Autism Therapists in Lincoln Park, IL
![Photo of Zaraar Zahid, MA, LPC, CCTP, CCATP, ASDCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88ea83a5-9272-4881-a8bd-63d7bbb69bed/1/320x400.png)
Zaraar Zahid
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, CCATP, ASDCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP); a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP); and an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Difference) Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP); a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP); and an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Difference) Clinical Specialist (ASDCS).
I work with individuals and couples facing depression; stress; trauma; life transitions; social & generalized anxiety; neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD & Autism); family stressors; grief; relationship & intimacy issues; LGBTQIA+ individuals; and navigating life as an immigrant and/or person of color. I meet you where you are at. If you would like to know more about what this could mean for you, I encourage you to reach out to me for a free 15-minute consultation.
![Photo of Elizabeth Diaz, AM, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6571bee9-cd71-42de-b0c9-e4aa7a927d54/3/320x400.jpeg)
Waitlist of 2-3 months; immediate opening Tues 4pm. I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety (including performance anxiety), depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). I have experience working with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma, including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc. Additionally, I am trained in working with individuals who have adjustment disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and developmental disabilities and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
Waitlist of 2-3 months; immediate opening Tues 4pm. I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety (including performance anxiety), depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). I have experience working with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma, including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc. Additionally, I am trained in working with individuals who have adjustment disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and developmental disabilities and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
![Photo of Phoebe Caplin, LSW, PEL, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/752ceabf-3f8c-415a-b69e-323b8972ecc1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a range of individuals including adults, teens, and children. I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, folks with diagnosed or self-identified Autism/ADHD, and those navigating pregnancy/postpartum. Therapy with me is an affirming space for those in the kink and poly communities. I enjoy working with individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of their identity, are undergoing a life transition, or who want to understand how their past informs their present.
I work with a range of individuals including adults, teens, and children. I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, folks with diagnosed or self-identified Autism/ADHD, and those navigating pregnancy/postpartum. Therapy with me is an affirming space for those in the kink and poly communities. I enjoy working with individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of their identity, are undergoing a life transition, or who want to understand how their past informs their present.
![Photo of Ashley Merath - Carlson Counseling Connection, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0463cfa-0289-4184-9e25-eb500bdc4554/4/320x400.jpeg)
Carlson Counseling Connection
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614 (Online Only)
Are you going through life transitions? Difficulties with peer and/or romantic relationships? Are you lacking motivation? Struggling to cope and overcome your anxiety and/or depression? Or, are you someone diagnosed with Autism or ADHD? Have you experienced trauma or have low- self-esteem? We can work through it together!
Are you going through life transitions? Difficulties with peer and/or romantic relationships? Are you lacking motivation? Struggling to cope and overcome your anxiety and/or depression? Or, are you someone diagnosed with Autism or ADHD? Have you experienced trauma or have low- self-esteem? We can work through it together!
![Photo of Margret O'Reilly, PsyD, MA, LPC, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42bd4bcd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Margret O'Reilly received a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adler University-Chicago, (August 2014), an APA accredited program. She earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy from Adler University in (August 2009) and trained at The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Primary Care Psychology Associates where she worked in collaboration with Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group Pediatrics, and Adult Internal Medicine in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Margret O'Reilly received a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adler University-Chicago, (August 2014), an APA accredited program. She earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Art Therapy from Adler University in (August 2009) and trained at The University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Primary Care Psychology Associates where she worked in collaboration with Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group Pediatrics, and Adult Internal Medicine in Chicago, IL.
![Photo of Michel Rosenthal, LCPC, MA, Coach](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94e8183d-340f-4838-adab-15291bac2345/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michel Rosenthal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, Coach
Verified Verified
Lincoln Park, IL 60614 (Online Only)
I am a thoughtful, caring, therapist, with 25+ yrs experience helping people heal, enrich & stimulate their lives. Therapy relies on connection & the process of therapy. In these difficult times there's pervasive confusion & disappointment. Talking things through & exploring complicated feelings is essential. I can help articulate goals & make plans to help you feel fulfilled. Through the years I work with teens, adults, LGBTQ & straight couples, & groups. I also teach the Artist Way, about connecting with your creativity and finding your voice. In addition I do career counseling. I love my work and feel lucky to do what I do.
I am a thoughtful, caring, therapist, with 25+ yrs experience helping people heal, enrich & stimulate their lives. Therapy relies on connection & the process of therapy. In these difficult times there's pervasive confusion & disappointment. Talking things through & exploring complicated feelings is essential. I can help articulate goals & make plans to help you feel fulfilled. Through the years I work with teens, adults, LGBTQ & straight couples, & groups. I also teach the Artist Way, about connecting with your creativity and finding your voice. In addition I do career counseling. I love my work and feel lucky to do what I do.
![Photo of Rebecca Gronceski, (LPC), NCC, CTP, ADHD-SP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b87de5c5-8f46-44bf-a1b9-db446251eb2b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Gronceski
Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC), NCC, CTP, ADHD-SP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
I offer a space where we can explore and find functional approaches to concerns like anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss, ADHD, ASD, and interpersonal difficulties. My clients may be facing overwhelm, sadness, worry, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or burnout. If you are looking for an engaging therapist to work with you towards self-advocacy, growth, and healing, we will be a great fit.
I offer a space where we can explore and find functional approaches to concerns like anxiety, OCD, panic, depression, trauma, life transitions, loss, ADHD, ASD, and interpersonal difficulties. My clients may be facing overwhelm, sadness, worry, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, or burnout. If you are looking for an engaging therapist to work with you towards self-advocacy, growth, and healing, we will be a great fit.
![Photo of Ali King, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a0c583be-5155-4a3b-a5ce-ede40783b282/2/320x400.jpeg)
It is crucial to the human experience to feel validated for who we are — not for who we are trying to be or who we believe society expects us to be. When we are given the tools we need to embrace our true and authentic selves without shame or fear, we can live more openly, honestly, and freely. As a therapist, I strive to provide a warm, empathetic, understanding and fun atmosphere that allows clients to feel safe and fully accepted. Through an honest, direct, and nurturing approach, effective coping strategies can be discovered, values explored, and goals attained.
It is crucial to the human experience to feel validated for who we are — not for who we are trying to be or who we believe society expects us to be. When we are given the tools we need to embrace our true and authentic selves without shame or fear, we can live more openly, honestly, and freely. As a therapist, I strive to provide a warm, empathetic, understanding and fun atmosphere that allows clients to feel safe and fully accepted. Through an honest, direct, and nurturing approach, effective coping strategies can be discovered, values explored, and goals attained.
![Photo of Mi Row, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2998fedb-9b42-4a20-84c1-ac041369e0f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Everyone enters therapy with different goals. Whether a person is very clear on what they want to accomplish or still figuring things out, I encourage them to make choices at their own pace. I believe every person is the expert of their own experiences. I prioritize working with sick/mad/disabled, queer and trans people of color of all ages, but particularly late adolescents and emerging/young adults. I am affirming, sex and kink positive, and experienced in helping navigate poly & non-monogamous relationships. I also specialize in exploring and building skills/resources with neurodivergent individuals.
Everyone enters therapy with different goals. Whether a person is very clear on what they want to accomplish or still figuring things out, I encourage them to make choices at their own pace. I believe every person is the expert of their own experiences. I prioritize working with sick/mad/disabled, queer and trans people of color of all ages, but particularly late adolescents and emerging/young adults. I am affirming, sex and kink positive, and experienced in helping navigate poly & non-monogamous relationships. I also specialize in exploring and building skills/resources with neurodivergent individuals.
![Photo of Millie Huckabee - Sage Therapy, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9caf887a-c6c4-424b-96ce-96aaa6600777/1/320x400.png)
Sage Therapy was founded in October 2020 from a deep passion to create a supportive and reliable mental healthcare practice for all clients. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality therapy, regardless of their background or identity. We offer a comprehensive range of mental health services to clients of all ages, from kids and teens to adults of all identities. Our practitioners have experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns.
Sage Therapy was founded in October 2020 from a deep passion to create a supportive and reliable mental healthcare practice for all clients. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality therapy, regardless of their background or identity. We offer a comprehensive range of mental health services to clients of all ages, from kids and teens to adults of all identities. Our practitioners have experience working with a wide range of mental health concerns.
![Photo of Caitlin McQueen, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0fb39e4-3da5-41f4-8d76-7091ee5addcb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin McQueen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
Waitlist for new clients
Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life, no matter what we have experienced or where we may come from. Therapy can be a great place to explore your values, beliefs, and attitudes, and examine how you might reorient those concepts to align with your authentic self. My clients are the experts on their own lives, and I am here to facilitate your exploration of yourself, others, and your worldview to find meaning in life. I have worked in community mental health for six years, and I focus on trauma-informed care for those with complex trauma histories, specializing in complex trauma, grief, and existential concerns as a therapist.
Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life, no matter what we have experienced or where we may come from. Therapy can be a great place to explore your values, beliefs, and attitudes, and examine how you might reorient those concepts to align with your authentic self. My clients are the experts on their own lives, and I am here to facilitate your exploration of yourself, others, and your worldview to find meaning in life. I have worked in community mental health for six years, and I focus on trauma-informed care for those with complex trauma histories, specializing in complex trauma, grief, and existential concerns as a therapist.
15 Second Videos
Zaraar Zahid
Rebecca Gronceski
Jessica Heise
Eric C Mayer
![Photo of Jean Hausmann, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54515522-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Imagine a life where you can harness your strengths and find more joy in life. You may be a family struggling with stressors related to uncertainty and changes. Your child's school may have reached out to you to discuss concerns related to their academic and social emotional wellness. You may find yourself questioning your relationship with your child and wondering what their behaviors are telling you. It might be difficult to get up in the morning and stay present throughout the day. That ray of sunshine may feel like it's far in the distance. If so, I am here to help your child, teen, and family.
Imagine a life where you can harness your strengths and find more joy in life. You may be a family struggling with stressors related to uncertainty and changes. Your child's school may have reached out to you to discuss concerns related to their academic and social emotional wellness. You may find yourself questioning your relationship with your child and wondering what their behaviors are telling you. It might be difficult to get up in the morning and stay present throughout the day. That ray of sunshine may feel like it's far in the distance. If so, I am here to help your child, teen, and family.
![Photo of Jessica Heise, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7050cd0-7dcd-4ee1-8b5f-e0eeb1e1ceec/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Heise
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes we struggle with unhealthy patterns and feel lost or less able to cope. Our sessions are a safe place to process relationship issues, work on making changes, & acquire tools to deal with life's stressors. We store much of our emotional past within our physical bodies; together, we'll learn to release that energy using all 5 senses to become more present. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, sexuality and gender-affirming. Since 2009, I have worked with a diversity of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings and helped many of them take the steps to turn pain into growth and regain control of their lives.
Sometimes we struggle with unhealthy patterns and feel lost or less able to cope. Our sessions are a safe place to process relationship issues, work on making changes, & acquire tools to deal with life's stressors. We store much of our emotional past within our physical bodies; together, we'll learn to release that energy using all 5 senses to become more present. My therapy style is warm, collaborative, sexuality and gender-affirming. Since 2009, I have worked with a diversity of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings and helped many of them take the steps to turn pain into growth and regain control of their lives.
![Photo of Eric C Mayer, MSW, LSW, CAIP, ASDI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ebe1dd1-5349-4576-803e-820ed93b2742/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eric C Mayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW, CAIP, ASDI
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
I believe therapy is oriented at finding out something about you with you. Many of the struggles we experience are caused by responding to new life circumstances using past life experiences. During therapy we move with curiosity, exploring perspectives. We experiment giving ourself permission to feel deeper in an effort to bring focus to the present while honoring our past for brining us to this moment. Through this work, clients can challenge this "stuck” feeling and move toward leading fulfilling lives.
I believe therapy is oriented at finding out something about you with you. Many of the struggles we experience are caused by responding to new life circumstances using past life experiences. During therapy we move with curiosity, exploring perspectives. We experiment giving ourself permission to feel deeper in an effort to bring focus to the present while honoring our past for brining us to this moment. Through this work, clients can challenge this "stuck” feeling and move toward leading fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Matt Cleaver, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e68f6b7-4779-415d-968d-91c0171dbb42/5/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Cleaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lincoln Park, IL 60614
I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience and hold a master's in Social Work. I have a great deal of experience working with anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, school refusal, life transitions, step-down from higher levels of care (hospital or IOP/PHP are common) as well as working with folks on the spectrum/neurovariance. I provide, individual, family (however you define it) and relationship therapy with people of nearly all ages (min.6YO) as well as brief treatment for acute crises and custom treatment paths for people's unique needs..
I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience and hold a master's in Social Work. I have a great deal of experience working with anxiety, OCD, depression, PTSD, school refusal, life transitions, step-down from higher levels of care (hospital or IOP/PHP are common) as well as working with folks on the spectrum/neurovariance. I provide, individual, family (however you define it) and relationship therapy with people of nearly all ages (min.6YO) as well as brief treatment for acute crises and custom treatment paths for people's unique needs..
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Greg Stasi - North Shore Pediatric Therapy, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2a46e5c-a845-49cc-a5eb-d451755e0ddc/1/320x400.jpeg)
When it comes to autism, early intervention with therapies makes the biggest impact.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy has two neuropsychology testing centers, one in Naperville and the other out of our Des Plaines center! Our pediatric neuropsychologists include Dr. Greg Stasi, PhD (pronounced "Stacy") Dr. Rhiannon Law, PhD, and Dr. Angel David, PhD. We have an Autism Testing Clinic which was set up explicitly for children who have suspected autism spectrum disorder. Our ideal client is a child, as young as 15 months old, who has signs and symptoms of neurodevelopmental or developmental-behavioral needs!
When it comes to autism, early intervention with therapies makes the biggest impact.
North Shore Pediatric Therapy has two neuropsychology testing centers, one in Naperville and the other out of our Des Plaines center! Our pediatric neuropsychologists include Dr. Greg Stasi, PhD (pronounced "Stacy") Dr. Rhiannon Law, PhD, and Dr. Angel David, PhD. We have an Autism Testing Clinic which was set up explicitly for children who have suspected autism spectrum disorder. Our ideal client is a child, as young as 15 months old, who has signs and symptoms of neurodevelopmental or developmental-behavioral needs!
![Photo of Alexandra Smith, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/be3cc35d-a1a6-4971-8f04-0cb5aef5e70f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alexandra Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
As an autism therapist, my therapy modality is eclectic, and I mostly use therapy modalities like IFS (Internal Family Systems), narrative therapy, and strengths-based approaches.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of Illinois who works with neurodiverse teens, college students, young adults, adults, & couples. I specialize in working with clients who identify both as autistic & as a highly sensitive person (HSP). I have experience helping clients with premarital & marital problems (e.g., communication & trust issues, helping partners connect deeper with one another), blended family issues, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief & loss, various life transitions, & trauma.
As an autism therapist, my therapy modality is eclectic, and I mostly use therapy modalities like IFS (Internal Family Systems), narrative therapy, and strengths-based approaches.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of Illinois who works with neurodiverse teens, college students, young adults, adults, & couples. I specialize in working with clients who identify both as autistic & as a highly sensitive person (HSP). I have experience helping clients with premarital & marital problems (e.g., communication & trust issues, helping partners connect deeper with one another), blended family issues, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief & loss, various life transitions, & trauma.
![Photo of Jennifer Black, LCPC, LBS1, MSEd](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/753c33b9-c32e-40de-a8ec-3b0d99f3c80e/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Black
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LBS1, MSEd
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614 (Online Only)
Private Psychotherapist & Consultant, licensed as a clinical professional counselor and learning behavior specialist with 17+ years experience, serving people on the gifted, talented, twice-exceptional (2e), professional, public-figure, straight, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depressive, bipolar, obsessive, ethically non-monogamous, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent spectrums. If you (or someone you love) feel overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, depressed, misunderstood, fed up, sad, etc.—or you simply desire to work with a person who facilitates more optimal functioning and genuine wellbeing—then please call or email to check for an opening.
Private Psychotherapist & Consultant, licensed as a clinical professional counselor and learning behavior specialist with 17+ years experience, serving people on the gifted, talented, twice-exceptional (2e), professional, public-figure, straight, LGBTQIA+, anxiety, depressive, bipolar, obsessive, ethically non-monogamous, ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent spectrums. If you (or someone you love) feel overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, depressed, misunderstood, fed up, sad, etc.—or you simply desire to work with a person who facilitates more optimal functioning and genuine wellbeing—then please call or email to check for an opening.
![Photo of Ashley Coleman, LCPC, ATR, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34c97d90-be01-48e1-aec3-610fa457475e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Coleman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
Ashley’s therapeutic style is collaborative and person-centered, using a combination of art therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotion Focused Family Therapy, through a multicultural and trauma informed lens. Ashley specializes in anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, depression, general life stressors, and life transitions.
![Photo of Julia Howard, LCSW, CYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b151727e-5880-42a5-8cbb-06de5be6708e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60610
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical areas of specialty include neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, OCD) and those exploring it, anxiety, relationship challenges, career concerns, and perinatal mental health. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who face challenges related to these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.
My clinical areas of specialty include neurodivergence (e.g ADHD, Autism, OCD) and those exploring it, anxiety, relationship challenges, career concerns, and perinatal mental health. Some folks I work with also might describe themselves as sensitive, deep thinkers/feelers. As a neurodivergent woman myself, I feel passionate about working with clients who face challenges related to these areas. Overall, I often support clients in growing self-compassion, increasing self-awareness, living more aligned with their values, and in creating a life that feels sustainable and meaningful.
See more therapy options for Lincoln Park
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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.