Autism Therapists in Hollywood, CA

Photo of Katie Elliott - KTE Behavioral Health Services, BCBA
KTE Behavioral Health Services
BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90028
If your child is newly diagnosed with autism and you need support to establish a developmental treatment plan, or you have had ABA in the past but want a less intensive service delivery model, I am the BCBA for you!.
I specialize in developmental disabilities, early intervention, functional communication, social skills and addressing maladaptive behavior. Sessions are focused capitalizing opportunities that occur within the natural environment and routine.
If your child is newly diagnosed with autism and you need support to establish a developmental treatment plan, or you have had ABA in the past but want a less intensive service delivery model, I am the BCBA for you!.
I specialize in developmental disabilities, early intervention, functional communication, social skills and addressing maladaptive behavior. Sessions are focused capitalizing opportunities that occur within the natural environment and routine.
(323) 417-2244 View (323) 417-2244
Photo of Lilyan W.j. Campbell, LMFT, BCBA, Individ, Couples, Enterta, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lilyan W.j. Campbell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, BCBA, Individ, Couples, Enterta
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90028  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a more fulfilling life? In my life coaching and therapy sessions, I am here to guide you to connect with your values, and to experience joy in your life (again). We can focus on topics such as relationships, anxiety, career, depression, ADHD, and Autism. Through convenient Zoom sessions, I create an environment, so you can be yourself, get insight, and gain tools. As an empathic person and mother, I will bring my authentic self and compassion for people to sessions.
Are you looking for a more fulfilling life? In my life coaching and therapy sessions, I am here to guide you to connect with your values, and to experience joy in your life (again). We can focus on topics such as relationships, anxiety, career, depression, ADHD, and Autism. Through convenient Zoom sessions, I create an environment, so you can be yourself, get insight, and gain tools. As an empathic person and mother, I will bring my authentic self and compassion for people to sessions.
(424) 270-1773 View (424) 270-1773
Photo of S. Rogers, APCC
S. Rogers
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90028  (Online Only)
I am a General Practice Clinical Counselor; with experience providing therapeutic services to a wide & diverse population, including but not limited to: children, adults, individuals living with Autism, individuals living with depression, behavioral disorders, homelessness, career planning, anxiety, peer relations, self actualization, and sports performance.
You are NOT alone. By communicating and using resources, you learn a better sense of Self and Community. This is your "sign" to start therapy Today! I'm here for those individuals that no longer want stigmas, fear, and negative thoughts stopping them from being their best self and achieving personal goals. Access my calendar and book your appointment using this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/s-rogersapcc
I am a General Practice Clinical Counselor; with experience providing therapeutic services to a wide & diverse population, including but not limited to: children, adults, individuals living with Autism, individuals living with depression, behavioral disorders, homelessness, career planning, anxiety, peer relations, self actualization, and sports performance.
You are NOT alone. By communicating and using resources, you learn a better sense of Self and Community. This is your "sign" to start therapy Today! I'm here for those individuals that no longer want stigmas, fear, and negative thoughts stopping them from being their best self and achieving personal goals. Access my calendar and book your appointment using this Calendly link: https://calendly.com/s-rogersapcc
(714) 735-0431 View (714) 735-0431
Photo of Diana M Georger, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diana M Georger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90068
Waitlist for new clients
My work in therapeutic classrooms for children who have autism and other unique needs increased my interest in primitive states of mind.
I provide therapy to patients of all ages suffering with anxiety and depression. I help patients going through life transitions. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship, the exploration of dreams and unconscious drives proves effective for a deeper understanding of challenges and blocks. Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Play Therapy, Sand Tray and Art are theories that are core to my approach.
My work in therapeutic classrooms for children who have autism and other unique needs increased my interest in primitive states of mind.
I provide therapy to patients of all ages suffering with anxiety and depression. I help patients going through life transitions. Within a trusting therapeutic relationship, the exploration of dreams and unconscious drives proves effective for a deeper understanding of challenges and blocks. Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Play Therapy, Sand Tray and Art are theories that are core to my approach.
(424) 343-1046 View (424) 343-1046
Photo of Drea N Olivares, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Drea N Olivares
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90028
Does it sometimes feel like you are struggling to just exist? As a Queer, Latina, AuDHD (Autistic/ADHD) therapist, I get it! Many spaces in this world are not designed for us, and sometimes even work against us. Your feelings of overwhelm and othered-ness are justified, but that shouldn't stop you from building the authentic life you deserve. Have you been labeled as weird, quirky, too sensitive/emotional, lazy, or overall just too much? Are you someone who does not fit the normative societal standards because of your sexual/romantic orientations, gender presentation, or for practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy?
Does it sometimes feel like you are struggling to just exist? As a Queer, Latina, AuDHD (Autistic/ADHD) therapist, I get it! Many spaces in this world are not designed for us, and sometimes even work against us. Your feelings of overwhelm and othered-ness are justified, but that shouldn't stop you from building the authentic life you deserve. Have you been labeled as weird, quirky, too sensitive/emotional, lazy, or overall just too much? Are you someone who does not fit the normative societal standards because of your sexual/romantic orientations, gender presentation, or for practicing consensual/ethical non-monogamy?
(747) 319-4377 View (747) 319-4377
Photo of Bryce McDavitt, PhD, Psychologist
Bryce McDavitt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90028  (Online Only)
With over twenty years experience in LGBTQ counseling, research, and teaching, I have a deep understanding of our community. Among LGBTQ individuals anxiety and depression may involve feelings of emptiness, relationship problems, interpersonal sensitivity, or addictions. The roots of these struggles can vary, but it helps to have a therapist who grasps the alienating impact of growing up in a world that disavows the core of who we are. I will help you address these issues, and others, through a deeper approach that can feel energizing, challenging, and even liberating.
With over twenty years experience in LGBTQ counseling, research, and teaching, I have a deep understanding of our community. Among LGBTQ individuals anxiety and depression may involve feelings of emptiness, relationship problems, interpersonal sensitivity, or addictions. The roots of these struggles can vary, but it helps to have a therapist who grasps the alienating impact of growing up in a world that disavows the core of who we are. I will help you address these issues, and others, through a deeper approach that can feel energizing, challenging, and even liberating.
(323) 801-8123 View (323) 801-8123
Photo of Sam Elliott Pow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sam Elliott Pow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90068
Healing from trauma, reclaiming power, growing from struggle and learning to work WITH emotions rather than AGAINST them are the goals I strive to support my clients in achieving. I want to help my clients move beyond simply not feeling so depressed, anxious, angry or manic. I want to help them transcend their pain, feel like they are fulfilling their purpose in life, are able to truly love themselves and are cultivating relationships that feed their soul. Narrative Therapy teaches my clients to transform the meaning of what they have been through and techniques from Existential Therapy help clients create or discover their purpose.
Healing from trauma, reclaiming power, growing from struggle and learning to work WITH emotions rather than AGAINST them are the goals I strive to support my clients in achieving. I want to help my clients move beyond simply not feeling so depressed, anxious, angry or manic. I want to help them transcend their pain, feel like they are fulfilling their purpose in life, are able to truly love themselves and are cultivating relationships that feed their soul. Narrative Therapy teaches my clients to transform the meaning of what they have been through and techniques from Existential Therapy help clients create or discover their purpose.
(747) 271-2029 View (747) 271-2029
Photo of Annie Nardella - Pacific Therapy Group, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pacific Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90068
Currently accepting new clients for appointments next week! Pacific Pain & Wellness Group treats mental health and pain conditions using a variety of effective treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our mission is to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you on a path towards better living and emotional relief. Through diagnostic evaluations, we construct a treatment plan aligned with meeting your current goals towards resiliency and healing.
Currently accepting new clients for appointments next week! Pacific Pain & Wellness Group treats mental health and pain conditions using a variety of effective treatments including medications, psychotherapy, telemedicine, ketamine infusions, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Our mission is to create a personalized treatment plan that will help guide you on a path towards better living and emotional relief. Through diagnostic evaluations, we construct a treatment plan aligned with meeting your current goals towards resiliency and healing.
(310) 868-2264 View (310) 868-2264
Photo of Danny Mathews, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Danny Mathews
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90028
My approach is to empathize, affirm, and understand you as deeply as possible. This allows me to choose and customize specific treatment plans that will meet your unique needs. I approach therapy as collaboration with individual clients, couples, and families with the goal of empowerment to confront pain, anxiety, and depression, process trauma and grief, to repair and improve relationships, to develop self-awareness and facilitate personal discovery for achieving growth and desired change.
My approach is to empathize, affirm, and understand you as deeply as possible. This allows me to choose and customize specific treatment plans that will meet your unique needs. I approach therapy as collaboration with individual clients, couples, and families with the goal of empowerment to confront pain, anxiety, and depression, process trauma and grief, to repair and improve relationships, to develop self-awareness and facilitate personal discovery for achieving growth and desired change.
(818) 686-5970 View (818) 686-5970
Photo of Ruzanna Avetisyan, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ruzanna Avetisyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90028
Early relationships shape the way the mind and brain develop from our young years into our adult lives. Our connections with caregivers induce neural circuit firings that persist throughout our lives, shaping how we think, feel, remember, and behave. When we are lucky enough to have secure attachment experiences in which we feel seen, safe, soothed, and secure—the “four S’s of attachment” that serve as the foundation for a healthy mind—these relational experiences stimulate the neuronal activation and growth of the integrative fibers of the brain.
Early relationships shape the way the mind and brain develop from our young years into our adult lives. Our connections with caregivers induce neural circuit firings that persist throughout our lives, shaping how we think, feel, remember, and behave. When we are lucky enough to have secure attachment experiences in which we feel seen, safe, soothed, and secure—the “four S’s of attachment” that serve as the foundation for a healthy mind—these relational experiences stimulate the neuronal activation and growth of the integrative fibers of the brain.
(747) 225-8117 View (747) 225-8117
Photo of Karen Macklin: Relationships + Identity + Transitions, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, Coach, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Karen Macklin: Relationships + Identity + Transitions
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MFA, AMFT, APCC, Coach
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90028
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship? I work with dynamic individuals and couples who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity, connection, and aliveness. I'm an East-West combo, combining soulful mindfulness & depth work with creative exploration and real world practicality. I support folks with expansive, complex minds and hearts to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving. My clients are big thinkers & feelers, creatives, healers, queer and neurodivergent folx, first gen, and anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative of this boxy world.
Are you at a crossroads in your life or relationship? I work with dynamic individuals and couples who feel lost and want to find their way back to clarity, connection, and aliveness. I'm an East-West combo, combining soulful mindfulness & depth work with creative exploration and real world practicality. I support folks with expansive, complex minds and hearts to heal (& grow) from the trauma and drama of this world, and to create a life worth living and loving. My clients are big thinkers & feelers, creatives, healers, queer and neurodivergent folx, first gen, and anyone who doesn't fit the standard narrative of this boxy world.
(213) 376-5927 View (213) 376-5927
Photo of Patricia Gallegos, MS, LPCC, Counselor
Patricia Gallegos
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Hollywood, CA 90068
You may choose therapy for multiple reasons. Whether you are here to resolve relationship conflicts, life transition, loss, trauma, or to manage stressors with work; taking this first step can be quite challenging as well as rewarding.Experiencing life's conflicts are often the most demanding aspect of our daily lives; problems often become bigger when you try to ignore them. My goal is to provide guidance for you to find your inner strength to enjoy life again. Together, we will work through your vulnerabilities, fears, and beliefs to have a better understanding of how things can be improved.
You may choose therapy for multiple reasons. Whether you are here to resolve relationship conflicts, life transition, loss, trauma, or to manage stressors with work; taking this first step can be quite challenging as well as rewarding.Experiencing life's conflicts are often the most demanding aspect of our daily lives; problems often become bigger when you try to ignore them. My goal is to provide guidance for you to find your inner strength to enjoy life again. Together, we will work through your vulnerabilities, fears, and beliefs to have a better understanding of how things can be improved.
(909) 359-7905 View (909) 359-7905
Photo of Rachel Feldman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Feldman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90028
If you identify as Polyamorous/Non-monogamous, Kinky, Queer/Trans or Anti-capitalist, you already know the tyrannical way normativity polices “Others” who deviate from conventional cultural scripts. Even more so when your preferred expressions of intimacy and embodiment are deemed “problematic”. I do not equate “healthy” with “normal”. Nor am I prescriptive about how you ought to experience your life & relationships. Living along the fringes of normativity isn’t an easy choice. But it can be a worthy choice, fulfilling and purposeful! And yet it may also be accompanied by high costs that feel compromising to dignity & self-worth.
If you identify as Polyamorous/Non-monogamous, Kinky, Queer/Trans or Anti-capitalist, you already know the tyrannical way normativity polices “Others” who deviate from conventional cultural scripts. Even more so when your preferred expressions of intimacy and embodiment are deemed “problematic”. I do not equate “healthy” with “normal”. Nor am I prescriptive about how you ought to experience your life & relationships. Living along the fringes of normativity isn’t an easy choice. But it can be a worthy choice, fulfilling and purposeful! And yet it may also be accompanied by high costs that feel compromising to dignity & self-worth.
(805) 919-8776 View (805) 919-8776

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cassandra Holt Kimbell, MSEd, LPCC-S, NCC, EMDR, CIT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cassandra Holt Kimbell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPCC-S, NCC, EMDR, CIT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Everyone deserves to feel balanced and deserves to have a safe space to let go and share. Nobody should ever feel alone or always have to be “the strong one”. I use an eclectic model- combining pieces of CBT, SFBT, EMDR and Mindfulness-Based Practices and customize them to fit the person in front of me. I am listening, taking it all in, and deciding which pieces may be of most help to you and your life. I specialize in working with creatives and neurodivergent humans. I go above and beyond to provide the best care for my clients free of judgement. (Only scheduling EMDR intensives and Autism/ADHD Assessments, or group signups).
Everyone deserves to feel balanced and deserves to have a safe space to let go and share. Nobody should ever feel alone or always have to be “the strong one”. I use an eclectic model- combining pieces of CBT, SFBT, EMDR and Mindfulness-Based Practices and customize them to fit the person in front of me. I am listening, taking it all in, and deciding which pieces may be of most help to you and your life. I specialize in working with creatives and neurodivergent humans. I go above and beyond to provide the best care for my clients free of judgement. (Only scheduling EMDR intensives and Autism/ADHD Assessments, or group signups).
(214) 480-4943 View (214) 480-4943
Photo of Sylvan Streightiff, AMFT, ATR-P, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Sylvan Streightiff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90004  (Online Only)
As an ADHD, Autism, Chronic Illness, and Complex Trauma specialist, I understand how navigating life can be exhausting and confusing. At times, it can be overwhelming and debilitating, leaving you to feel numb, isolated, and misunderstood. This is where I can help! You are deserving of relief from anxiety, grief, and pain. You are worthy of inspiration. With me, your thoughts and emotions are welcomed without judgement. Together, we can work collaboratively to meet your needs, understand perceptions, cultivate your strengths, improve relationships and self-esteem, and achieve personal growth.
As an ADHD, Autism, Chronic Illness, and Complex Trauma specialist, I understand how navigating life can be exhausting and confusing. At times, it can be overwhelming and debilitating, leaving you to feel numb, isolated, and misunderstood. This is where I can help! You are deserving of relief from anxiety, grief, and pain. You are worthy of inspiration. With me, your thoughts and emotions are welcomed without judgement. Together, we can work collaboratively to meet your needs, understand perceptions, cultivate your strengths, improve relationships and self-esteem, and achieve personal growth.
(408) 610-1744 View (408) 610-1744
Photo of Laura Lamantia, BCBA
Laura Lamantia
BCBA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Services I offer include: Direct Behavior Therapy, Parent Training, Maladaptive Behavior Management, Autism Evaluations, Functional Communication Skills, Life Skills Training, Dating Skills, Consultation & Advocacy Services.
My practice, Back to Basics Behavior Services, provides individualized behavior services for children and adults. I use the evidence-based science of Applied Behavior Analysis to create behavior change that enhances my clients' quality of life by teaching new skills and decreasing maladaptive behavior patterns. Whether I am teaching parents how to increase their child's basic communication skills or helping adults navigate home life and relationships, my approach is client-centered and broken down into basic, accomplishable steps. My mission is to equip my clients with the skills they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Services I offer include: Direct Behavior Therapy, Parent Training, Maladaptive Behavior Management, Autism Evaluations, Functional Communication Skills, Life Skills Training, Dating Skills, Consultation & Advocacy Services.
My practice, Back to Basics Behavior Services, provides individualized behavior services for children and adults. I use the evidence-based science of Applied Behavior Analysis to create behavior change that enhances my clients' quality of life by teaching new skills and decreasing maladaptive behavior patterns. Whether I am teaching parents how to increase their child's basic communication skills or helping adults navigate home life and relationships, my approach is client-centered and broken down into basic, accomplishable steps. My mission is to equip my clients with the skills they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
(818) 938-8041 View (818) 938-8041
Photo of Kody Harms - Curated Family Therapeutics , BCBA
Curated Family Therapeutics
BCBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Diverse Minds, Modern Therapy. We specialize in 1-1 neuroaffirming therapy for members of the neurodivergent community (autism / ADHD) who also struggle with their mental health (anxiety, depression, OCD, etc…). With over 15 years of experience, we take pride in supporting teens and adults OR parents who have neurodivergent children (children with disabilities). We work with those who have an official diagnosis, those who are newly diagnosed, or those who are self-diagnosed.
Diverse Minds, Modern Therapy. We specialize in 1-1 neuroaffirming therapy for members of the neurodivergent community (autism / ADHD) who also struggle with their mental health (anxiety, depression, OCD, etc…). With over 15 years of experience, we take pride in supporting teens and adults OR parents who have neurodivergent children (children with disabilities). We work with those who have an official diagnosis, those who are newly diagnosed, or those who are self-diagnosed.
(213) 463-5224 View (213) 463-5224
Photo of Heather J Hall, PhD, Psychologist
Heather J Hall
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90027
My goal as a therapist is to strengthen healthy bonds, relationships and communication within families for children and their parents. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who currently works at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with a specialization in school age children and developmental disabilities. I have worked extensively with children who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety and autism who need support in managing the everyday social complexities that they face within their school, family and community environments.
My goal as a therapist is to strengthen healthy bonds, relationships and communication within families for children and their parents. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who currently works at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles with a specialization in school age children and developmental disabilities. I have worked extensively with children who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety and autism who need support in managing the everyday social complexities that they face within their school, family and community environments.
(323) 905-3853 View (323) 905-3853
Photo of Jesse Bernal, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jesse Bernal
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Hollywood, CA 90038  (Online Only)
ASD and Neurodivergence: I have been working with young adults on the autism spectrum and neurodivergent individuals for 20 yrs of my time in the helping profession.
Trauma Work: It can be incredibly frustrating and shame inducing when you find yourself repeating the same negative relationship patterns, behavioral and emotional responses, and maladaptive thought processes. My approach to trauma work is both holistic and central nervous system oriented; focusing on the brain, body, and behavior to see how your body’s trauma stress response is keeping you stuck in old narratives and patterns. I am trained in EMDR which is perfect for clients who do not want to rehash the details of trauma or who feel that they have not had success with traditional talk therapy.
ASD and Neurodivergence: I have been working with young adults on the autism spectrum and neurodivergent individuals for 20 yrs of my time in the helping profession.
Trauma Work: It can be incredibly frustrating and shame inducing when you find yourself repeating the same negative relationship patterns, behavioral and emotional responses, and maladaptive thought processes. My approach to trauma work is both holistic and central nervous system oriented; focusing on the brain, body, and behavior to see how your body’s trauma stress response is keeping you stuck in old narratives and patterns. I am trained in EMDR which is perfect for clients who do not want to rehash the details of trauma or who feel that they have not had success with traditional talk therapy.
(626) 507-2926 View (626) 507-2926
Photo of Dr. Hilary Adams, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Hilary Adams
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027
I have specialized training to provide assessment and treatment services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Are you or your children or teens ready to make a change? Through short-term, problem-focused therapy, I can help your family with challenging behaviors (e.g., temper tantrums) or social and emotional issues (e.g, anxiety) within only a few months. With a warm and collaborative approach, I will address your problems and teach you and your child skills to practice in your daily life. I offer weekly individual sessions, parent training, social skills groups, and more. Feel empowered knowing you learned the skills to help your family!
I have specialized training to provide assessment and treatment services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Are you or your children or teens ready to make a change? Through short-term, problem-focused therapy, I can help your family with challenging behaviors (e.g., temper tantrums) or social and emotional issues (e.g, anxiety) within only a few months. With a warm and collaborative approach, I will address your problems and teach you and your child skills to practice in your daily life. I offer weekly individual sessions, parent training, social skills groups, and more. Feel empowered knowing you learned the skills to help your family!
(323) 302-4832 View (323) 302-4832

See more therapy options for Hollywood

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.