning & Baker Psychology is dedicated to providing empirically-based psychological assessment, consultation, and treatment services in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We specialize in child, family, and young adult clinical psychology, with particular expertise in: 1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ASD, ADHD, learning and language disorders, intellectual disability and developmental delay 2. Anxiety and related difficulties 3. Behavioral challenges and emotion regulation issues 4. Parenting support, coparenting, and family therapy.
![Photo of Hannah Acevedo, MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dc0d62f-ccf7-4d73-bddf-5028fbfd19f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Acevedo
MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about using best practices in school neuropsychological assessment and behavior analysis to guide my approach to working with a variety of conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, NVLD), genetic or medical diagnoses, seizure disorders, motor-speech disorders, and chromosomal variations.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
I am passionate about using best practices in school neuropsychological assessment and behavior analysis to guide my approach to working with a variety of conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilties (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, NVLD), genetic or medical diagnoses, seizure disorders, motor-speech disorders, and chromosomal variations.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
![Photo of Alina Bright - Bright Idea Psychology, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42ac5684-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Bright is a Child Psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with High Functioning Autism previously known as Asperger Syndrome. Dr.Bright also has extensive training, education and experience working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief and loss. In her practice, Dr.Bright relies on evidence-based interventions to teach children copings skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
Dr. Bright is a Child Psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with High Functioning Autism previously known as Asperger Syndrome. Dr.Bright also has extensive training, education and experience working with children, teens and young adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief and loss. In her practice, Dr.Bright relies on evidence-based interventions to teach children copings skills to manage difficult situations and re-gain their self esteem.
![Photo of Lucy Vo, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4733d2dd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I love helping teenagers and young adults with Autism/Asperger's navigate the social world around them by teaching skills to make and keep friends. I am also good at helping them deal with anxiety, depression and controlling their behaviors. I understand traditional talk therapy is not very effective for those on the spectrum so I modify the treatment by using different methods to increase understanding and learning. I believe in working with family members that care for the individual on the spectrum so I welcome you to join us in learning how to be the best form of support.
I love helping teenagers and young adults with Autism/Asperger's navigate the social world around them by teaching skills to make and keep friends. I am also good at helping them deal with anxiety, depression and controlling their behaviors. I understand traditional talk therapy is not very effective for those on the spectrum so I modify the treatment by using different methods to increase understanding and learning. I believe in working with family members that care for the individual on the spectrum so I welcome you to join us in learning how to be the best form of support.
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![Photo of Jason K Baker, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db09fa6c-93d1-4348-8ab2-40e8a1c81155/2/320x400.jpeg)
We offer diagnostic evaluations and psycho-educational assessments, with a specialization in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
B.A., Psychology: UCLA; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Penn State University; Internship: UCLA Semel Institute. Fenning & Baker Psychology is dedicated to providing empirically-based psychological assessment, consultation, and treatment services in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We specialize in child, family, and young adult clinical psychology, with particular expertise in: 1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability and developmental delay 2. Anxiety and related difficulties 3. Behavioral challenges and emotion regulation issues 4. Parenting support and family therapy
We offer diagnostic evaluations and psycho-educational assessments, with a specialization in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
B.A., Psychology: UCLA; Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Penn State University; Internship: UCLA Semel Institute. Fenning & Baker Psychology is dedicated to providing empirically-based psychological assessment, consultation, and treatment services in an inclusive and welcoming environment. We specialize in child, family, and young adult clinical psychology, with particular expertise in: 1. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ASD, ADHD, intellectual disability and developmental delay 2. Anxiety and related difficulties 3. Behavioral challenges and emotion regulation issues 4. Parenting support and family therapy
![Photo of Dr. Jade Starleaf, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0aae09f4-fea8-4de7-8cb5-4c4dad59fca2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jade Starleaf is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodiverse children, adolescents, and their families. She has extensive clinical expertise working with autism, OCD, ADHD, selective mutism, and other anxiety related disorders. In addition to therapy, Dr. Jade (as her patients call her) provides comprehensive neurodevelopmental diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. This can be especially helpful in order to obtain specific clinical, academic, or workplace accommodations.
Dr. Jade Starleaf is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodiverse children, adolescents, and their families. She has extensive clinical expertise working with autism, OCD, ADHD, selective mutism, and other anxiety related disorders. In addition to therapy, Dr. Jade (as her patients call her) provides comprehensive neurodevelopmental diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. This can be especially helpful in order to obtain specific clinical, academic, or workplace accommodations.
![Photo of Rajiv Joshi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a594a9d5-c603-4617-b661-bb22cca53832/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rajiv Joshi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Rajiv specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families in coping with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Autism and life changes.
Meet Rajiv, a top-trusted marriage and family therapist in Orange County, CA, currently affiliated with Uram Family Therapy. Having accumulated valuable expertise at UCI Child Development School, where he instructed social skills and emotional regulation under the UCI Department of Pediatrics, he has since extended his impact by overseeing and supporting individuals across various age groups, including children, teens, and adults, within community-based organizations. His commitment remains steadfast in guiding individuals towards realizing their fullest potential.
Rajiv specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families in coping with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, Autism and life changes.
Meet Rajiv, a top-trusted marriage and family therapist in Orange County, CA, currently affiliated with Uram Family Therapy. Having accumulated valuable expertise at UCI Child Development School, where he instructed social skills and emotional regulation under the UCI Department of Pediatrics, he has since extended his impact by overseeing and supporting individuals across various age groups, including children, teens, and adults, within community-based organizations. His commitment remains steadfast in guiding individuals towards realizing their fullest potential.
![Photo of Jennifer Griffith, MSW, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3caac9f8-6e58-49d5-acc1-0e901e30efb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Griffith
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92657
If you are tired of feeling misunderstood, out of place or uncertain where you belong, then WELCOME. I provide exceptional care to exceptional people. I serve the neurodivergent community specifically individuals & parents of children with Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), & Learning Disabilities. I use a variety of tools to help people process their thoughts, feelings, & experiences: aromatherapy, gaming (board & video), creative arts, roleplay, music, movement & meditating. Let's go beyond talk therapy!
If you are tired of feeling misunderstood, out of place or uncertain where you belong, then WELCOME. I provide exceptional care to exceptional people. I serve the neurodivergent community specifically individuals & parents of children with Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), & Learning Disabilities. I use a variety of tools to help people process their thoughts, feelings, & experiences: aromatherapy, gaming (board & video), creative arts, roleplay, music, movement & meditating. Let's go beyond talk therapy!
![Photo of Felicia Huddleston, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8f91e69-48f9-4eff-80f9-f1774e0694d3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Felicia Huddleston
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92657 (Online Only)
A subspecialty of mine is training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); supporting youth and adults, parents, and siblings in navigating the unique complexities they face with ASD and co-occurring disorders.
I am a clinical social worker in California with a masters degree in social welfare from UC Berkeley with a concentration in advancing health and well-being. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment in which clients are encouraged to allow themselves to receive authentic, collaborative, and compassionate care.
A subspecialty of mine is training in autism spectrum disorder (ASD); supporting youth and adults, parents, and siblings in navigating the unique complexities they face with ASD and co-occurring disorders.
I am a clinical social worker in California with a masters degree in social welfare from UC Berkeley with a concentration in advancing health and well-being. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment in which clients are encouraged to allow themselves to receive authentic, collaborative, and compassionate care.
![Photo of Hilary Ghozali, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3057ad1-573d-423e-b92f-669c185dc7c6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hilary has experience working with diverse clients and those with diagnoses such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hilary is an open and objective clinician who provides a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. She believes that respectfulness and acceptance of her clients is key to building a therapeutic relationship. Hilary grew up in Indonesia and understands the unique struggles of clients with diverse backgrounds. Hilary believes that cultural differences play a crucial role in each client’s life. Hilary holds a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and is currently working to obtain her doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Hilary has experience working with diverse clients and those with diagnoses such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hilary is an open and objective clinician who provides a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. She believes that respectfulness and acceptance of her clients is key to building a therapeutic relationship. Hilary grew up in Indonesia and understands the unique struggles of clients with diverse backgrounds. Hilary believes that cultural differences play a crucial role in each client’s life. Hilary holds a master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and is currently working to obtain her doctorate in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
![Photo of Alexander Gantman, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c80fd90-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alexander Gantman, received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA; and he obtained Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University - Stanford University Medical School Psy.D Consortium in 2008. Until recently, when he decided to move into private practice, he was a Clinical Psychologist at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, as well as an Assistant Director of the UCLA PEERS Program. Dr. Gantman was also an Autism Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Tarjan Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Dr. Alexander Gantman, received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA; and he obtained Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University - Stanford University Medical School Psy.D Consortium in 2008. Until recently, when he decided to move into private practice, he was a Clinical Psychologist at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, as well as an Assistant Director of the UCLA PEERS Program. Dr. Gantman was also an Autism Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Tarjan Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
![Photo of Lisa Enneis - Lisa Enneis, MA, MFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bf3de0a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Enneis, MA, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
My specialties are working with special needs children with an ADD/ADHD, autism, and families in crisis.
I have over thirty years of experience working with couples, families, children and teens. If you need help with your special needs child or troubled teen, I'd be happy to talk to you to determine if an evaluation or assessment would benefit you or your family member. I'd love to tell you about the tools I have in my tool chest (neurofeedback, EFT, EMDR.) that could help all your relationships improve, as well as the quality of your relationship with your child. I have the expertise you need; let me collaborate with you to solve your problems.
My specialties are working with special needs children with an ADD/ADHD, autism, and families in crisis.
I have over thirty years of experience working with couples, families, children and teens. If you need help with your special needs child or troubled teen, I'd be happy to talk to you to determine if an evaluation or assessment would benefit you or your family member. I'd love to tell you about the tools I have in my tool chest (neurofeedback, EFT, EMDR.) that could help all your relationships improve, as well as the quality of your relationship with your child. I have the expertise you need; let me collaborate with you to solve your problems.
![Photo of Dr. Brittany Bell, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41afa39c-b2b4-488a-b8b4-632e03d54063/3/320x400.jpeg)
I also offer ADHD and autism assessments and assist clients with accessing services needs.
Hi there, I am a neurodivergent affirming psychologist. I develop individualized treatment plans for those who are neurodivergent and specialize in treating those who are high masking and may have previously gone undiagnosed.
I also offer ADHD and autism assessments and assist clients with accessing services needs.
Hi there, I am a neurodivergent affirming psychologist. I develop individualized treatment plans for those who are neurodivergent and specialize in treating those who are high masking and may have previously gone undiagnosed.
See more therapy options for Newport Beach
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Autism Therapists
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.