Autism Therapists in Sandy Springs, GA
![Photo of Mark D Moncino - Georgia Ctr for Autism & Developmental Pediatrics, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d201bb3c-ecde-45de-9cd8-ba35cd7d7e26/2/320x400.jpeg)
GCADP is a medical practice providing comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric medical evaluations, ongoing care, & support for children & teens. Dr. Moncino also provides evaluations & ongoing care for adults w/ suspected or previously diagnosed ASD or ADD/ADHD. Dr. Moncino brings decades of experience as a board-certified pediatrician to care for those in need, help identify & treat weakness, & build on their strengths. He develops a comprehensive plan grounded in evidence-based medicine to help the individual & their family. The GCADP web site outlines his philosophy & contact info.
GCADP is a medical practice providing comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Developmental-Behavioral Pediatric medical evaluations, ongoing care, & support for children & teens. Dr. Moncino also provides evaluations & ongoing care for adults w/ suspected or previously diagnosed ASD or ADD/ADHD. Dr. Moncino brings decades of experience as a board-certified pediatrician to care for those in need, help identify & treat weakness, & build on their strengths. He develops a comprehensive plan grounded in evidence-based medicine to help the individual & their family. The GCADP web site outlines his philosophy & contact info.
![Photo of Mark Daniel Moncino, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b2de3f8-5a86-4549-a8e4-d9f409926830/2/320x400.jpeg)
Too often, adults with known or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADD/ADHD have not had a place to go to find an experienced physician to provide evaluation, guidance, and comprehensive care.
The Georgia Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics (GCADP) is a medical practice now providing comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & ADHD/ADD evaluations and ongoing care and management to adult patients. Dr. Moncino now brings his decades of experience as a board-certified pediatrician to care for those adults with known or suspected ADD/ADHD or ASD. Working collaboratively with you, he will assess, diagnose and develop a comprehensive treatment plan grounded in evidence-based medicine to help address weaknesses and build on strengths. The GCADP web site outlines his philosophy & contact info.
Too often, adults with known or suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADD/ADHD have not had a place to go to find an experienced physician to provide evaluation, guidance, and comprehensive care.
The Georgia Center for Autism and Developmental Pediatrics (GCADP) is a medical practice now providing comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & ADHD/ADD evaluations and ongoing care and management to adult patients. Dr. Moncino now brings his decades of experience as a board-certified pediatrician to care for those adults with known or suspected ADD/ADHD or ASD. Working collaboratively with you, he will assess, diagnose and develop a comprehensive treatment plan grounded in evidence-based medicine to help address weaknesses and build on strengths. The GCADP web site outlines his philosophy & contact info.
![Photo of Elizabeth Nallenweg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4c43e66-437a-4231-a5a4-e9be87696885/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Nallenweg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Online Only)
My name is Elizabeth, and I a proud LCSW, Mom and cat owner. My primary clinical background is in working with children and adults with Autism, ADHD and other neurobehavioral diagnoses. I also enjoy working with clients across the spectrum and beyond on treatment of anxiety and depression. I am an outside of the box thinker who enjoys learning what motivates my clients and makes them unique so that we can collaborate together and set realistic goals. I love helping people find and nurture their best selves.
My name is Elizabeth, and I a proud LCSW, Mom and cat owner. My primary clinical background is in working with children and adults with Autism, ADHD and other neurobehavioral diagnoses. I also enjoy working with clients across the spectrum and beyond on treatment of anxiety and depression. I am an outside of the box thinker who enjoys learning what motivates my clients and makes them unique so that we can collaborate together and set realistic goals. I love helping people find and nurture their best selves.
![Photo of Dr. Erinisha L. Johnson, PhD, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8c6bd4e-34f8-4380-a7c3-a2fcec90dd8b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Erinisha L. Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
I specialize in Autism, as well as other obstacles such as depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling stressed, uncertain, anxious, and overwhelmed by daily stressors or life transitions? Maybe you are experiencing emotional stressors, social deficits, or connection/relationship difficulties? My goal as a therapist is to help you develop a creative plan to learn and implement coping skills to overcome these struggles. I treat clients from all walks of life and of all ages. I treat a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, depression, grief, anger, work or school issues, relationship issues, trauma, parenting, behavioral issues, and marital issues including divorce.
I specialize in Autism, as well as other obstacles such as depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling stressed, uncertain, anxious, and overwhelmed by daily stressors or life transitions? Maybe you are experiencing emotional stressors, social deficits, or connection/relationship difficulties? My goal as a therapist is to help you develop a creative plan to learn and implement coping skills to overcome these struggles. I treat clients from all walks of life and of all ages. I treat a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, depression, grief, anger, work or school issues, relationship issues, trauma, parenting, behavioral issues, and marital issues including divorce.
![Photo of Sara Mahan, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be4504d-99ec-4174-8600-b110bf040c37/2/320x400.jpeg)
I completed my predoctoral and postdoctoral experiences at Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine.
For toddlers, children, and teenagers, I provide testing (psychological or psychoeducational) and therapy for a range of presenting concerns such as neurodevelopmental (such as ASD, ADHD), anxiety, academic, problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-hitting/biting, stereotypies), and more. I use results of testing to inform therapy which is individualized to best meet the needs of your child and family. I have a specialty working with toddlers, children, caregivers, and people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Intellectual Disabilities for testing and therapy.
I completed my predoctoral and postdoctoral experiences at Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine.
For toddlers, children, and teenagers, I provide testing (psychological or psychoeducational) and therapy for a range of presenting concerns such as neurodevelopmental (such as ASD, ADHD), anxiety, academic, problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-hitting/biting, stereotypies), and more. I use results of testing to inform therapy which is individualized to best meet the needs of your child and family. I have a specialty working with toddlers, children, caregivers, and people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Intellectual Disabilities for testing and therapy.
![Photo of Brittany Hewitt, MA, LPC, ACS, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72c2165c-1ad9-47dd-b8e7-0e5c4c4363a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Hewitt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS, CPCS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (Online Only)
Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, binge eating, autism: my goal is for you to make significant breakthoughs!.
Everything might look OK on the outside. But inside, it feels like you're falling apart. You want to be optimistic and fun. You want to be a good partner, mom, friend, daughter, or sister. But everything seems so hard and you just don't feel like yourself. Perhaps it started with a loss - like a tough breakup or a death. Perhaps you struggle to find peace with your relationship with food and with your body. Maybe you feel like you've struggled your whole life, always feeling different in a world that feels like it wasn't made for your brain. You just want some support from someone who understands.
Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, binge eating, autism: my goal is for you to make significant breakthoughs!.
Everything might look OK on the outside. But inside, it feels like you're falling apart. You want to be optimistic and fun. You want to be a good partner, mom, friend, daughter, or sister. But everything seems so hard and you just don't feel like yourself. Perhaps it started with a loss - like a tough breakup or a death. Perhaps you struggle to find peace with your relationship with food and with your body. Maybe you feel like you've struggled your whole life, always feeling different in a world that feels like it wasn't made for your brain. You just want some support from someone who understands.
![Photo of Christal L. Brown, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/049f79ea-fae9-44bf-b5b3-88bf728119df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christal L. Brown
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30350 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with clients with developmental diagnoses such as Autism and ADHD.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, discouraged or uncertain of what to do? Unfortunately, that's part of the human experience some times. I take pleasure in helping individuals and parents navigate through difficult situations. However, you are the expert on yourself and your family! I will partner with you to offer insight, guidance and support as you discover the tools that will empower you to create the life of your choice. My counseling approach is to provide a fun, safe, warm, inviting, genuine, nonjudgmental zone to promote self-love, healing, growth and self-discovery.
I specialize in working with clients with developmental diagnoses such as Autism and ADHD.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, discouraged or uncertain of what to do? Unfortunately, that's part of the human experience some times. I take pleasure in helping individuals and parents navigate through difficult situations. However, you are the expert on yourself and your family! I will partner with you to offer insight, guidance and support as you discover the tools that will empower you to create the life of your choice. My counseling approach is to provide a fun, safe, warm, inviting, genuine, nonjudgmental zone to promote self-love, healing, growth and self-discovery.
![Photo of Joshua D Cushing, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acfa7ff4-7cce-49d4-8512-a8268e24521b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joshua D Cushing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30327
I have a unique skill set working with the Autism Spectrum Disorder population and addictions with other various behavioral issues.
I began my career path in Exercise and Sport Science and felt the need to change course to mental health when I first started working with the Autism population in Utah. Later, I received my Masters in Social Work at the University of South Carolina. My specialty areas include guiding clients to recovery from trauma, compulsive pornography and sex addiction recovery, healing betrayal trauma, and treating OCD, PTSD, and depression and anxiety.
I have a unique skill set working with the Autism Spectrum Disorder population and addictions with other various behavioral issues.
I began my career path in Exercise and Sport Science and felt the need to change course to mental health when I first started working with the Autism population in Utah. Later, I received my Masters in Social Work at the University of South Carolina. My specialty areas include guiding clients to recovery from trauma, compulsive pornography and sex addiction recovery, healing betrayal trauma, and treating OCD, PTSD, and depression and anxiety.
![Photo of Kanishka Patel, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fce8f0e8-87d2-4fe8-bc51-2218275a2bb3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kanishka Patel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30338
Waitlist for new clients
Looking for support in life? Someone who takes your identity and culture into consideration to provide culturally competent care? I am dedicated to providing support to you in navigating the challenges in life. I love working with adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and their families to support communication, self-esteem, and life transitions. I'm experienced in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, college support, life transitions, "adulting," forming healthy relationships/boundary setting, & autism. I am familiar with working in family counseling supporting and aligning each individual.
Looking for support in life? Someone who takes your identity and culture into consideration to provide culturally competent care? I am dedicated to providing support to you in navigating the challenges in life. I love working with adolescents, teenagers, young adults, and their families to support communication, self-esteem, and life transitions. I'm experienced in working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, college support, life transitions, "adulting," forming healthy relationships/boundary setting, & autism. I am familiar with working in family counseling supporting and aligning each individual.
![Photo of Taylor Trussell, LPC, CAS, CCTP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fcba9c7-16cf-4dba-9831-bd41e152a4c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling stuck? In your job? In your relationship? In life in general? Maybe you know your goals but can't move forward. Maybe you're unsure of even where to start with goal setting. Maybe you can't figure out why you're stuck. Or maybe you see what's keeping you stuck and know you need to do something--but aren't sure what.
Are you feeling stuck? In your job? In your relationship? In life in general? Maybe you know your goals but can't move forward. Maybe you're unsure of even where to start with goal setting. Maybe you can't figure out why you're stuck. Or maybe you see what's keeping you stuck and know you need to do something--but aren't sure what.
![Photo of Theresa M Westfall, MS, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dedfc4fe-b519-453c-8ae1-99a67e03221e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling disconnected from the people around you? Frustrated with problematic behaviors that you cannot seem to change? Tired of being paralyzed and held back by anxiety? Counseling can be an opportunity to enrich your life, gain deeper personal understanding, and make meaningful changes. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I can work with you to reach your goals in a way that empowers and instills hope. Together we can find the tools that work best for your life, so that you can continue to experience progress, peace, and fulfillment long after the counseling relationship has come to a close.
Are you feeling disconnected from the people around you? Frustrated with problematic behaviors that you cannot seem to change? Tired of being paralyzed and held back by anxiety? Counseling can be an opportunity to enrich your life, gain deeper personal understanding, and make meaningful changes. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and collaborative. I can work with you to reach your goals in a way that empowers and instills hope. Together we can find the tools that work best for your life, so that you can continue to experience progress, peace, and fulfillment long after the counseling relationship has come to a close.
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![Photo of Brittany Griffin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f73e8c90-ac9b-416d-bb08-2e24b4d1913c/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a neuropsychologist, I aim to incorporate total wellness. I encourage my clients to utilizing psychotherapy while simultaneously working on improving nutrition and exercise. My focus is on providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan based on your goals. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities including psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness meditation.
As a neuropsychologist, I aim to incorporate total wellness. I encourage my clients to utilizing psychotherapy while simultaneously working on improving nutrition and exercise. My focus is on providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan based on your goals. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities including psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness meditation.
![Photo of Natalie Stadnick-Uhl, MDiv, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e441714-48ed-43c4-9b7f-fae1771fc6ea/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie Stadnick-Uhl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Slogging through the challenges of a chronic illness? Frustrated that your colleagues or friends seem to "have it all together" and you're just hanging in there? Or, maybe you've recently discovered that you or your child is neurodiverse.
Slogging through the challenges of a chronic illness? Frustrated that your colleagues or friends seem to "have it all together" and you're just hanging in there? Or, maybe you've recently discovered that you or your child is neurodiverse.
![Photo of Michel Bordeau, MA, LCSW, FNC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0b15d93-14a3-49de-ab63-140a8b72e9e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michel Bordeau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW, FNC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30327
My name is Michel Bordeau and in addition to being a Clinical Social Worker, I am a Functional Nutrition Coach. I approach anxiety and stress management from an integrative and holistic perspective. Working together we will address the root causes of your worries. Self-belief and self-confidence are significant factors of anxiety, but so are sleeping, eating, and exercising habits, as well as the impact of relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and with one’s environment.
My name is Michel Bordeau and in addition to being a Clinical Social Worker, I am a Functional Nutrition Coach. I approach anxiety and stress management from an integrative and holistic perspective. Working together we will address the root causes of your worries. Self-belief and self-confidence are significant factors of anxiety, but so are sleeping, eating, and exercising habits, as well as the impact of relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and with one’s environment.
![Photo of Tatiana Matthews, MS, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29b8185e-7194-4e60-abd5-435671f03c47/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tatiana Matthews
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
My experience is extensive in the areas of mood, emotional regulation, trauma, ADHD/ASD, executive functioning, addictions, co-dependency, and adolescent challenges. I address mind, body, family systems, vocation, academics, hobbies and spirituality simultaneously. A Christian perspective can be integrated upon request. I am client-centered and develop a series of interventions that are challenging without being shaming. I have 26 years of experience sharing hope, humor (I often laugh with my client's in session) and professionalism. References from physicians, schools or other professionals area available per request.
My experience is extensive in the areas of mood, emotional regulation, trauma, ADHD/ASD, executive functioning, addictions, co-dependency, and adolescent challenges. I address mind, body, family systems, vocation, academics, hobbies and spirituality simultaneously. A Christian perspective can be integrated upon request. I am client-centered and develop a series of interventions that are challenging without being shaming. I have 26 years of experience sharing hope, humor (I often laugh with my client's in session) and professionalism. References from physicians, schools or other professionals area available per request.
![Photo of Armann Fenger, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4394049d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Armann Fenger
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Let's start the journey of of living a happier, healthier, and make more memories by TALK IT OUT, not TOUGH IT OUT. Contact me today so we can get started.
Let's start the journey of of living a happier, healthier, and make more memories by TALK IT OUT, not TOUGH IT OUT. Contact me today so we can get started.
![Photo of Leslie Perez - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b949eb-dd87-48d2-8853-eadb282100a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (Online Only)
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
![Photo of Karen Kallis, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d5574df-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that we are all resilient to overcome difficult circumstances. Sometimes we need help in reclaiming those skills and finding new understanding to function in our environment. I am grateful to work with children,adolescents, and adults with their life challenges. I am dedicated to help you feel empowered by applying new skills . We will work together to discover a meaningful belonging in your environment; overcome feelings of inferiority; and learn new strategies that benefit you. I help you to feel a more genuine connection to yourself and others through compassionate acceptance and reframing negative thoughts to create more positive choices.
I believe that we are all resilient to overcome difficult circumstances. Sometimes we need help in reclaiming those skills and finding new understanding to function in our environment. I am grateful to work with children,adolescents, and adults with their life challenges. I am dedicated to help you feel empowered by applying new skills . We will work together to discover a meaningful belonging in your environment; overcome feelings of inferiority; and learn new strategies that benefit you. I help you to feel a more genuine connection to yourself and others through compassionate acceptance and reframing negative thoughts to create more positive choices.
![Photo of Counseling Services of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d3f4cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
![Photo of Amy Shapiro, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25192dd0-aca7-4900-a709-cd008fad19fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a warm and compassionate mental health professional with over 25 years of experience. I work to create a safe relationship as you seek healing and insight. If you are struggling with mental health or interpersonal problems but find it difficult to speak with a therapist, I am here for you.
I am a warm and compassionate mental health professional with over 25 years of experience. I work to create a safe relationship as you seek healing and insight. If you are struggling with mental health or interpersonal problems but find it difficult to speak with a therapist, I am here for you.
See more therapy options for Sandy Springs
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Sandy Springs
- Atlanta
- Avondale Estates
- Brookhaven
- Chamblee
- Decatur
- Dunwoody
- Mableton
- Marietta
- Peachtree Corners
- Roswell
- Smyrna
- Tucker
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.