Autism Therapists in Morristown, NJ

Photo of Danielle Amaya, LAC, Counselor
Danielle Amaya
Counselor, LAC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
My target populations are children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about assisting these individuals to overcome struggles that commonly occur within these periods of development such as anxiety, depression, mood regulation, stress management, adjustment, school avoidance, and oppositional defiance. I help my clients to develop coping skills, build resilience, and engage in social skills training. I take into account the frequent co-morbidity between the aforementioned concerns and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other various Learning/Developmental Disabilities.
My target populations are children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about assisting these individuals to overcome struggles that commonly occur within these periods of development such as anxiety, depression, mood regulation, stress management, adjustment, school avoidance, and oppositional defiance. I help my clients to develop coping skills, build resilience, and engage in social skills training. I take into account the frequent co-morbidity between the aforementioned concerns and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and other various Learning/Developmental Disabilities.
(973) 604-4254 View (973) 604-4254
Photo of Melissa Parrish, LAC, ASDI, Counselor
Melissa Parrish
Counselor, LAC, ASDI
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
I specialize in children, grief, Autism, ADHD, anxiety, loss & life transitions.
Taking the step to reach out to a therapist takes courage, so I appreciate your willingness and desire to start therapy, increase support, and make healthy changes in your life. My primary goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you. We will navigate your journey together in that space, starting where you are now and collaborating on future goals. Utilizing a person-centered approach, you’ll begin to unlock skills you have within, develop new ones, and strengthen your overall coping strategies and mental health.
I specialize in children, grief, Autism, ADHD, anxiety, loss & life transitions.
Taking the step to reach out to a therapist takes courage, so I appreciate your willingness and desire to start therapy, increase support, and make healthy changes in your life. My primary goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for you. We will navigate your journey together in that space, starting where you are now and collaborating on future goals. Utilizing a person-centered approach, you’ll begin to unlock skills you have within, develop new ones, and strengthen your overall coping strategies and mental health.
(973) 604-8197 View (973) 604-8197
Photo of Jennifer Harris - COR Behavioral Group, MS, BCBA, LBA
COR Behavioral Group
MS, BCBA, LBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
COR Behavioral Group Specializes in treating Autism and other disorders that affect behavior. Using the principles of applied behavior analysis, or ABA. We travel to your home to deliver effective, lasting, treatment. To ensure the best chances of success we offer in home service in NJ, statewide, and large regions of PA/NY/MO/FL. PLEASE NOTE: although I am happy to treat a wide range of behavioral issues, I can only bill insurance for Autism at present. All others will be out of pocket. We also offer full day, center based services in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
COR Behavioral Group Specializes in treating Autism and other disorders that affect behavior. Using the principles of applied behavior analysis, or ABA. We travel to your home to deliver effective, lasting, treatment. To ensure the best chances of success we offer in home service in NJ, statewide, and large regions of PA/NY/MO/FL. PLEASE NOTE: although I am happy to treat a wide range of behavioral issues, I can only bill insurance for Autism at present. All others will be out of pocket. We also offer full day, center based services in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
(201) 285-2081 View (201) 285-2081
Photo of Caitlin Northern, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caitlin Northern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Caitlin is a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience who is dedicated to help guide you on your journey to healing and personal growth. She specializes in helping children, adults, and families to not only address issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral problems (child/teen), and autism, but to find their overall path towards happiness and well-being. Her expertise further extends to complex trauma and loss with a deep understanding of attachment-related issues. Her understanding of Child and Family Studies makes her exceptionally well-prepared to address issues at the individual and environmental levels.
Caitlin is a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience who is dedicated to help guide you on your journey to healing and personal growth. She specializes in helping children, adults, and families to not only address issues like anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, behavioral problems (child/teen), and autism, but to find their overall path towards happiness and well-being. Her expertise further extends to complex trauma and loss with a deep understanding of attachment-related issues. Her understanding of Child and Family Studies makes her exceptionally well-prepared to address issues at the individual and environmental levels.
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Photo of Christine Peters, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Christine has over 10 years of therapy experience, utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other approaches. She received her degree from New York University and is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, phobias, panic, anger, stress, insomnia, ADHD, autism, developmental delays, and work/home/school issues.
Christine has over 10 years of therapy experience, utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other approaches. She received her degree from New York University and is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults for a variety of issues. These include depression, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, phobias, panic, anger, stress, insomnia, ADHD, autism, developmental delays, and work/home/school issues.
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Photo of Roni Zarbiv - Roni Zarbiv, LCSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roni Zarbiv, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Having developed an expertise in the fields of Mental Health, Chemical Dependence and Intellectual - Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), enables me to provide to my clients with specialized counseling and evaluations, including psycho-sexual assessment and counseling for individuals within the I/DD and ASD diagnosis.
Are you experiencing excessive worry, anxiety and/or depression? Are you dealing with other issues such as chemical abuse, behavioral challenges that adversely impact your life? Welcome and greetings to you for taking an important step in addressing your emotional wellness needs. Seeking professional help is an important step on your road to wellness. With more than 30 years of clinical experience in the field of Behavioral Health, Addictions and Intellectual-Developmental Disabilities, I have a proven record of success providing individuals, couples and family counseling to adolescents and adults in a warm, welcoming and engaging environment.
Having developed an expertise in the fields of Mental Health, Chemical Dependence and Intellectual - Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), enables me to provide to my clients with specialized counseling and evaluations, including psycho-sexual assessment and counseling for individuals within the I/DD and ASD diagnosis.
Are you experiencing excessive worry, anxiety and/or depression? Are you dealing with other issues such as chemical abuse, behavioral challenges that adversely impact your life? Welcome and greetings to you for taking an important step in addressing your emotional wellness needs. Seeking professional help is an important step on your road to wellness. With more than 30 years of clinical experience in the field of Behavioral Health, Addictions and Intellectual-Developmental Disabilities, I have a proven record of success providing individuals, couples and family counseling to adolescents and adults in a warm, welcoming and engaging environment.
(201) 602-0988 View (201) 602-0988
Photo of Beth Mazzarella, MA, BCBA
Beth Mazzarella
MA, BCBA
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
Families of children with autism, developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges may find themselves frustrated and exhausted as they try to manage their child's behavior, or just try to enjoy a calm, harmonious day to day life. They may find the traditional parenting tricks seem to make things worse, or just don't seem to apply to their child.
Families of children with autism, developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges may find themselves frustrated and exhausted as they try to manage their child's behavior, or just try to enjoy a calm, harmonious day to day life. They may find the traditional parenting tricks seem to make things worse, or just don't seem to apply to their child.
(973) 604-8070 View (973) 604-8070
Photo of Benjamin Camargo, MS, LAC, Counselor
Benjamin Camargo
Counselor, MS, LAC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
With experience working in hospitals, clinics, schools, and substance abuse facilities, I have experience treating various disorders, specifically, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, substance abuse, parenting, and co-occurring disorders.
Seeking therapy can be intimidating. However, initiating steps to change your life with therapeutic support can elicit magical results. I tailor my approach based on your presentation and desires. Perhaps you don’t know what you want? I can help you. Tried therapy before and it “didn’t work”? Have another try, and I will show you how therapy is an investment in yourself. Ultimately, my goal is to create a comfortable therapeutic environment for you and your family to feel emotionally safe to explore your fears, desires, trauma, and patterns of maladaptive thinking and behavior that prevent you from achieving your goals.
With experience working in hospitals, clinics, schools, and substance abuse facilities, I have experience treating various disorders, specifically, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, substance abuse, parenting, and co-occurring disorders.
Seeking therapy can be intimidating. However, initiating steps to change your life with therapeutic support can elicit magical results. I tailor my approach based on your presentation and desires. Perhaps you don’t know what you want? I can help you. Tried therapy before and it “didn’t work”? Have another try, and I will show you how therapy is an investment in yourself. Ultimately, my goal is to create a comfortable therapeutic environment for you and your family to feel emotionally safe to explore your fears, desires, trauma, and patterns of maladaptive thinking and behavior that prevent you from achieving your goals.
(973) 406-4405 View (973) 406-4405
Photo of Marisa Lutz, LAMFT, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Marisa Lutz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LAMFT, LSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
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.
(973) 791-6280 View (973) 791-6280
Photo of Vanessa Morgenthaler, MA, LPC, SAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vanessa Morgenthaler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients on many issues (life is complicated!) with a special focus on anxiety, depression, and helping folks identify and understand neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism).
Productive therapy starts by building a genuine connection. I enjoy helping clients to better understand and navigate stressors while building resilience, self-awareness & self-sufficiency. I am a firm believer of therapy being what you need it to be, and don't believe that therapy has to last forever.
I work with clients on many issues (life is complicated!) with a special focus on anxiety, depression, and helping folks identify and understand neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism).
Productive therapy starts by building a genuine connection. I enjoy helping clients to better understand and navigate stressors while building resilience, self-awareness & self-sufficiency. I am a firm believer of therapy being what you need it to be, and don't believe that therapy has to last forever.
(973) 874-1428 View (973) 874-1428
Photo of Jonathan H. Mack, PsyD , ABN, FACPN, Psychologist
Jonathan H. Mack
Psychologist, PsyD , ABN, FACPN
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
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 Allyn Ruth Sitjar, MA, RDT, LCAT, Art Therapist
Allyn Ruth Sitjar
Art Therapist, MA, RDT, LCAT
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
As a licensed creative arts therapist (drama, art, music, movement, play. creative writing) my skills are especially suitable for clients who have been through levels of trauma (domestic violence, divorce, dating abuse, PTSD, grief and loss, depression, self-harm, anxiety. etc.). In addition, I work with high-functioning kids/teens on the autism spectrum. I have found that the visual and physical work of role-playing, scene-work, improvisation, simple drawings, and video work increases their skills to recognize facial cues and feelings. Through play, these clients build self-esteem, social skills, deepen their emotional range and gain empathy.
As a licensed creative arts therapist (drama, art, music, movement, play. creative writing) my skills are especially suitable for clients who have been through levels of trauma (domestic violence, divorce, dating abuse, PTSD, grief and loss, depression, self-harm, anxiety. etc.). In addition, I work with high-functioning kids/teens on the autism spectrum. I have found that the visual and physical work of role-playing, scene-work, improvisation, simple drawings, and video work increases their skills to recognize facial cues and feelings. Through play, these clients build self-esteem, social skills, deepen their emotional range and gain empathy.
(862) 429-4281 View (862) 429-4281
Melissa Klika
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
Whether due to Aspergers, Autism, Social Anxiety, or ADHD I am an experienced clinician in the realm of social skills development.
My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, collaborative environment for my clients. I am a licensed psychologist specializing in individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I can assist in the development of coping strategies to manage social challenges, stress, depression, and anxiety. I help individuals learn about specific behaviors and develop interventions that lead to positive behavioral change. Together we can identify triggers to stress and develop coping skills for empowerment.
Whether due to Aspergers, Autism, Social Anxiety, or ADHD I am an experienced clinician in the realm of social skills development.
My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, collaborative environment for my clients. I am a licensed psychologist specializing in individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I can assist in the development of coping strategies to manage social challenges, stress, depression, and anxiety. I help individuals learn about specific behaviors and develop interventions that lead to positive behavioral change. Together we can identify triggers to stress and develop coping skills for empowerment.
(908) 982-4065 View (908) 982-4065
Photo of Steven Charles Hertler, Psychologist
Steven Charles Hertler
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT is what I study, practice, research and teach. Psychodiagnostics, my practice based Northern New Jersey with additional sites in Morristown and Montclair, exclusively evaluates and explains, diagnoses and describes. Assessments assemble upwards of twenty standardized, computerized, and objective tests into customized batteries designed to answer referral questions, discriminate among disorders and provide descriptions of persons and problems. In addition to differentially diagnosing mental health disorders, Psychodiagnostics provides independent child study team evaluations, data-driven rule-outs for ADHD and Autism, competency, guardianship and similar legal evaluations, and also assessments relevant to accommodations for the PSAT/SAT/GRE/LSAT.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT is what I study, practice, research and teach. Psychodiagnostics, my practice based Northern New Jersey with additional sites in Morristown and Montclair, exclusively evaluates and explains, diagnoses and describes. Assessments assemble upwards of twenty standardized, computerized, and objective tests into customized batteries designed to answer referral questions, discriminate among disorders and provide descriptions of persons and problems. In addition to differentially diagnosing mental health disorders, Psychodiagnostics provides independent child study team evaluations, data-driven rule-outs for ADHD and Autism, competency, guardianship and similar legal evaluations, and also assessments relevant to accommodations for the PSAT/SAT/GRE/LSAT.
(862) 772-8411 View (862) 772-8411
Photo of Robert W Trobliger - Robert W Trobliger, Neuropsychologist, PhD, Psychologist
Robert W Trobliger, Neuropsychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
I provide neuropsychological evaluations of cognitive functioning and behavior to aid diagnosis of disorders such as ADHD, autism, dementia, and learning disorders.
Clients (or their families) typically present with concerns about cognitive functioning or behavior and the impact of such on their daily lives such as at work, at school, at home, or socially. They often have questions about diagnoses and what services or accommodations would be helpful for them. They have concerns about the future and how to best manage their difficulties. Ideal patients are motivated to work together to find answers that make sense and strategies that they can actually use in daily life.
I provide neuropsychological evaluations of cognitive functioning and behavior to aid diagnosis of disorders such as ADHD, autism, dementia, and learning disorders.
Clients (or their families) typically present with concerns about cognitive functioning or behavior and the impact of such on their daily lives such as at work, at school, at home, or socially. They often have questions about diagnoses and what services or accommodations would be helpful for them. They have concerns about the future and how to best manage their difficulties. Ideal patients are motivated to work together to find answers that make sense and strategies that they can actually use in daily life.
(973) 620-2197 View (973) 620-2197
Photo of Jen Ellis Walters, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jen Ellis Walters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
Feeling lost when trying to decide your next steps or ways to work through changes? Struggling to determine how to best help your child through anxiety or high functioning autism? Support, education & targeted therapy with an experienced therapist can make a huge difference in you/your child’s self-esteem, understanding of self and your family’s daily life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. The “right fit” in therapy is crucial for success. I am told I am an approachable and knowledgeable therapist and listed below are my areas of specialty. I offer in-office therapy, in-home consultation, training and family/community support meetings aimed at providing an integrative approach to you or your child’s emotional health. For my work with children, I specialize in high functioning autism, ADHD, anxiety and other childhood behavioral concerns. With adults, I focus on how life changes/losses have changed your path and work to help you get back to where you want to be.
Feeling lost when trying to decide your next steps or ways to work through changes? Struggling to determine how to best help your child through anxiety or high functioning autism? Support, education & targeted therapy with an experienced therapist can make a huge difference in you/your child’s self-esteem, understanding of self and your family’s daily life.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. The “right fit” in therapy is crucial for success. I am told I am an approachable and knowledgeable therapist and listed below are my areas of specialty. I offer in-office therapy, in-home consultation, training and family/community support meetings aimed at providing an integrative approach to you or your child’s emotional health. For my work with children, I specialize in high functioning autism, ADHD, anxiety and other childhood behavioral concerns. With adults, I focus on how life changes/losses have changed your path and work to help you get back to where you want to be.
(973) 520-0351 View (973) 520-0351
Photo of Christine Lyman, MA, LAC, Counselor
Christine Lyman
Counselor, MA, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Morristown, NJ 07960
Everyone needs someone to talk to. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, oppositional behavior, school refusal, and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder. My professional experience is working with children and families with complex behavioral and emotional needs. I utilize strategies from both the Nurtured Heart Approach and culturally sensitive trauma informed care. My previous experience includes serving both English and Spanish speaking populations, and I am a Native Spanish speaker myself.
Everyone needs someone to talk to. I specialize in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, oppositional behavior, school refusal, and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder. My professional experience is working with children and families with complex behavioral and emotional needs. I utilize strategies from both the Nurtured Heart Approach and culturally sensitive trauma informed care. My previous experience includes serving both English and Spanish speaking populations, and I am a Native Spanish speaker myself.
(908) 246-1480 View (908) 246-1480
Photo of Megan A Duffy, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Megan A Duffy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
I work with individuals in a variety of contexts including, perinatal mental health and birth trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, confidence building, self-esteem and self worth issues, teen stress, Autism, communication and social skills building in teens and young adults, divorce, parenting skills and new parent stress.
I view each client as unique. What works for one will not work for everyone and therefore I utilize several therapeutic approaches in order to best suit my patient's needs. I am energetic, warm and empathic and push people in a supportive way to make the necessary changes in their life. I use humor and provide a relaxing environment for people to feel safe and to grow in. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a pre-doctoral degree in Marriage and Family therapy and I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I work with individuals in a variety of contexts including, perinatal mental health and birth trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, confidence building, self-esteem and self worth issues, teen stress, Autism, communication and social skills building in teens and young adults, divorce, parenting skills and new parent stress.
I view each client as unique. What works for one will not work for everyone and therefore I utilize several therapeutic approaches in order to best suit my patient's needs. I am energetic, warm and empathic and push people in a supportive way to make the necessary changes in their life. I use humor and provide a relaxing environment for people to feel safe and to grow in. I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a pre-doctoral degree in Marriage and Family therapy and I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
(201) 283-8133 View (201) 283-8133
Photo of Cassandra Merklinghaus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassandra Merklinghaus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960  (Online Only)
I’m here to support you with: exploring LGBTQI+ identity, navigating neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, etc.), overcoming sex addiction, and healing from trauma. My ideal client may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns they want to break. They need support in managing emotions, building healthier relationships, and reclaiming their sense of self. Their goals often include self-acceptance, breaking free from addiction or past trauma, and finding emotional balance. They want to feel empowered, live authentically, and create a life aligned with their values because they are ready for growth and healing.
I’m here to support you with: exploring LGBTQI+ identity, navigating neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, etc.), overcoming sex addiction, and healing from trauma. My ideal client may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns they want to break. They need support in managing emotions, building healthier relationships, and reclaiming their sense of self. Their goals often include self-acceptance, breaking free from addiction or past trauma, and finding emotional balance. They want to feel empowered, live authentically, and create a life aligned with their values because they are ready for growth and healing.
(772) 300-9845 View (772) 300-9845
Photo of Kayla Naiman, MA, LAC, NCC, Counselor
Kayla Naiman
Counselor, MA, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Morristown, NJ 07960
The hardest step to take in your mental health journey is asking for help, and I will be that person, waiting to help you. As your counselor, my main goal is to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space. We will become a team through trust and collaboration. As a team, we will explore the changes you would like to make in order to achieve your goals.
The hardest step to take in your mental health journey is asking for help, and I will be that person, waiting to help you. As your counselor, my main goal is to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space. We will become a team through trust and collaboration. As a team, we will explore the changes you would like to make in order to achieve your goals.
(862) 346-6641 View (862) 346-6641
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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.