Autism Therapists in Ewing, NJ

Photo of Sara Lewis, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sara Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08560  (Online Only)
I specialize in fostering healthy relationships and communication, anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQIA+.
I am a LCSW and certified School SW with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. The decision to ask for help takes courage and can be intimidating. My goal is to provide you with a safe, compassionate and accepting environment for you to comfortably share your thoughts and feelings. I will consistently engage and encourage you to do your best as we work together to develop your treatment plan and identify the important issues that have brought you to therapy.
I specialize in fostering healthy relationships and communication, anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQIA+.
I am a LCSW and certified School SW with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. The decision to ask for help takes courage and can be intimidating. My goal is to provide you with a safe, compassionate and accepting environment for you to comfortably share your thoughts and feelings. I will consistently engage and encourage you to do your best as we work together to develop your treatment plan and identify the important issues that have brought you to therapy.
(732) 838-9014 View (732) 838-9014
Photo of Keli Drew Lockhart - Dr. Lockhart's Therapeutic Wellness Center, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dr. Lockhart's Therapeutic Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08638  (Online Only)
As an African American psychologist, I work with people of all faiths, races and walks of life. As a Believer, I believe in the power of faith and therapy to help towards healing. It will be a blessing for me to help you on your journey.
As an African American psychologist, I work with people of all faiths, races and walks of life. As a Believer, I believe in the power of faith and therapy to help towards healing. It will be a blessing for me to help you on your journey.
(609) 710-9929 View (609) 710-9929
Photo of Cope With Life Transitions And Change - Chelsea Totaro, LCSW, MSW, CSSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cope With Life Transitions And Change - Chelsea Totaro
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, CSSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ewing, NJ 08618  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Chelsea. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with adults and teens and specialize in the needs of college students and young adults during times of transition. My therapeutic approach is centered on helping you explore the full spectrum of your emotions and experiences, fostering acceptance and self-compassion. I take a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnected aspects of one's experience. I hold 10 years experience helping people find healing and growth - supporting people with mood and anxiety disorders, navigating relationships, finding their voice, and learning to trust themselves.
Hi, I'm Chelsea. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with adults and teens and specialize in the needs of college students and young adults during times of transition. My therapeutic approach is centered on helping you explore the full spectrum of your emotions and experiences, fostering acceptance and self-compassion. I take a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnected aspects of one's experience. I hold 10 years experience helping people find healing and growth - supporting people with mood and anxiety disorders, navigating relationships, finding their voice, and learning to trust themselves.
(609) 293-4550 View (609) 293-4550
Photo of Paul L Russomanno, MA, LAC, Counselor
Paul L Russomanno
Counselor, MA, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ewing, NJ 08628
I work with older teenagers and adults experiencing conflict, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. Many of my clients are in transitional life phases when miscommunications and disagreements are most likely to emerge—especially with loved ones. I offer practical skills for communicating through conflict so clients can fully express themselves, feel understood, and use the situation as an opportunity to build the relationship.
I work with older teenagers and adults experiencing conflict, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues. Many of my clients are in transitional life phases when miscommunications and disagreements are most likely to emerge—especially with loved ones. I offer practical skills for communicating through conflict so clients can fully express themselves, feel understood, and use the situation as an opportunity to build the relationship.
(732) 538-9646 View (732) 538-9646
Photo of Dr. Chelece Atavia Brown, DSW, LSW
Dr. Chelece Atavia Brown
Licensed Social Worker , DSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08638
Hello! My name is Dr. Chelece-Atavia Brown, a Pre-Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for New Jersey and a certified facilitator in Teen Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Well-Being. I have experience in providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, couples, and groups. I assist high-achieving Black women and men with navigating life stressors. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between faith and mental health to increase an individual's quality of life.
Hello! My name is Dr. Chelece-Atavia Brown, a Pre-Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for New Jersey and a certified facilitator in Teen Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Well-Being. I have experience in providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, couples, and groups. I assist high-achieving Black women and men with navigating life stressors. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between faith and mental health to increase an individual's quality of life.
(609) 469-3433 View (609) 469-3433
Photo of Alaine Robertson-Ali, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alaine Robertson-Ali
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08638
I have 23 years of training and experience working with adults who struggle with low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and anger. I'm also very experienced with clients working on transitions such as going to college, new job, marriage, starting a family, a divorce, or coping with a past or recent trauma. I've worked for many years in drug treatment too. I think clients are looking for a way to gain insight and awareness of how challenges effect their thinking, and want to learn new skills to improve how they feel and function in the world.
I have 23 years of training and experience working with adults who struggle with low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and anger. I'm also very experienced with clients working on transitions such as going to college, new job, marriage, starting a family, a divorce, or coping with a past or recent trauma. I've worked for many years in drug treatment too. I think clients are looking for a way to gain insight and awareness of how challenges effect their thinking, and want to learn new skills to improve how they feel and function in the world.
(609) 798-7162 View (609) 798-7162
Photo of Patricia M G, LPCS, EdS-MFT, MA, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Patricia M G
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCS, EdS-MFT, MA, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ewing, NJ 08628
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and overly emotional? Trying to "fix" things on your own without success? Untreated, these feelings often lead to anxiety, depression, family conflict and increase stress; this prevents you from living your life to the fullest. Coping during stressful times requires talking to a compassionate professional who will treat you with dignity and respect. The goal of therapy is for each person to reach their highest potential in all areas of their lives. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing various emotional and psychological symptoms.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and overly emotional? Trying to "fix" things on your own without success? Untreated, these feelings often lead to anxiety, depression, family conflict and increase stress; this prevents you from living your life to the fullest. Coping during stressful times requires talking to a compassionate professional who will treat you with dignity and respect. The goal of therapy is for each person to reach their highest potential in all areas of their lives. I treat children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing various emotional and psychological symptoms.
(215) 839-1215 View (215) 839-1215
Photo of Kimberlee A McCollough, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberlee A McCollough
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08560
After graduating from Rider College with a Masters Degree in counseling I had the opportunity to work for Carrier Clinic in their Dual Diagnosis Unit. My responsibilities included conducting assessments for depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders and addiction. I developed curriculum for therapeutic groups and managed group therapists working in the program. Following that experienced I worked for an IOP (Intensive Out Patient that is were may times people go after an inpatient hospitalization) in Freehold, New Jersey handling individual and group therapy.
After graduating from Rider College with a Masters Degree in counseling I had the opportunity to work for Carrier Clinic in their Dual Diagnosis Unit. My responsibilities included conducting assessments for depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders and addiction. I developed curriculum for therapeutic groups and managed group therapists working in the program. Following that experienced I worked for an IOP (Intensive Out Patient that is were may times people go after an inpatient hospitalization) in Freehold, New Jersey handling individual and group therapy.
(609) 788-3018 View (609) 788-3018
Photo of Kaitlin Dias, MA, LPC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kaitlin Dias
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ewing, NJ 08618  (Online Only)
I am available to supervise an LAC. Please connect with me on beginning the journey towards your LPC!- I specialize in working with individuals who find that anxiety and depression are interfering with their quality of life. I also work with individuals who are experiencing issues with ADHD, communication inconsistencies, family and relationship dynamics, confidence/body image/self esteem. I am a hands on therapist as I like to end sessions with strategies and ideas to foster growth and confidence in what you’re working towards.
I am available to supervise an LAC. Please connect with me on beginning the journey towards your LPC!- I specialize in working with individuals who find that anxiety and depression are interfering with their quality of life. I also work with individuals who are experiencing issues with ADHD, communication inconsistencies, family and relationship dynamics, confidence/body image/self esteem. I am a hands on therapist as I like to end sessions with strategies and ideas to foster growth and confidence in what you’re working towards.
(908) 970-8863 View (908) 970-8863
Photo of Patricia Gunerman - Licensed Professional Counseling Services, LPC, EdS-MFT, MA, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EdS-MFT, MA, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08618
Reaching out to a professional takes courage. When struggles and unexpected challenges arise, it can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, OCD, and many other psychological and emotional symptoms. Sometimes stress leads to compulsive behaviors, including; over indulging in alcohol and substance misuse. We encourage self-exploration into the patterns that keep individuals stuck, and prevent them from moving forward. We help client's capitalize on their strengths to focus on reaching their highest potential.
Reaching out to a professional takes courage. When struggles and unexpected challenges arise, it can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, OCD, and many other psychological and emotional symptoms. Sometimes stress leads to compulsive behaviors, including; over indulging in alcohol and substance misuse. We encourage self-exploration into the patterns that keep individuals stuck, and prevent them from moving forward. We help client's capitalize on their strengths to focus on reaching their highest potential.
(267) 833-2425 View (267) 833-2425
Photo of Christina A Fantauzzo, PhD, Psychologist
Christina A Fantauzzo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ewing, NJ 08628
Not accepting new clients
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. They may be struggling with life transitions, dealing with anger or tantrum behaviors, or have problems focusing or paying attention. I encourage you to share your story through carefully guided questions and together we will explore the factors contributing to your struggles, work to uncover your personal strengths, and develop effective strategies to cope with stress. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, specializing in treating individuals with Anxiety and Mood Disorders, ADHD, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. They may be struggling with life transitions, dealing with anger or tantrum behaviors, or have problems focusing or paying attention. I encourage you to share your story through carefully guided questions and together we will explore the factors contributing to your struggles, work to uncover your personal strengths, and develop effective strategies to cope with stress. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, specializing in treating individuals with Anxiety and Mood Disorders, ADHD, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
(267) 202-0701 View (267) 202-0701

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Tricia L. Casey Psy.d, PsyD, MS, Psychologist
Tricia L. Casey Psy.d
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
My clinical experience includes work in hospital, clinical, school, and private practice settings, including Staff Psychologist and Autism Team leader at Children's Specialized Hospital in New Jersey, DBT therapist at Bellevue Hospital Center, Parent/Infant psychotherapy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and in public schools in New Jersey as a School Psychologist.
Look for the strength. In you. In your child. I can help. I am a Clinical and School Psychologist with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of issues, including: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, complex learning difficulties, social-emotional & behavioral difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders, and medical/neurological conditions. My strength-based approach to therapy and evaluations combines comprehensive assessment with evidenced-based interventions, and actionable recommendations. I offer individual and group therapy for children and adolescents, and individual therapy for adults.
My clinical experience includes work in hospital, clinical, school, and private practice settings, including Staff Psychologist and Autism Team leader at Children's Specialized Hospital in New Jersey, DBT therapist at Bellevue Hospital Center, Parent/Infant psychotherapy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and in public schools in New Jersey as a School Psychologist.
Look for the strength. In you. In your child. I can help. I am a Clinical and School Psychologist with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of issues, including: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, complex learning difficulties, social-emotional & behavioral difficulties, mood and anxiety disorders, and medical/neurological conditions. My strength-based approach to therapy and evaluations combines comprehensive assessment with evidenced-based interventions, and actionable recommendations. I offer individual and group therapy for children and adolescents, and individual therapy for adults.
(609) 528-2519 View (609) 528-2519
Photo of Lisa Kestler, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa Kestler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08541
I provide compassionate and inclusive care to individuals and families who may be struggling with mood or anxiety, social difficulties, or problems at home or school. I specialize in ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and Neurodiversity. I offer comprehensive care across the lifespan for a wide range of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. I am warm, direct, authentic, and passionate about my work. I am constantly inspired by my clients, young and old. I am deeply committed to recognizing and uplifting the unique strengths and diverse perspectives of each client I work with.
I provide compassionate and inclusive care to individuals and families who may be struggling with mood or anxiety, social difficulties, or problems at home or school. I specialize in ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pathological Demand Avoidance, and Neurodiversity. I offer comprehensive care across the lifespan for a wide range of psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. I am warm, direct, authentic, and passionate about my work. I am constantly inspired by my clients, young and old. I am deeply committed to recognizing and uplifting the unique strengths and diverse perspectives of each client I work with.
(732) 734-8841 View (732) 734-8841
Photo of Danielle Marie Sullivan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Marie Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with children and young adults with Autism, school-aged children and their families to support navigating times of stress, conflict, anger, anxiety and grief.
We all experience hardship. I believe that counseling is a powerful tool to help us navigate our daily journey and grow. In the midst of adversity, we can cultivate strength and reach goals that may seem impossible. I partner with clients to identify their needs and strategies to reach their goals. My role is to help identify and cultivate these strengths through focusing on skills such as communication, emotional regulation, coping, feeling identification and self-advocacy. I believe that each individual has personal strengths and each family system has strengths and resources to meet their needs and reach their goals.
I work with children and young adults with Autism, school-aged children and their families to support navigating times of stress, conflict, anger, anxiety and grief.
We all experience hardship. I believe that counseling is a powerful tool to help us navigate our daily journey and grow. In the midst of adversity, we can cultivate strength and reach goals that may seem impossible. I partner with clients to identify their needs and strategies to reach their goals. My role is to help identify and cultivate these strengths through focusing on skills such as communication, emotional regulation, coping, feeling identification and self-advocacy. I believe that each individual has personal strengths and each family system has strengths and resources to meet their needs and reach their goals.
(609) 360-4127 View (609) 360-4127
Photo of Yeimny Gaines, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Yeimny Gaines
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Do you feel like life is racing ahead, leaving you struggling to catch your breath? Recognizing the need for support can sometimes be a challenging task. As a licensed social worker, I bring over twenty years of expertise. My proficiency covers a wide range of areas, including autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, domestic violence, life transitions, trauma, social skills enhancement, stress management, communication improvement, relationship dynamics, and behavioral difficulties. My methods are rooted in compassion, cultural mindfulness, problem solving, and a dedication to nurturing positive outcomes.
Do you feel like life is racing ahead, leaving you struggling to catch your breath? Recognizing the need for support can sometimes be a challenging task. As a licensed social worker, I bring over twenty years of expertise. My proficiency covers a wide range of areas, including autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, domestic violence, life transitions, trauma, social skills enhancement, stress management, communication improvement, relationship dynamics, and behavioral difficulties. My methods are rooted in compassion, cultural mindfulness, problem solving, and a dedication to nurturing positive outcomes.
(609) 881-2253 View (609) 881-2253
Photo of Lauren Callahan, LSW, CTRS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Callahan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CTRS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
My experiences have led me to work with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, OCD, grief and loss, autism, disability, and various life transitions.
I am an eating disorder and body image therapist committed to supporting clients heal their relationships with food and their bodies. My approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-diet, and food and weight neutrality. I offer a compassionate, collaborative approach to help clients discover their self-worth and inherent ability to heal.
My experiences have led me to work with children, teens, and adults with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, OCD, grief and loss, autism, disability, and various life transitions.
I am an eating disorder and body image therapist committed to supporting clients heal their relationships with food and their bodies. My approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES), anti-diet, and food and weight neutrality. I offer a compassionate, collaborative approach to help clients discover their self-worth and inherent ability to heal.
(484) 443-0180 View (484) 443-0180
Photo of Marcus DeMott, MSW, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marcus DeMott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Trenton, NJ 08601
Experienced with LGBTQIA, trauma survivors, individuals with developmental, physical and/or learning disabilities, including Autism Spectrum and ADHD, as well as other mental health issues.
Way to go! Just by being here and looking on this site, you are talking the first steps to being your whole self. You should feel proud today for this! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of therapy experience, I work with clients to find ways through the struggles they are experiencing to reach a place of solace where they feel able to manage the pressures of life. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients create lasting changes, and not just “Band-Aid” solutions.
Experienced with LGBTQIA, trauma survivors, individuals with developmental, physical and/or learning disabilities, including Autism Spectrum and ADHD, as well as other mental health issues.
Way to go! Just by being here and looking on this site, you are talking the first steps to being your whole self. You should feel proud today for this! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of therapy experience, I work with clients to find ways through the struggles they are experiencing to reach a place of solace where they feel able to manage the pressures of life. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients create lasting changes, and not just “Band-Aid” solutions.
(609) 219-1600 View (609) 219-1600
Photo of Jonathan H. Mack, PsyD , ABN, FACPN, Psychologist
Jonathan H. Mack
Psychologist, PsyD , ABN, FACPN
Verified Verified
Pennington, NJ 08534
Our practice specializes in neuropsychological and psychological assessment for learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, traumatic brain injury and medical legal and forensic assessment, including child custody, fitness for duty and psychological and neuropsychological damages evaluations. We also specialize in treatment of PTSD, anxiety, dissociative disorders and traumatic brain injury. As well as testing we do psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, EMDR, cognitive rehabilitation, and medical referral as appropriate and as needed.
Our practice specializes in neuropsychological and psychological assessment for learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, traumatic brain injury and medical legal and forensic assessment, including child custody, fitness for duty and psychological and neuropsychological damages evaluations. We also specialize in treatment of PTSD, anxiety, dissociative disorders and traumatic brain injury. As well as testing we do psychotherapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, EMDR, cognitive rehabilitation, and medical referral as appropriate and as needed.
(609) 554-1237 View (609) 554-1237
Photo of Cledicianne Dorvil, PsyD, Psychologist
Cledicianne Dorvil
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, NJ 08610
I work with children and adolescents displaying various cognitive, learning, and behavioral difficulties including: Autism, learning disability, memory problems, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Trauma, Conduct Disorder, Anger problems, and other childhood psychopathologies as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.
I am a multilingual (Haitian Creole, French, English ) psychologist licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania (PSYPACT). I have provided direct service in multiple settings including working as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, behavior modification specialist, and crisis counselor. I also conduct cognitive, personality, neuropsychological, and risk assessments of children and adolescents. My work also extends to adults with trauma histories, severe mental illness, and legal issues. My approach to therapy is tailored to an individual's presenting needs.
I work with children and adolescents displaying various cognitive, learning, and behavioral difficulties including: Autism, learning disability, memory problems, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Trauma, Conduct Disorder, Anger problems, and other childhood psychopathologies as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.
I am a multilingual (Haitian Creole, French, English ) psychologist licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania (PSYPACT). I have provided direct service in multiple settings including working as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, behavior modification specialist, and crisis counselor. I also conduct cognitive, personality, neuropsychological, and risk assessments of children and adolescents. My work also extends to adults with trauma histories, severe mental illness, and legal issues. My approach to therapy is tailored to an individual's presenting needs.
(609) 642-1475 View (609) 642-1475
Photo of Marisa Lutz, LAMFT, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marisa Lutz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LAMFT, LSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08544
My ideal client is grappling with a multitude of challenges and seeking support in their therapeutic journey. This client's primary concerns revolve around the quest to discover their authentic self and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. A devoted parent they are navigating the complexities of raising a child diagnosed with autism, adding an extra layer of responsibility and emotional weight to their daily life. Central to the client's therapeutic goals is the desire to unearth the positive aspects of their life. They're eager to shift their focus from challenges to blessings, fostering resilience and a sense of gratitude.
My ideal client is grappling with a multitude of challenges and seeking support in their therapeutic journey. This client's primary concerns revolve around the quest to discover their authentic self and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. A devoted parent they are navigating the complexities of raising a child diagnosed with autism, adding an extra layer of responsibility and emotional weight to their daily life. Central to the client's therapeutic goals is the desire to unearth the positive aspects of their life. They're eager to shift their focus from challenges to blessings, fostering resilience and a sense of gratitude.
(609) 905-5552 View (609) 905-5552
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.