Autism Therapists in Placentia, CA
![Photo of Nicole Myers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7468306-a897-4e1d-b98e-69702b761ffc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Myers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Placentia, CA 92870
Waitlist for new clients
Do you have difficulty navigating relationships? Diagnosed or suspected Autism or ADHD and needing support? Feel free to reach out to me for a free 15 minute phone consultation or check out my website at Nicolemyersmft.
I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist and I specialize working with neurodivergent clients ( Autism/ADHD) and related difficulties. I have a special interest in relationship and social difficulties and how masking and rejection sensitivity impacts mental health. Issues I work with are: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, perfectionism, relationship issues and trauma, problems at school or work (motivation, attention, and interpersonal problems). I use an individualized approach based on my client's needs, using evidence based approaches: CBT, Mindfulness, ACT, family systems, self-compassion, Social Support, and DBT-informed.
Do you have difficulty navigating relationships? Diagnosed or suspected Autism or ADHD and needing support? Feel free to reach out to me for a free 15 minute phone consultation or check out my website at Nicolemyersmft.
I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist and I specialize working with neurodivergent clients ( Autism/ADHD) and related difficulties. I have a special interest in relationship and social difficulties and how masking and rejection sensitivity impacts mental health. Issues I work with are: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, perfectionism, relationship issues and trauma, problems at school or work (motivation, attention, and interpersonal problems). I use an individualized approach based on my client's needs, using evidence based approaches: CBT, Mindfulness, ACT, family systems, self-compassion, Social Support, and DBT-informed.
![Photo of Jd Sparks, MS, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9be39cf7-0ce7-4512-919b-585c7a409a54/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jd Sparks
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Placentia, CA 92870
Experiencing a loss can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to grieve. Loss comes to us at different times in our lives, and it’s important to figure out how to work through it and understand that there is life after loss. If you are feeling stuck and do not know how to find that life after loss, let me be your guide. I help individuals, adolescents, couples, and families navigate these challenging experiences and rebuild a life they once thought was lost. Your loss doesn’t need to control your life. There are healthy ways to process grief and move forward. Let me show you those ways.
Experiencing a loss can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to grieve. Loss comes to us at different times in our lives, and it’s important to figure out how to work through it and understand that there is life after loss. If you are feeling stuck and do not know how to find that life after loss, let me be your guide. I help individuals, adolescents, couples, and families navigate these challenging experiences and rebuild a life they once thought was lost. Your loss doesn’t need to control your life. There are healthy ways to process grief and move forward. Let me show you those ways.
![Photo of Kayla Lumowah, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed892270-f9a1-4714-894d-d55dcd0a82b9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I'm Kayla, a dedicated therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My practice is rooted in a deep commitment to helping you navigate and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational and familial conflict, and life transitions. I am passionate about supporting clients dealing with various concerns like addiction, eating disorders, and self-harm behaviors.
Hello and welcome! I'm Kayla, a dedicated therapist with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My practice is rooted in a deep commitment to helping you navigate and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational and familial conflict, and life transitions. I am passionate about supporting clients dealing with various concerns like addiction, eating disorders, and self-harm behaviors.
![Photo of Elaine Herrera, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46086c59-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We are all looking to live a happy and fulfilled life! But, often, challenges come our way that prevent us from getting there. Life challenges have a way of forcing us to steer away from being happy. We start to look inward and question who we truly are. But when life challenges invite us to look inward, we can either face it or try to escape from it. However, there are many paths that we can take to reroute ourselves back to the right path, and Psychotherapy is one of those paths. We at Stillpoint Counseling Associates would like to help you get there.
We are all looking to live a happy and fulfilled life! But, often, challenges come our way that prevent us from getting there. Life challenges have a way of forcing us to steer away from being happy. We start to look inward and question who we truly are. But when life challenges invite us to look inward, we can either face it or try to escape from it. However, there are many paths that we can take to reroute ourselves back to the right path, and Psychotherapy is one of those paths. We at Stillpoint Counseling Associates would like to help you get there.
![Photo of Marie Jakobi, AMFT, BEd, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce6fcea1-8d60-47b8-8a3f-d34ca89efd71/5/320x400.png)
Marie Jakobi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, BEd, MA
Verified Verified
Placentia, CA 92870 (Online Only)
What brings you to therapy today? Maybe you’re experiencing loneliness, struggling with anxious emotions, having negative thoughts, or feeling emotionally fragmented in your day-to-day life. Maybe you want to experience emotional growth or increase your self-awareness. You might be struggling in relationships with friends, children, a partner, coworkers or family members. Whether it’s a new stressor or one that's been weighing on you, I am here to walk alongside you. We will work together to create an environment in which your personal experiences, cultural identity, sexual orientation, and emotions are respected and validated.
What brings you to therapy today? Maybe you’re experiencing loneliness, struggling with anxious emotions, having negative thoughts, or feeling emotionally fragmented in your day-to-day life. Maybe you want to experience emotional growth or increase your self-awareness. You might be struggling in relationships with friends, children, a partner, coworkers or family members. Whether it’s a new stressor or one that's been weighing on you, I am here to walk alongside you. We will work together to create an environment in which your personal experiences, cultural identity, sexual orientation, and emotions are respected and validated.
![Photo of Jay Alarcon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/721dd964-9516-407a-b731-9ca44b361b36/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Jay (they/them), and I am a trauma psychotherapist focusing on issues including eating disorders, severe emotion dysregulation problems, self-harm, chronic suicidality, sexual assault, military sexual assault, personality disorders, severe anxiety/mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD.
My name is Jay (they/them), and I am a trauma psychotherapist focusing on issues including eating disorders, severe emotion dysregulation problems, self-harm, chronic suicidality, sexual assault, military sexual assault, personality disorders, severe anxiety/mood disorders, substance use disorders, and PTSD.
![Photo of Kim Vander Dussen, PsyD, RPT-S, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47df46f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The decision to find a therapist for your child or adolescent is fraught with anxiety. Parents are taking a risk in choosing to share their children and their vulnerabilities with me. In my work I have the utmost respect for this decision and appreciate how challenging it is. So often you worry about what you did wrong or feel powerless to help. You may feel like you've tried everything or that you've failed. You may blame yourself or feel like you are failing your child in some way, or like you just need someone who can help.
The decision to find a therapist for your child or adolescent is fraught with anxiety. Parents are taking a risk in choosing to share their children and their vulnerabilities with me. In my work I have the utmost respect for this decision and appreciate how challenging it is. So often you worry about what you did wrong or feel powerless to help. You may feel like you've tried everything or that you've failed. You may blame yourself or feel like you are failing your child in some way, or like you just need someone who can help.
![Photo of Vince Redmond, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de0552e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In today's world of hectic schedules and laborious meetings, we often forget about our own needs and desires. This lack of insight often can lead to dissatisfaction with our lives, relationships and careers. This can also be true with the people and families we love. For years now, my doors in Placentia, California have been open to help those who have seemed to lose their way or those who are overburdened in today's never ending rat race. With several years of combined therapy experiences, from several different disciplines, Stillpoint Counseling Associates can serve you.
In today's world of hectic schedules and laborious meetings, we often forget about our own needs and desires. This lack of insight often can lead to dissatisfaction with our lives, relationships and careers. This can also be true with the people and families we love. For years now, my doors in Placentia, California have been open to help those who have seemed to lose their way or those who are overburdened in today's never ending rat race. With several years of combined therapy experiences, from several different disciplines, Stillpoint Counseling Associates can serve you.
![Photo of Dr. Tammy A Ouellette - Collaborators For Health, PsyD, NRHSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a235011e-4662-4b61-aebf-2f3c7e7628d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Collaborators For Health
Psychologist, PsyD, NRHSP
Verified Verified
Placentia, CA 92870 (Online Only)
Are you curious about your brain and behavior, with an emphasis on living comfortably? My passion lies in neuroscience and neuropsychological methods for health. Your unique set of experiences shapes you and I am committed to listening and learning about you. We can evaluate how you process information and how quickly your brain is working with you. Ever wonder if your attention span is helping or hindering you? I have objective tools (NeuroCatch EEG/ERP) to assess cognitive functioning with brain mapping to develop treatment plans and recommendations.
Are you curious about your brain and behavior, with an emphasis on living comfortably? My passion lies in neuroscience and neuropsychological methods for health. Your unique set of experiences shapes you and I am committed to listening and learning about you. We can evaluate how you process information and how quickly your brain is working with you. Ever wonder if your attention span is helping or hindering you? I have objective tools (NeuroCatch EEG/ERP) to assess cognitive functioning with brain mapping to develop treatment plans and recommendations.
![Photo of Dr. Kevin Downing, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a9f4cb4-c716-4ada-988f-f6996b19af16/1/320x400.jpeg)
No matter if your relationship is ice-cold or erupting with conflict, Dr. Downing would love to help you attain peace, safety and intimacy. 46 Google & 23 Yelp five-star reviews show Christian Therapist Dr. Downing can restore and strengthen relationships. With 41 years of experience, he's also an expert in anxiety, depression and addiction problems. He's been an enormous help to women in abusive relationships and men with leadership, business, and love & intimacy issues.
No matter if your relationship is ice-cold or erupting with conflict, Dr. Downing would love to help you attain peace, safety and intimacy. 46 Google & 23 Yelp five-star reviews show Christian Therapist Dr. Downing can restore and strengthen relationships. With 41 years of experience, he's also an expert in anxiety, depression and addiction problems. He's been an enormous help to women in abusive relationships and men with leadership, business, and love & intimacy issues.
![Photo of Miles Levy-Nordhoff, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e34b85e-8d57-4d8d-9805-7e1e5dd3d9b4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Miles Levy-Nordhoff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Placentia, CA 92870
Talking about your feelings can be intimidating. It requires immense courage and vulnerability to explore emotions with a stranger. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space to allow clients to feel willing to share their experiences, challenges, and insecurities. I offer empathy, validation, and perspective to encourage clients to be more comfortable being their genuine, authentic selves, which we all deserve. I work collaboratively with clients to overcome issues of anxiety, depression, life-stage transitions, and emotional struggles.
Talking about your feelings can be intimidating. It requires immense courage and vulnerability to explore emotions with a stranger. My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space to allow clients to feel willing to share their experiences, challenges, and insecurities. I offer empathy, validation, and perspective to encourage clients to be more comfortable being their genuine, authentic selves, which we all deserve. I work collaboratively with clients to overcome issues of anxiety, depression, life-stage transitions, and emotional struggles.
![Photo of Denny Williams, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ef8351d-1ace-4b58-b754-c0a2cd74110b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Denny Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Placentia, CA 92670
Are you feeling unfulfilled in your relationships, choices, and just life? Those who feel detached from those around them often believe they're a burden and bring no value to those around them. If any of that resonated with you, you may feel disconnected from different areas of your life, such as work, relationships, family and interests. Many individuals go through life never feeling like they belong, lack fulfillment, joy, and a sense of identity. You're here looking to finally put yourself first, to find a sense of satisfaction in your life, and I'd love to be part of that journey, so you no longer feel alone.
Are you feeling unfulfilled in your relationships, choices, and just life? Those who feel detached from those around them often believe they're a burden and bring no value to those around them. If any of that resonated with you, you may feel disconnected from different areas of your life, such as work, relationships, family and interests. Many individuals go through life never feeling like they belong, lack fulfillment, joy, and a sense of identity. You're here looking to finally put yourself first, to find a sense of satisfaction in your life, and I'd love to be part of that journey, so you no longer feel alone.
![Photo of Abigail Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/357e798e-cdf7-43a5-96e3-a02ae9916190/1/320x400.png)
Whether you are taking your first steps towards healing, seeking a new therapist, or needing solutions to improve difficult areas in your life, I am honored to support you on your healing and growth journey. As a therapist, I will be here to help you discover your own truths, needs, and a unique path toward a new way of being.
Whether you are taking your first steps towards healing, seeking a new therapist, or needing solutions to improve difficult areas in your life, I am honored to support you on your healing and growth journey. As a therapist, I will be here to help you discover your own truths, needs, and a unique path toward a new way of being.
![Photo of Sandra Yi-Lopez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de76e6c4-c0f5-4705-b3ea-2106ca831d1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Yi-Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Placentia, CA 92871 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Hello, welcome to Era Mental Health Collective. My name is Sandra Yi-Lopez and I am a Korean bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in mental health since 2010, many of those in the field of suicide prevention. My expertise is in complicated grief and trauma and with survivors of suicide loss and suicide attempt. I work with all ages and in individuals and family settings. I also work with children and their family in treating a variety of mental health and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, PTSD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hello, welcome to Era Mental Health Collective. My name is Sandra Yi-Lopez and I am a Korean bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked in mental health since 2010, many of those in the field of suicide prevention. My expertise is in complicated grief and trauma and with survivors of suicide loss and suicide attempt. I work with all ages and in individuals and family settings. I also work with children and their family in treating a variety of mental health and behavioral issues including depression, anxiety, attachment disorders, PTSD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Amy Hammerschlag, MA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f561fbe-d503-47e7-97b1-5de95f3182f0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Hammerschlag
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Fullerton, CA 92832
Waitlist for new clients
I conduct developmental, cognitive, psychological and behavioral assessments to identify disorders such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and related behavioral disorders, and also formally assess mental health conditions for all ages.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents and offer psychological assessment services for all ages. I am trained in EMDR and also use ACT and CBT with mindfulness as therapeutic tools. I also do specialize in adult and child assessment of Autism and can offer therapy for individuals with ASD (regardless of suspected or confirmed diagnosis) and can provide evidence based practices to help remediate deficits in social thinking, anxiety, and self regulation.
I conduct developmental, cognitive, psychological and behavioral assessments to identify disorders such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and related behavioral disorders, and also formally assess mental health conditions for all ages.
I specialize in working with children and adolescents and offer psychological assessment services for all ages. I am trained in EMDR and also use ACT and CBT with mindfulness as therapeutic tools. I also do specialize in adult and child assessment of Autism and can offer therapy for individuals with ASD (regardless of suspected or confirmed diagnosis) and can provide evidence based practices to help remediate deficits in social thinking, anxiety, and self regulation.
![Photo of Carly Stern, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/218e0a24-dc9e-496d-b804-087ed56d2179/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carly Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90001 (Online Only)
I liken my approach to talking to a trusted friend with a professional edge. I am assertive and kind, and my goal is to listen and provide constructive feedback that you're ready to accept. I work best with adolescents and adults and have experience with all types of mental health diagnoses. The issues I address on a virtual platform include Autism, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, relationship challenges, self-esteem, codependency, parenting, and more. For those who have tried traditional approaches like medication and therapy and still feel stuck, I offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as an alternative path toward relief.
I liken my approach to talking to a trusted friend with a professional edge. I am assertive and kind, and my goal is to listen and provide constructive feedback that you're ready to accept. I work best with adolescents and adults and have experience with all types of mental health diagnoses. The issues I address on a virtual platform include Autism, Anxiety, OCD, ADHD, relationship challenges, self-esteem, codependency, parenting, and more. For those who have tried traditional approaches like medication and therapy and still feel stuck, I offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as an alternative path toward relief.
![Photo of Matt Newmyer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfb09973-07be-473d-9398-2efb44ea5931/1/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily treat depression/anxiety, addiction (including screen/internet/gaming addiction), adults with autism spectrum disorder, and couple's issues (betrayal trauma, intimacy, etc.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
I primarily treat depression/anxiety, addiction (including screen/internet/gaming addiction), adults with autism spectrum disorder, and couple's issues (betrayal trauma, intimacy, etc.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
![Photo of Matt Newmyer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79162bca-356d-4e69-a324-b340a8c3ab3e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I primarily treat depression/anxiety, addiction (including screen/internet/gaming addiction), adults with autism spectrum disorder, and couple's issues (betrayal trauma, intimacy, etc.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
I primarily treat depression/anxiety, addiction (including screen/internet/gaming addiction), adults with autism spectrum disorder, and couple's issues (betrayal trauma, intimacy, etc.
CALL if you have a PPO insurance plan! I will teach you how to utilize it to get reimbursed for a provider of your choice! I provide warm, empathetic, and effective care to individuals, couples, and families using some of the best, scientifically validated methods available. My goal is to help you find quick relief while developing the kinds of solutions that have long term, positive results. Because everyone is different, I customize treatment to the specific needs of each person and I go at the client's desired pace.
![Photo of Sun Woo Lee, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34928fbc-8d2f-4343-9c0a-71a0ac47ca21/4/320x400.jpeg)
I also provide psychological evaluations for children and adults who exhibit challenges due to suspected ADHD, developmental disabilities, Autism, and mood disorders.
Everyone experiences times in their life when they feel at the end of their rope. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek support, whether it be for yourself or for your child. You are experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, feeling stuck, or struggling to find a different path. Your child is struggling with emotional outbursts, aggression, defiance, or behavioral challenges. These difficulties have caused relational problems, impairment at home or at work, and seem like a never ending battle. Our goal at Safe to Heal is to help you find a way to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
I also provide psychological evaluations for children and adults who exhibit challenges due to suspected ADHD, developmental disabilities, Autism, and mood disorders.
Everyone experiences times in their life when they feel at the end of their rope. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek support, whether it be for yourself or for your child. You are experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, feeling stuck, or struggling to find a different path. Your child is struggling with emotional outbursts, aggression, defiance, or behavioral challenges. These difficulties have caused relational problems, impairment at home or at work, and seem like a never ending battle. Our goal at Safe to Heal is to help you find a way to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Imari Kowalski, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae5b2dec-5abb-473b-8418-dd9291e0fe75/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with individuals and families faced with the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction (drug and alcohol), family conflict, domestic violence, peri/postpartum, women's mental health, and neurodevelopment disorders (specific to ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorder).
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have served in the private and non-profit environments. I am someone who believes that every family and individual has a unique set of characteristics and strengths, in which, therapy is used as a guide to assist others in utilizing those attributes to overcome barriers within their lives. In my work, I allow space for the client to discuss their challenges with no judgment in what they are sharing and feeling. I work from modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Couples Therapy-Gottman Method, Integrative, and Strengths-Based Perspective.
I have experience working with individuals and families faced with the challenges of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction (drug and alcohol), family conflict, domestic violence, peri/postpartum, women's mental health, and neurodevelopment disorders (specific to ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorder).
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have served in the private and non-profit environments. I am someone who believes that every family and individual has a unique set of characteristics and strengths, in which, therapy is used as a guide to assist others in utilizing those attributes to overcome barriers within their lives. In my work, I allow space for the client to discuss their challenges with no judgment in what they are sharing and feeling. I work from modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Couples Therapy-Gottman Method, Integrative, and Strengths-Based Perspective.
See more therapy options for Placentia
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Placentia
- Anaheim
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- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- La Habra
- La Mirada
- Orange
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- Yorba Linda
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.