Autism Therapists in Coral Springs, FL
![Photo of Ellen Kipnis - Ellen Kipnis, LCSW - Comprehensive Evaluations, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37635e51-ce9a-4abb-8f85-1ba0988aea38/4/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Kipnis, LCSW - Comprehensive Evaluations
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33067
She specializes in diagnosing Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and other behavioral and mood disorders in children and adults.
Ellen Kipnis offers comprehensive evaluation services for educational and testing accommodations (such as 504 plans, MCAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MPRE, and BAR), immigration purposes, bariatric surgery clearance, and parental fitness/child custody. Ellen employs various industry-standard assessment tools to clarify diagnoses and rule out commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions in children and adults. Her extensive experience ensures accurate assessments and tailored support for a range of needs.
She specializes in diagnosing Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and other behavioral and mood disorders in children and adults.
Ellen Kipnis offers comprehensive evaluation services for educational and testing accommodations (such as 504 plans, MCAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, MPRE, and BAR), immigration purposes, bariatric surgery clearance, and parental fitness/child custody. Ellen employs various industry-standard assessment tools to clarify diagnoses and rule out commonly misdiagnosed mental health conditions in children and adults. Her extensive experience ensures accurate assessments and tailored support for a range of needs.
![Photo of Stephanie Eckler, MPsy, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ef5bd97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety, panic, autism spectrum, parenting stress, depression, loss/grief, relationship changes, social challenges, life transitions, teen issues, obsessions/compulsions, low self esteem, and emotional stresses. Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, and a Certified Mindfulness-informed Clinician with many years of experience delivering evidence based psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength based approaches, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Anxiety, panic, autism spectrum, parenting stress, depression, loss/grief, relationship changes, social challenges, life transitions, teen issues, obsessions/compulsions, low self esteem, and emotional stresses. Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology, is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, and a Certified Mindfulness-informed Clinician with many years of experience delivering evidence based psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength based approaches, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
![Photo of Eric J Nach, PhD, MEd, ASDc, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8158237-5c7f-40a3-9fe9-883b3e76ef6e/3/320x400.jpeg)
WE PROVIDE THE SERVICES, SCHOOLS JUST CAN'T! With a Ph.D. focusing on “Instructional Use of Research-Based Interventions for Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder”, I am a former ESE Department Chairperson and teacher, past and current National Speaker on many topics relating to ASD, ADHD and behaviors. At our “Counseling and Learning Center”, since 2012, my team of Counselors, Coaches and I conduct *College Life Skills, *Individual and Family Counseling, *Therapeutic Social Skills, *Executive Functioning, and *Behavior Modification Programs, Parent Training and much more.
WE PROVIDE THE SERVICES, SCHOOLS JUST CAN'T! With a Ph.D. focusing on “Instructional Use of Research-Based Interventions for Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder”, I am a former ESE Department Chairperson and teacher, past and current National Speaker on many topics relating to ASD, ADHD and behaviors. At our “Counseling and Learning Center”, since 2012, my team of Counselors, Coaches and I conduct *College Life Skills, *Individual and Family Counseling, *Therapeutic Social Skills, *Executive Functioning, and *Behavior Modification Programs, Parent Training and much more.
![Photo of Jerrod Johnson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f44a252b-646b-4762-83a5-7397cff8646b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jerrod Johnson has been a licensed psychologist for the past eight years. He specializes in pediatric assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities from ages 6 to young adult. He has also worked extensively with the LGBTQ population working with issues particular to the community. Dr. Johnson performs psychotherapy with emphasis on trauma and PTSD, substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, and stress related issues. Dr. Johnson works with local physicians conducing bariatric and pain evaluations, and with senior issues.
Dr. Jerrod Johnson has been a licensed psychologist for the past eight years. He specializes in pediatric assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities from ages 6 to young adult. He has also worked extensively with the LGBTQ population working with issues particular to the community. Dr. Johnson performs psychotherapy with emphasis on trauma and PTSD, substance use/abuse, depression, anxiety, and stress related issues. Dr. Johnson works with local physicians conducing bariatric and pain evaluations, and with senior issues.
![Photo of Christina A Remek, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/466285ab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Unlike some practitioners I have extensive experiences in treating adults with autism spectrum disorder and also treat individual with anxiety, depression, and attention problems.
Your own mental health and well-being can seem like a long journey. I specialize in strategies to help you change your perspective whether you are someone struggling on their fertility journey, managing the stressors of parenting or just trying to find yourself and your purpose while struggling with your mental health issues. My office offers holistic services to address your current challenges.
Unlike some practitioners I have extensive experiences in treating adults with autism spectrum disorder and also treat individual with anxiety, depression, and attention problems.
Your own mental health and well-being can seem like a long journey. I specialize in strategies to help you change your perspective whether you are someone struggling on their fertility journey, managing the stressors of parenting or just trying to find yourself and your purpose while struggling with your mental health issues. My office offers holistic services to address your current challenges.
![Photo of Joycy Ann Lacombe - Illuminating Hope, Licensed in FL & CA, MA, LMHC, LPCC, CCTS-I, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/35709d7b-7e0a-40d8-a586-0a3a37518faf/1/320x400.png)
Illuminating Hope, Licensed in FL & CA
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC, CCTS-I
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33067 (Online Only)
With a background working with children on the Autism Spectrum disorder, I enjoy specializing in behavior modification and parenting issues.
I take a personal, relatable approach to working with all of my clients. I sincerely care about helping my clients gain clarity and insight while progressing towards developing the skills necessary to independently problem solve in the future. I do feel that we sometimes need to look backwards and work through past issues in order to lay a better foundation for the present. I will always seek to speak the truth with grace, even though it may be difficult to hear, in order to ensure that my clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their situation.
With a background working with children on the Autism Spectrum disorder, I enjoy specializing in behavior modification and parenting issues.
I take a personal, relatable approach to working with all of my clients. I sincerely care about helping my clients gain clarity and insight while progressing towards developing the skills necessary to independently problem solve in the future. I do feel that we sometimes need to look backwards and work through past issues in order to lay a better foundation for the present. I will always seek to speak the truth with grace, even though it may be difficult to hear, in order to ensure that my clients have the information they need to make the best decisions for their situation.
![Photo of Joel Nickel, MHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f578924e-eb2e-46ec-9fa7-995ea44210f4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joel Nickel
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33076 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with families, couples, & teens challenged by anxiety, ADHD/Autism, depression, life transitions, and other symptoms that arise from a disruption in our psyche chemically, physically, emotionally, environmentally.
Welcome! My intention is to be a vessel in your transformational journey toward healing and self discovery. I enjoy the process with you as we take some hard turns. Many diagnoses are a result of traumatic experiences and there are specific tools and modalities we can utilize to manage those symptoms and get to their root. I am a firm believer in having supportive relationships with Self and Your Inner Circle, whether that is your family/friends/church group/Community group/etc. When these dynamics are disrupted even the best days can feel like the worst.
I enjoy working with families, couples, & teens challenged by anxiety, ADHD/Autism, depression, life transitions, and other symptoms that arise from a disruption in our psyche chemically, physically, emotionally, environmentally.
Welcome! My intention is to be a vessel in your transformational journey toward healing and self discovery. I enjoy the process with you as we take some hard turns. Many diagnoses are a result of traumatic experiences and there are specific tools and modalities we can utilize to manage those symptoms and get to their root. I am a firm believer in having supportive relationships with Self and Your Inner Circle, whether that is your family/friends/church group/Community group/etc. When these dynamics are disrupted even the best days can feel like the worst.
![Photo of Susan B. Flax - Licensed School Psychologist, Psy S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53167860-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan B. Flax - Licensed School Psychologist
Psy S
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33067 (Online Only)
My goal is for every student to feel their personal best. I want my clients to realize their abilities and attain everything they want to achieve. I empower your student, by helping him or her realize strengths and provide skills to overcome or compensate for challenges. We ALL have some attention deficit, anxiety, depression, learning, and autism spectrum disorder characteristics that interfere at times. Private psychological testing helps us know when these behaviors or feelings are beyond what is age expected and how it may hinder success. Individual therapy helps us learn to minimize the negatives, feel confident and be happy.
My goal is for every student to feel their personal best. I want my clients to realize their abilities and attain everything they want to achieve. I empower your student, by helping him or her realize strengths and provide skills to overcome or compensate for challenges. We ALL have some attention deficit, anxiety, depression, learning, and autism spectrum disorder characteristics that interfere at times. Private psychological testing helps us know when these behaviors or feelings are beyond what is age expected and how it may hinder success. Individual therapy helps us learn to minimize the negatives, feel confident and be happy.
![Photo of Vera Joffe, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40349afa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties and areas of clinical research are Selective Mutism, Anxiety, ADHD and related conditions, Cognitive/behavioral rigidity, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Preschool Interventions, and Adult ADHD.
I am a Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist, licensed in Florida and in New York. I am originally from Brazil, and I speak Portuguese and English. I work with young children to adults with anxiety, ADHD, neuro-developmental disorders, depression, behavioral disorders, selective mutism, family difficulties, psychological evaluations, and consultation to schools, doctors, and places of work. I use empirically-based protocols of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Parent-Child Interactive Therapy. I incorporate parents, teachers, and others in the treatment team, and often therapy happens at school, at home, or other settings where the difficulties happen.
My specialties and areas of clinical research are Selective Mutism, Anxiety, ADHD and related conditions, Cognitive/behavioral rigidity, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Preschool Interventions, and Adult ADHD.
I am a Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist, licensed in Florida and in New York. I am originally from Brazil, and I speak Portuguese and English. I work with young children to adults with anxiety, ADHD, neuro-developmental disorders, depression, behavioral disorders, selective mutism, family difficulties, psychological evaluations, and consultation to schools, doctors, and places of work. I use empirically-based protocols of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Parent-Child Interactive Therapy. I incorporate parents, teachers, and others in the treatment team, and often therapy happens at school, at home, or other settings where the difficulties happen.
![Photo of Paige Whitley, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/737aadfe-49b6-41bb-99ef-a4a34dae188c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 3 years of experience with many different populations and concerns that people manage, including neurodivergence (autism and ADHD), trauma (sexual assault and domestic violence), substance abuse, and anxiety/depression. Paige's goal as a therapist is goal is to work with her clients toward being more mindful of where they currently are and where they want their mental health to be in the future. In 2020 she relocated to Florida and began working in private practice settings where she has helped clients manage anxiety, depression, and other common mental health symptoms.
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 3 years of experience with many different populations and concerns that people manage, including neurodivergence (autism and ADHD), trauma (sexual assault and domestic violence), substance abuse, and anxiety/depression. Paige's goal as a therapist is goal is to work with her clients toward being more mindful of where they currently are and where they want their mental health to be in the future. In 2020 she relocated to Florida and began working in private practice settings where she has helped clients manage anxiety, depression, and other common mental health symptoms.
![Photo of Palm Beach Center For Child Therapy, MS, LMHC, BCBA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c87113f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Palm Beach Center For Child Therapy
Counselor, MS, LMHC, BCBA
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33065
We provide services to all children and adolescents. I specialize in developing individualized therapy for children up to age 18 with behavior problems and emotional concerns. Often times, the behavior of children can lead to a number of problems in the home and the entire family unit creating a sense of stress, anxiety, and tension.
We provide services to all children and adolescents. I specialize in developing individualized therapy for children up to age 18 with behavior problems and emotional concerns. Often times, the behavior of children can lead to a number of problems in the home and the entire family unit creating a sense of stress, anxiety, and tension.
15 Second Videos
Eric J Nach
Joel Nickel
Michelle Albo- Let's Talk 4 Health
![Photo of Lauren Fisher, LMHC, EdS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c71764e-6895-49f1-88a0-0d5cc64a8257/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Coral Springs, FL, and virtually throughout Florida. In my approach to counseling I value developing a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my clients as I believe it is vital for personal growth and healing to occur. I tailor treatment to each individual as I maintain ongoing collaboration and communication with them. I truly understand that individuals are resilient and they have the power within themselves to gain self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Coral Springs, FL, and virtually throughout Florida. In my approach to counseling I value developing a strong therapeutic relationship with all of my clients as I believe it is vital for personal growth and healing to occur. I tailor treatment to each individual as I maintain ongoing collaboration and communication with them. I truly understand that individuals are resilient and they have the power within themselves to gain self-awareness and make positive changes in their lives.
![Photo of Julie Gordon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cbbdcd5b-baf6-46f5-ac65-b46d5c9a3cec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33067 (Online Only)
Feeling the need for healing, clarity, or just some support in a warm and judgment-free environment? I can help. I have over 25 years as a therapist and supervisor. My focus is on problem-solving and identifying strengths and inner resources to assist you with achieving your goals. My style is compassionate and warm yet straightforward. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families to navigate a variety of challenges. Whether you're dealing with addiction, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma or PANDAS, I provide guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Feeling the need for healing, clarity, or just some support in a warm and judgment-free environment? I can help. I have over 25 years as a therapist and supervisor. My focus is on problem-solving and identifying strengths and inner resources to assist you with achieving your goals. My style is compassionate and warm yet straightforward. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families to navigate a variety of challenges. Whether you're dealing with addiction, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma or PANDAS, I provide guidance tailored to your unique needs.
![Photo of Mallorie Potaznick, MEd, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c4dd066-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
On the outside it looks like you have it all together, but inside you're engaged in a constant struggle for control. Your anxiety, OCD, and/or eating disorder has taken over your life. You find yourself in a constant loop of feeling worried, nervous, stressed and at times not good enough, thin enough, or smart enough. You’re stuck and unable to find the relief that you crave, so you try temporary fixes. Sometimes you disconnect and avoid people and your responsibilities, sometimes you binge, sometimes you purge, and sometimes you try to use anything that will distract your mind. You find, however, that your mind just wont turn off.
On the outside it looks like you have it all together, but inside you're engaged in a constant struggle for control. Your anxiety, OCD, and/or eating disorder has taken over your life. You find yourself in a constant loop of feeling worried, nervous, stressed and at times not good enough, thin enough, or smart enough. You’re stuck and unable to find the relief that you crave, so you try temporary fixes. Sometimes you disconnect and avoid people and your responsibilities, sometimes you binge, sometimes you purge, and sometimes you try to use anything that will distract your mind. You find, however, that your mind just wont turn off.
![Photo of Michelle Albo- Let's Talk 4 Health, LMHC, MCAP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/accd3ff8-eec1-4f6e-8994-fdee535869fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Albo- Let's Talk 4 Health
Counselor, LMHC, MCAP
Verified Verified
Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Online Only)
It's my goal to create a comfortable, safe environment , where we will work together to achieve solutions in a highly confidential and professional way. With over 30 years of experience, I offer support for trauma, mood issues, and anxiety, and depression. Trained in EMDR and with a masters certification in addiction counseling, I work with clients to set clear and achievable goals. Your well-being is my priority and I'll provide caring guidance as we navigate life's challenges together. Let's uncover your path to fulfillment, peace and healing.
It's my goal to create a comfortable, safe environment , where we will work together to achieve solutions in a highly confidential and professional way. With over 30 years of experience, I offer support for trauma, mood issues, and anxiety, and depression. Trained in EMDR and with a masters certification in addiction counseling, I work with clients to set clear and achievable goals. Your well-being is my priority and I'll provide caring guidance as we navigate life's challenges together. Let's uncover your path to fulfillment, peace and healing.
![Photo of Dr. Michael Sheffield, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52769730-78f0-47d5-80f6-da3b012521e7/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Florida and New York licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. I work from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) framework and incorporate exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) interventions. In addition to in-person services, I can provide telehealth services to patients residing in Florida, New York, and participating PsyPact states.
I am a Florida and New York licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders. I work from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) framework and incorporate exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) interventions. In addition to in-person services, I can provide telehealth services to patients residing in Florida, New York, and participating PsyPact states.
![Photo of Eileen Giovanna Somerville - Journey To Truth Counseling- Eileen Somerville, LMHC, MCAP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be35cc4c-78a3-4bd4-b3b0-2014098f7993/3/320x400.jpeg)
Journey To Truth Counseling- Eileen Somerville
Counselor, LMHC, MCAP
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Online Only)
As a therapist my purpose is to guide, motivate, and empower clients to become a better version of themselves. My work is to facilitate positive changes and to elicit inner personal growth for those I help. As a clinician, I assist clients in being more self aware, managing emotions, and learning how to cope with life issues. I also address thought patterns and behaviors to increase insight. I use solution focused and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques to achieve this. I am passionate about helping people, and am determined to ensure that my clients experience a respectful, safe, and genuinely caring environment with me.
As a therapist my purpose is to guide, motivate, and empower clients to become a better version of themselves. My work is to facilitate positive changes and to elicit inner personal growth for those I help. As a clinician, I assist clients in being more self aware, managing emotions, and learning how to cope with life issues. I also address thought patterns and behaviors to increase insight. I use solution focused and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques to achieve this. I am passionate about helping people, and am determined to ensure that my clients experience a respectful, safe, and genuinely caring environment with me.
![Photo of Heather Nicolle Kuhl, PsyD, LMFT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/befb28ae-af7b-4901-b83f-1fd4223e9f7e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Does your child struggle at school socially, academically, or behaviorally? Does your child have difficulty focusing on schoolwork and finishing tasks in a timely manner? If you are a parent, is getting your child to do homework or chores a daily struggle and interfering with quality family time. Do you beat yourself up wondering, "What did I do wrong?" Or are you an adult who seems to forget important details or miss deadlines? Are time constraints at work or college overwhelming you and preventing you from doing your best? Do these difficulties affect your quality of life?
Does your child struggle at school socially, academically, or behaviorally? Does your child have difficulty focusing on schoolwork and finishing tasks in a timely manner? If you are a parent, is getting your child to do homework or chores a daily struggle and interfering with quality family time. Do you beat yourself up wondering, "What did I do wrong?" Or are you an adult who seems to forget important details or miss deadlines? Are time constraints at work or college overwhelming you and preventing you from doing your best? Do these difficulties affect your quality of life?
![Photo of Howard Chusid, EdD, LMHC, NCC, MAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb53e4be-e417-4cb6-816e-b736f8c43245/2/320x400.jpeg)
In the Hallandale office, we see school age children through elder adults and treat depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, kid's frustration with school and parent's frustration with kids. I also work with Family Mediation and Divorce, and parents who are having a hard time with each other. In both the Hallandale and Coral Springs office's, I focus on PTSD in veterans who are graduates of Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and other war torn areas, Trauma victims from many causes also benefit from using Reset Therapy.
In the Hallandale office, we see school age children through elder adults and treat depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, kid's frustration with school and parent's frustration with kids. I also work with Family Mediation and Divorce, and parents who are having a hard time with each other. In both the Hallandale and Coral Springs office's, I focus on PTSD in veterans who are graduates of Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and other war torn areas, Trauma victims from many causes also benefit from using Reset Therapy.
![Photo of Randolph Graham Russ - Randolph G Russ, Ph. D.,LMHC, Ph, D, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/475f1f16-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
It has been my pleasure to gain over 100,000 hours of clinical experience in helping individuals, couples, marriages, adolescents and children, in the field of psychotherapy. PLEASE, don't use a "rookie" to help you with these delicate issues. I am an excellent teacher and formerly taught as an adjunct professor of psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Please contact me and we can discuss your needs and how I might best meet them.
I primarily work with adolescents, children, singles, marriages and families. I am able to evaluate your situation and provide you with the skills to resolve your issues.
It has been my pleasure to gain over 100,000 hours of clinical experience in helping individuals, couples, marriages, adolescents and children, in the field of psychotherapy. PLEASE, don't use a "rookie" to help you with these delicate issues. I am an excellent teacher and formerly taught as an adjunct professor of psychology at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Please contact me and we can discuss your needs and how I might best meet them.
I primarily work with adolescents, children, singles, marriages and families. I am able to evaluate your situation and provide you with the skills to resolve your issues.
See more therapy options for Coral Springs
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Coral Springs
- Boca Raton
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- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Oakland Park
- Parkland
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Sunrise
- Tamarac
- Wilton Manors
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.