Autism Therapists in Princeton, NJ
![Photo of Tricia L. Casey Psy.d, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460c6726-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Danielle Marie Sullivan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfb06273-001e-4839-b3c3-1a05260bd4a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Lisa Kestler, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87c033ab-410d-47d3-aad3-eb525257ee60/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Nina Finkler, MEd, LDTC, BCBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7d3849-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
For over 20 years I have provided quality ABA services to children/adult with Autism, their families and the professionals who work with them. I have extensive experience in the educational , social and behavioral needs of this population and design therapy to meet these needs.
For over 20 years I have provided quality ABA services to children/adult with Autism, their families and the professionals who work with them. I have extensive experience in the educational , social and behavioral needs of this population and design therapy to meet these needs.
![Photo of Amy Lyn Clarkson, MT-BC, CP, PAT, LCAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f770ca6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a music therapist and psychodramatist, I support and foster my clients' innate spontaneity and creativity, which are powerful resources for growth, change, and healing. In my 20 years of clinical work, I have extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults who are coping with difficult family situations, children and teens who have experienced trauma, and children and teens with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disabilities. My practice also includes work with adults who are seeking to develop new alternatives for living, wanting to break free from old, unhealthy patterns that are no longer helpful.
As a music therapist and psychodramatist, I support and foster my clients' innate spontaneity and creativity, which are powerful resources for growth, change, and healing. In my 20 years of clinical work, I have extensive experience helping children, teens, and adults who are coping with difficult family situations, children and teens who have experienced trauma, and children and teens with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disabilities. My practice also includes work with adults who are seeking to develop new alternatives for living, wanting to break free from old, unhealthy patterns that are no longer helpful.
![Photo of Marisa Lutz, LAMFT, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/deea5e0d-c162-41e9-8fa0-c7c42463786b/2/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Angela Konin, MA, MSW, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6698f52d-2a59-4163-ae4c-d558c7324f52/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Konin
Licensed Social Worker, MA, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Waitlist for new clients
I am pleased to also offer autism evaluation and assessment for adults.
Offering down-to-earth, trauma-informed, affirming therapy services for children through adults in person and via telehealth, I help clients feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As we work together to understand current issues, uncover root causes, and explore possible solutions, client dignity and autonomy are centered. With connection, sensitivity, and curiosity, I utilize a combination of approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and self compassion, art, play, and more, to help clients gain insight and make positive changes.
I am pleased to also offer autism evaluation and assessment for adults.
Offering down-to-earth, trauma-informed, affirming therapy services for children through adults in person and via telehealth, I help clients feel seen and appreciated for their authentic selves. As we work together to understand current issues, uncover root causes, and explore possible solutions, client dignity and autonomy are centered. With connection, sensitivity, and curiosity, I utilize a combination of approaches including Internal Family Systems, somatic psychotherapy, mindfulness and self compassion, art, play, and more, to help clients gain insight and make positive changes.
![Photo of Mark Cooperberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f34b129-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 2003 after completing my pre-doctoral internship at UMDNJ-RWJ. I am the Director of Psychological Services at Princeton Speech-Language & Learning Center and a Clinical Instructor at Rutgers-RWJ Medical School. My primary work is with children, adolescents, and their families. I also treat adults. I have expertise in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Psychoeducational and Psychological Assessments, and I am a qualified Cogmed coach (computerized working memory training). I work with individuals who have AD/HD, Autism, disruptive behavior, social difficulties, and Mood and Anxiety Disorders
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 2003 after completing my pre-doctoral internship at UMDNJ-RWJ. I am the Director of Psychological Services at Princeton Speech-Language & Learning Center and a Clinical Instructor at Rutgers-RWJ Medical School. My primary work is with children, adolescents, and their families. I also treat adults. I have expertise in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Psychoeducational and Psychological Assessments, and I am a qualified Cogmed coach (computerized working memory training). I work with individuals who have AD/HD, Autism, disruptive behavior, social difficulties, and Mood and Anxiety Disorders
![Photo of Lindsay Gonzalez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d818224d-d45d-4e32-9234-189ed9fd3b71/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include but are not limited to: including Anxiety, Depression, School Issues, Oppositional Behaviors, Anger Management, ADHD, Trauma (PTSD), grief/loss, Autism spectrum, gender/sexual identity and substance use.
Hi, my name is Lindsay Gonzalez, and I have worked with children, adolescents and families for the past 14 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey, and also supervise aspiring Master Social Workers through their process to become licensed. I am an alumni of Monmouth University, where I graduated with my Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. I consider myself a very creative person and enjoy the challenge of looking for ways to use a client’s interests to engage them in therapy. I will provide your family or child with an empathic and non-judgmental space, as we work together in reaching your goals.
My specialties include but are not limited to: including Anxiety, Depression, School Issues, Oppositional Behaviors, Anger Management, ADHD, Trauma (PTSD), grief/loss, Autism spectrum, gender/sexual identity and substance use.
Hi, my name is Lindsay Gonzalez, and I have worked with children, adolescents and families for the past 14 years. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Jersey, and also supervise aspiring Master Social Workers through their process to become licensed. I am an alumni of Monmouth University, where I graduated with my Bachelors and Masters in Social Work. I consider myself a very creative person and enjoy the challenge of looking for ways to use a client’s interests to engage them in therapy. I will provide your family or child with an empathic and non-judgmental space, as we work together in reaching your goals.
![Photo of David Krauss, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5377e3da-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
David Krauss
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families, as well as individual adults, in independent practice, school and hospital settings. While I work with patients presenting with a wide range of issues and concerns I specialize in working with neurologically or developmentally 'atypical' children and adolescents - ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, etc. I often work with those neurodevelopmentally atypical children, adolescent and young adults who don't easily fit into these kinds of standard diagnostic categories. I look for and develop strengths, resiliencies and resources.
I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families, as well as individual adults, in independent practice, school and hospital settings. While I work with patients presenting with a wide range of issues and concerns I specialize in working with neurologically or developmentally 'atypical' children and adolescents - ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, etc. I often work with those neurodevelopmentally atypical children, adolescent and young adults who don't easily fit into these kinds of standard diagnostic categories. I look for and develop strengths, resiliencies and resources.
![Photo of Andrea Solomon, MA, LPCS, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b95909f-2b77-498d-8d19-02b7f12b14d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Solomon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCS, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08542
This includes children with Autism, ADHD/ADD, young adults, and elderly individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic Mental Illness.
Having spent 18 years in the Mental Health field and 8 years in Private Practice, I have gained the confidence to empower individuals, offer guidance, and be a supportive part of your journey towards conquering life's challenges.
This includes children with Autism, ADHD/ADD, young adults, and elderly individuals who have been diagnosed with chronic Mental Illness.
Having spent 18 years in the Mental Health field and 8 years in Private Practice, I have gained the confidence to empower individuals, offer guidance, and be a supportive part of your journey towards conquering life's challenges.
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![Photo of Jennifer Luongo - DevOTed to Kids, MSOTR/L, Occupational Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58c804d4-e0a9-4538-81ed-7460e5c201a3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Founder of Devoted to Kids, Jennifer Luongo has 23 years of experience in the field of pediatrics with an advanced Master's Degree in occupational therapy. She is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and holistic intervention for her clients and their families. Her experience ranges from infants to young adults with autism spectrum disorder, low muscle tone, global developmental delays, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, ADHD and more. Devoted to Kids is focused on maximizing a child’s full potential in the areas of sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, coordination, strength, etc.
Founder of Devoted to Kids, Jennifer Luongo has 23 years of experience in the field of pediatrics with an advanced Master's Degree in occupational therapy. She is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and holistic intervention for her clients and their families. Her experience ranges from infants to young adults with autism spectrum disorder, low muscle tone, global developmental delays, cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, ADHD and more. Devoted to Kids is focused on maximizing a child’s full potential in the areas of sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, coordination, strength, etc.
![Photo of Jeffrey Selman, PsyD, BCBA-D, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0923c2bf-c458-40a3-9f47-ccd8dae930d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.
My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.
![Photo of Lauren Shelly Jefferson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/922a2975-bfc3-44d1-bcdf-8a53b3b0c515/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Shelly Jefferson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542
Waitlist for new clients
I have had the pleasure of working with a varied clientele. For many years I have built rapport with and facilitated the progress of youth who are on the spectrum, who have attention disorders, who struggled with emotion regulation, who are mute, who are transgender, and have exhibited self-harming behaviors. I have also worked with families as a parent coach and as a provider of psycho-education. Many of my adult clients have had issues with abandonment, attachment, trauma, and self-harm. The goals I have facilitated my clients progression in are myriad. However, one goal most of my clients aspire to attain is self-love.
I have had the pleasure of working with a varied clientele. For many years I have built rapport with and facilitated the progress of youth who are on the spectrum, who have attention disorders, who struggled with emotion regulation, who are mute, who are transgender, and have exhibited self-harming behaviors. I have also worked with families as a parent coach and as a provider of psycho-education. Many of my adult clients have had issues with abandonment, attachment, trauma, and self-harm. The goals I have facilitated my clients progression in are myriad. However, one goal most of my clients aspire to attain is self-love.
![Photo of Daphne Alroy-Thiberge, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99c40737-ec8f-4722-8d41-903dd5f2099c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daphne Alroy-Thiberge
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome to Genesis Psychotherapy and Integrative Health (GPIH), where you, your values, and your self-determination are at the center of the healing process. We see you as a whole person, whose current reason for treatment is a product of multiple variables, which we work together to uncover and address. We also see you as an individual who is ready to embark on a journey where your valid needs are met, while you live life to the fullest.
Welcome to Genesis Psychotherapy and Integrative Health (GPIH), where you, your values, and your self-determination are at the center of the healing process. We see you as a whole person, whose current reason for treatment is a product of multiple variables, which we work together to uncover and address. We also see you as an individual who is ready to embark on a journey where your valid needs are met, while you live life to the fullest.
![Photo of Kathleen Nash, MFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fedd6c0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen Nash
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
A sense of belonging, trust, fairness, safety, understanding, and receiving credit. These are just a few of the words my clients express as needs when they enter therapy.
A sense of belonging, trust, fairness, safety, understanding, and receiving credit. These are just a few of the words my clients express as needs when they enter therapy.
![Photo of Nicholas Twomey, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f275756-11e9-4742-becc-1aebd1991781/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicholas Twomey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540 (Online Only)
I’m so glad to meet you here. With a solid foundation shaped by my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University and over 15 years of experience working with individuals, my practice is dedicated to guiding individuals on their paths to personal growth and emotional healing. My expertise lies in working with a wide range of individuals— from adolescents to adults, individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities, and families in various therapeutic settings. Here we address challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more.
I’m so glad to meet you here. With a solid foundation shaped by my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University and over 15 years of experience working with individuals, my practice is dedicated to guiding individuals on their paths to personal growth and emotional healing. My expertise lies in working with a wide range of individuals— from adolescents to adults, individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities, and families in various therapeutic settings. Here we address challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more.
![Photo of Dr. Chelece Atavia Brown, DSW, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ebeb5b8b-c21a-4a32-b9a9-8e5b1f382d66/2/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Hinda Winawer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ea1930-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
At Princeton Family Institute we provide psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals from a culturally sensitive collaborative family systems perspective. I work with a range of problems:depression, anxiety, school refusal, child behavior problems, arrested emotional independence, substance abuse recovery, anorexia, and family and couples' conflict. In child-focused issues, I believe children should not alone bear the burden of change. I enlist family members as a resource in problem-solving. Parents and I work as a team to help their children. I welcome individuals, couples, and families whose problems have not been successfully addressed through other therapeutic approaches.
At Princeton Family Institute we provide psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals from a culturally sensitive collaborative family systems perspective. I work with a range of problems:depression, anxiety, school refusal, child behavior problems, arrested emotional independence, substance abuse recovery, anorexia, and family and couples' conflict. In child-focused issues, I believe children should not alone bear the burden of change. I enlist family members as a resource in problem-solving. Parents and I work as a team to help their children. I welcome individuals, couples, and families whose problems have not been successfully addressed through other therapeutic approaches.
![Photo of Samantha Merse, LAC, ATR-P, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bae1c570-b219-4d1b-bb09-e7dd47463c14/2/320x400.png)
My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to work on themselves. They are a client who attends each session as scheduled and on time, coming into it with an open mind and willingness to grow. The client would ideally be an adult who is within the LGBTQIA+ community and is coming to me to work on bettering themselves. Their issues would include depression, anxiety, and questioning their gender and sexual identity.
My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to work on themselves. They are a client who attends each session as scheduled and on time, coming into it with an open mind and willingness to grow. The client would ideally be an adult who is within the LGBTQIA+ community and is coming to me to work on bettering themselves. Their issues would include depression, anxiety, and questioning their gender and sexual identity.
See more therapy options for Princeton
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Princeton
- East Windsor
- Ewing
- Hamilton
- Hillsborough
- Lawrenceville
- Monmouth Junction
- North Brunswick
- Pennington
- Plainsboro
- Princeton Junction
- Skillman
- Trenton
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.