Autism Therapists in La Canada Flintridge, CA

Photo of Andrea Price, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Andrea Price
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I work with kids and teens with issues related to: ADHD, autism, OCD, phobias, depression, anxiety, giftedness, 2e, social skills, chronic illness, divorce, school refusal and encopresis.
I believe that therapy should be a truly collaborative and evidence based approach. My approach is genuine and warm. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship especially in working with kids, teens, parents and families. I have many years of experience working as a school based therapist and in inpatient adolescent treatment centers. I love providing support to parents and families when working with kids individually or in the context of family based treatment. My approach with kids emphasizes a neurorelational framework.
I work with kids and teens with issues related to: ADHD, autism, OCD, phobias, depression, anxiety, giftedness, 2e, social skills, chronic illness, divorce, school refusal and encopresis.
I believe that therapy should be a truly collaborative and evidence based approach. My approach is genuine and warm. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship especially in working with kids, teens, parents and families. I have many years of experience working as a school based therapist and in inpatient adolescent treatment centers. I love providing support to parents and families when working with kids individually or in the context of family based treatment. My approach with kids emphasizes a neurorelational framework.
(323) 894-0263 View (323) 894-0263
Photo of Dr. Jade Starleaf, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Jade Starleaf
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Dr. Jade Starleaf is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Her clinical expertise lies in working with neurodiversity. More specifically individuals with Autism, OCD, ADHD, and other anxiety related disorders. Dr. Jade (as her patients call her) is also skilled at providing comprehensive diagnostic assessments for Autism in children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, she runs a teen (ages 15-18) and young adult group (19-22) for those who are looking to connect more deeply with peers and process stress around school, work, and social relationships.
Dr. Jade Starleaf is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Her clinical expertise lies in working with neurodiversity. More specifically individuals with Autism, OCD, ADHD, and other anxiety related disorders. Dr. Jade (as her patients call her) is also skilled at providing comprehensive diagnostic assessments for Autism in children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, she runs a teen (ages 15-18) and young adult group (19-22) for those who are looking to connect more deeply with peers and process stress around school, work, and social relationships.
(818) 434-8423 View (818) 434-8423
Photo of Richard LaBrie, PsyD, Psychologist
Richard LaBrie
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I work primarily with trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, identity exploration, autism spectrum disorder, self-esteem, grief and loss, and other concerns.
I believe everyone's feelings, personal history, strengths, and struggles are unique. At the same time, we are all a part of the connected, human story. But sometimes we can feel alone in our suffering, or even when we try and achieve positive goals. I work with adults, couples, and families by using my diverse training in a way that fits their particular styles and needs. Through relational connection, collaborating on concrete coping skills, and exploration of current and past patterns, I have seen tremendous healing in my partnership with clients.
I work primarily with trauma, depression, anxiety, phobias, identity exploration, autism spectrum disorder, self-esteem, grief and loss, and other concerns.
I believe everyone's feelings, personal history, strengths, and struggles are unique. At the same time, we are all a part of the connected, human story. But sometimes we can feel alone in our suffering, or even when we try and achieve positive goals. I work with adults, couples, and families by using my diverse training in a way that fits their particular styles and needs. Through relational connection, collaborating on concrete coping skills, and exploration of current and past patterns, I have seen tremendous healing in my partnership with clients.
(626) 765-3076 View (626) 765-3076
Photo of Adelina Matevosyan, PhD, Psychologist
Adelina Matevosyan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Matevosyan's provides academic and workplace accommodations, as well as targeted treatment recommendations for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorders, Giftedness/2e, Mood Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury and complex medial conditions.
Dr. Adelina Matevosyan is a Neuropsychologist who offers comprehensive assessment services to children, adolescents and adults presenting with cognitive, academic, and social-emotional concerns. She has over a decade of tailored clinical training in neuropsychological assessments throughout the developmental lifespan and works with families to provide diagnostic clarity. Her practice utilizes a holistic approach considering cognitive, psychological, and behavioral factors.
Matevosyan's provides academic and workplace accommodations, as well as targeted treatment recommendations for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning Disorders, Giftedness/2e, Mood Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury and complex medial conditions.
Dr. Adelina Matevosyan is a Neuropsychologist who offers comprehensive assessment services to children, adolescents and adults presenting with cognitive, academic, and social-emotional concerns. She has over a decade of tailored clinical training in neuropsychological assessments throughout the developmental lifespan and works with families to provide diagnostic clarity. Her practice utilizes a holistic approach considering cognitive, psychological, and behavioral factors.
(818) 287-0300 View (818) 287-0300
Photo of Chrystal C Maher - Our Kids Developmental Services, PsyD, BCBA-D, Psychologist
Our Kids Developmental Services
Psychologist, PsyD, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
We provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, ADHD, and Autism.
Our Kids Developmental Services provides quality behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 12 months - 22 years old. We work with children and their parents to help improve coping skills and learn new ways to navigate through challenges. We offer in-person Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a play-based environment for young children. We also offer services to tweens and teens in a comfortable office environment or via telehealth. Neuropsychological Assessment services are also available. We are dedicated to making behavioral health services accessible and are in-network for several insurance plans.
We provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, ADHD, and Autism.
Our Kids Developmental Services provides quality behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and young adults ages 12 months - 22 years old. We work with children and their parents to help improve coping skills and learn new ways to navigate through challenges. We offer in-person Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a play-based environment for young children. We also offer services to tweens and teens in a comfortable office environment or via telehealth. Neuropsychological Assessment services are also available. We are dedicated to making behavioral health services accessible and are in-network for several insurance plans.
(626) 382-7129 View (626) 382-7129
Photo of Sabrina Somani, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sabrina Somani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
In addition, I have over 20 years of working with children diagnosed with Autism and am able to provide support to parents and siblings.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
In addition, I have over 20 years of working with children diagnosed with Autism and am able to provide support to parents and siblings.
We will work together to overcome any anxiety, depression, or stressful life changes such as marriage, death, pregnancy and postpartum issues. I will provide a safe, supportive and authentic environment that will help you work through these issues while encouraging growth, self acceptance and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. I find that using a combination of existential/depth work along with behavioral therapy provides long lasting benefits and true change.
(310) 870-3164 View (310) 870-3164
Photo of Christy Suh - Embrace LEP (Christy Suh), MS, LEP
Embrace LEP (Christy Suh)
MS, LEP
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Embracing help and your child's educational and developmental journey: You or your child might be feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with school, learning, lack of self-control or self-regulation. You might be wondering how to best help your child in his or her early years of development. If you have questions about how to work with your child's school in a collaborative way to best address your child's educational needs, we are here to partner with you and support your journey.
Embracing help and your child's educational and developmental journey: You or your child might be feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with school, learning, lack of self-control or self-regulation. You might be wondering how to best help your child in his or her early years of development. If you have questions about how to work with your child's school in a collaborative way to best address your child's educational needs, we are here to partner with you and support your journey.
(818) 658-2189 View (818) 658-2189
Photo of Diane R Isaacs, AA, BA, MA, MFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane R Isaacs
Marriage & Family Therapist, AA, BA, MA, MFT, PhD
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
"If you are interested in changing and enhancing your life, then I am happy to work with your problems, even if it be a personal issue, family, marriage, handling the pressures of what is going on in our lives today. I work with professional relationships, who are attempting coping with the major" stressors of anxiety and feelings of being unsettled, and living under very different conditions than a few years ago. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we can unearth longstanding patterns; help change behavior patterns that may holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
"If you are interested in changing and enhancing your life, then I am happy to work with your problems, even if it be a personal issue, family, marriage, handling the pressures of what is going on in our lives today. I work with professional relationships, who are attempting coping with the major" stressors of anxiety and feelings of being unsettled, and living under very different conditions than a few years ago. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we can unearth longstanding patterns; help change behavior patterns that may holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(747) 271-5025 View (747) 271-5025
Photo of Jacquelyn Larson, AMFT
Jacquelyn Larson
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I tend to lead with creativity, humor, and compassion in all the work I do. I am passionate about walking alongside those on the brave journey of counseling: seeing marriages and families thrive when it doesn’t seem possible, for the individual who feels so different, stuck or out of place, for the artist struggling with the industry pressures, and for the new mother in need of processing your beautiful and difficult role. I provide a space that is authentic and sacred, where growth can truly happen.
I tend to lead with creativity, humor, and compassion in all the work I do. I am passionate about walking alongside those on the brave journey of counseling: seeing marriages and families thrive when it doesn’t seem possible, for the individual who feels so different, stuck or out of place, for the artist struggling with the industry pressures, and for the new mother in need of processing your beautiful and difficult role. I provide a space that is authentic and sacred, where growth can truly happen.
(818) 875-5523 View (818) 875-5523
Photo of Ashley McCleery, LMFT, MS, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley McCleery
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, MA
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Hello there. I'm glad you're here, Helper/Caregiver, who has a difficult time finding time for yourself and accepting your own needs. I'm glad you're here, Millennial, who is navigating "adulting" and relationships. I'm glad you're here, Creative, who sees the world poetically but struggles with self doubt. This is the place for you if it's all just too exhausting, depressing, lonely, and stressful, and you need help discovering or rediscovering you- your joy, your hope, your spark.
Hello there. I'm glad you're here, Helper/Caregiver, who has a difficult time finding time for yourself and accepting your own needs. I'm glad you're here, Millennial, who is navigating "adulting" and relationships. I'm glad you're here, Creative, who sees the world poetically but struggles with self doubt. This is the place for you if it's all just too exhausting, depressing, lonely, and stressful, and you need help discovering or rediscovering you- your joy, your hope, your spark.
(626) 768-3986 View (626) 768-3986
Photo of Rui Cang 仓蕊, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rui Cang 仓蕊
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91012
Rui is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental and attachment trauma, dissociative disorders and reactions to other stressful events in teens and adults. Rui is a certified somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, as well as Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Rui's approach is holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice.
Rui is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma, developmental and attachment trauma, dissociative disorders and reactions to other stressful events in teens and adults. Rui is a certified somatic therapist combining Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment, as well as Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Rui's approach is holistic (mind-body-spirit), non-violent, mindfulness-based, and attachment-based, as well as based on Interpersonal Neurobiology which is also the foundation of Rui's parenting consultation and coaching practice.
(310) 736-4836 View (310) 736-4836
Photo of Nora Chitilian, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nora Chitilian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Life can be full of challenges, but also rewards. Therapy can help us to have better relationships with our family and friends, as well as those in our extended communities. Those are extensions of our relationships with ourselves. I would like to help you build those relationships by providing a safe and welcoming non-judgmental environment. Together we will design and build the mental and emotional structure where you can live your happiest life that is mindful and peaceful.
Life can be full of challenges, but also rewards. Therapy can help us to have better relationships with our family and friends, as well as those in our extended communities. Those are extensions of our relationships with ourselves. I would like to help you build those relationships by providing a safe and welcoming non-judgmental environment. Together we will design and build the mental and emotional structure where you can live your happiest life that is mindful and peaceful.
(818) 583-6110 View (818) 583-6110
Photo of Dr. Erin O'Callaghan, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Erin O'Callaghan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Are you a parent who is concerned about their child or teenager's anxiety, depression, attention, social skills, or school functioning? I am here to help. I am a licensed psychologist who has 20 years of experience working with children, teens, young adults, families, and parents. I have specific expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children, teens, and young adults. I use therapy approaches that are evidence-based so your child or teen and family can feel better soon, and cope better with their problems. I also conduct psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments to diagnose learning problems, & ADHD.
Are you a parent who is concerned about their child or teenager's anxiety, depression, attention, social skills, or school functioning? I am here to help. I am a licensed psychologist who has 20 years of experience working with children, teens, young adults, families, and parents. I have specific expertise in treating anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children, teens, and young adults. I use therapy approaches that are evidence-based so your child or teen and family can feel better soon, and cope better with their problems. I also conduct psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments to diagnose learning problems, & ADHD.
(818) 650-3161 View (818) 650-3161
Photo of Erika L Poladian, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Erika L Poladian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I provide psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am invested in helping clients attain a better quality of life characterized by peace of mind and the ability to manage difficult thoughts and feelings using self-compassion and a knowledge of the inner workings of the mind. My main priority is to provide clients with evidenced based, customized care tailored to their specific needs and individual differences. I am a firm believer in the fact that a paramount basis for healing within the therapy setting is the bond, trust, and alliance between client and therapist.
I provide psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am invested in helping clients attain a better quality of life characterized by peace of mind and the ability to manage difficult thoughts and feelings using self-compassion and a knowledge of the inner workings of the mind. My main priority is to provide clients with evidenced based, customized care tailored to their specific needs and individual differences. I am a firm believer in the fact that a paramount basis for healing within the therapy setting is the bond, trust, and alliance between client and therapist.
(626) 243-7749 View (626) 243-7749
Photo of Grace Akopyan -Therapy With Grace, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Grace Akopyan -Therapy With Grace
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Couples Counseling (Marriage Therapy, Premarital Counseling, Dating Therapy, Relationship Therapy) is my specialty. I am a Marriage & Family Therapist, a Pepperdine University professor teaching Couples Counseling Therapy with over a decade years of experience. My clients leave my sessions felling empowered, in control, with better communication, deepening intimacy, and learning how to navigate the dynamics in their relationship. For those of you that are not ready to start couples counseling or need individual growth and acceptance, I can help! GlendaleTherapy / Therapy with Grace in CA - www.therapywithgrace.net
Couples Counseling (Marriage Therapy, Premarital Counseling, Dating Therapy, Relationship Therapy) is my specialty. I am a Marriage & Family Therapist, a Pepperdine University professor teaching Couples Counseling Therapy with over a decade years of experience. My clients leave my sessions felling empowered, in control, with better communication, deepening intimacy, and learning how to navigate the dynamics in their relationship. For those of you that are not ready to start couples counseling or need individual growth and acceptance, I can help! GlendaleTherapy / Therapy with Grace in CA - www.therapywithgrace.net
(747) 350-1387 View (747) 350-1387
Photo of Britney Holthouser - Animating Principle's Workshop, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Animating Principle's Workshop
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Animating Principle's Workshop is where compassion and critical thinking meet. From the neurodivergent, whimsical, creative minds of Animating Principle's husband and wife duo, Britney and Sean, the Workshop is a one-of-a-kind space that offers a variety of individual and group personal enrichment and therapy services. The Workshop's unique classes promote positive socialization, psychoeducation, and healthy coping for children, teens, and parents. Art, Lego, STEM, and Disney-themed coping classes available, as well as traditional, play, and art therapy for all ages.
Animating Principle's Workshop is where compassion and critical thinking meet. From the neurodivergent, whimsical, creative minds of Animating Principle's husband and wife duo, Britney and Sean, the Workshop is a one-of-a-kind space that offers a variety of individual and group personal enrichment and therapy services. The Workshop's unique classes promote positive socialization, psychoeducation, and healthy coping for children, teens, and parents. Art, Lego, STEM, and Disney-themed coping classes available, as well as traditional, play, and art therapy for all ages.
(747) 302-4636 View (747) 302-4636
Photo of Polly Grant, MA, DEdPsy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Polly Grant
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, DEdPsy
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
I provide therapy to people across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, as well as couples and families. While the methods may change depending on age and circumstance the goals are often similar: to feel understood, to connect, and to grow. I work in a respectful, collaborative and creative way to explore the parts of self that might be contributing to feelings of stagnation and being stuck. I was previously licensed as an Educational and Child Psychologist in the UK and I have extensive experience in schools, working with children, parents and faculty to support student growth and wellbeing.
I provide therapy to people across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, as well as couples and families. While the methods may change depending on age and circumstance the goals are often similar: to feel understood, to connect, and to grow. I work in a respectful, collaborative and creative way to explore the parts of self that might be contributing to feelings of stagnation and being stuck. I was previously licensed as an Educational and Child Psychologist in the UK and I have extensive experience in schools, working with children, parents and faculty to support student growth and wellbeing.
(323) 968-8151 View (323) 968-8151
Photo of Kimberley Blaine, Child, Expert, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberley Blaine
Marriage & Family Therapist, Child, Expert, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Waitlist for new clients
Is it time for you or your family to architect a new and healthy way of living? I'll help you make shifts that foster optimal mental health & family happiness. Specialties: Comprehensive treatment w/families raising high-need kids who struggle w/ mood dysregulation & behavioral control, ADHD, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), ASD, DMDD, NVLD & Sibling Rivalry. I assist parents in supporting the emotional development of their child before severe intervention is needed. I case manage neuropsychological assessments, psychiatry med evals, IEP's, OT, ABA needed supports. OFFICES: Ladera Ranch and Pasadena CA.
Is it time for you or your family to architect a new and healthy way of living? I'll help you make shifts that foster optimal mental health & family happiness. Specialties: Comprehensive treatment w/families raising high-need kids who struggle w/ mood dysregulation & behavioral control, ADHD, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), ASD, DMDD, NVLD & Sibling Rivalry. I assist parents in supporting the emotional development of their child before severe intervention is needed. I case manage neuropsychological assessments, psychiatry med evals, IEP's, OT, ABA needed supports. OFFICES: Ladera Ranch and Pasadena CA.
(626) 314-6518 View (626) 314-6518
Photo of Danielle Kronfli, MMFT, PsyD, Psychologist
Danielle Kronfli
Psychologist, MMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Dr. Danielle Kronfli Child & Family Psychology offers therapy and parenting support that is without judgement and guilt for new and growing families. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment to begin setting goals and believe that developing a stronger sense of self is key to feeling fulfilled and finding inner peace and serenity in the home. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I am confident that we can work together to build stronger more meaningful parent-child connections.
Dr. Danielle Kronfli Child & Family Psychology offers therapy and parenting support that is without judgement and guilt for new and growing families. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment to begin setting goals and believe that developing a stronger sense of self is key to feeling fulfilled and finding inner peace and serenity in the home. With over 10 years of experience working with children and families, I am confident that we can work together to build stronger more meaningful parent-child connections.
(626) 469-5829 View (626) 469-5829

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sydney Petersen, MS LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sydney Petersen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Crescenta, CA 91214  (Online Only)
Hi, I’m Sydney Petersen, a trauma-informed, EMDR-trained, and neurodiverse-affirming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with individuals and parents of individuals with a variety of diverse needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury survivor and others. Whether you are processing a new diagnosis or a new life stage in your life or your child’s life, the load you carry can be overwhelming. Much of what you do goes unseen, unheard, and not fully understood by most, even your inner circles. You carry so much. How do you make sense of all of the things you do, see and hold.
Hi, I’m Sydney Petersen, a trauma-informed, EMDR-trained, and neurodiverse-affirming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with individuals and parents of individuals with a variety of diverse needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury survivor and others. Whether you are processing a new diagnosis or a new life stage in your life or your child’s life, the load you carry can be overwhelming. Much of what you do goes unseen, unheard, and not fully understood by most, even your inner circles. You carry so much. How do you make sense of all of the things you do, see and hold.
(818) 308-1703 View (818) 308-1703

See more therapy options for La Canada Flintridge

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.