Autism Therapists in Fort Bend County, TX
![Photo of Dana Kelly, PhD, LSSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/451fd08c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My services include psychological and psycho-educational assessment for children and adolescents. This can include assessment for psychological concerns, such as hyperactivity, inattention, anxiety, depression, and Autism. Assessment for psycho-educational concerns involves intellectual testing (or IQ), which examines cognitive processes, as well as achievement testing to investigate reading, writing, and math. Through Psycho-educational testing we can investigate academic concerns, such as learning problems and dyslexia, as well as developmental concerns, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer counseling too
My services include psychological and psycho-educational assessment for children and adolescents. This can include assessment for psychological concerns, such as hyperactivity, inattention, anxiety, depression, and Autism. Assessment for psycho-educational concerns involves intellectual testing (or IQ), which examines cognitive processes, as well as achievement testing to investigate reading, writing, and math. Through Psycho-educational testing we can investigate academic concerns, such as learning problems and dyslexia, as well as developmental concerns, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities. We offer counseling too
![Photo of Sheri L Sanderson, MA, LPC, NCC, SYMBIS, ASDI, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fc9e1b3-8e20-401c-9f00-85e369ad7bda/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sheri L Sanderson
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, SYMBIS, ASDI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, TX 77406
I am a certified SYMBIS marriage counselor, and a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDI).
One cannot pour from an empty cup. Are you impacted by family members with mental health challenges or special needs? Providing for yourself while giving care to your loved ones helps you develop balance for your needs as well as theirs. Let me help you figure out what it takes to refill your cup, so you are available to fill the cup of others. My practice accepts children over 5, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I am a certified SYMBIS marriage counselor, and a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDI).
One cannot pour from an empty cup. Are you impacted by family members with mental health challenges or special needs? Providing for yourself while giving care to your loved ones helps you develop balance for your needs as well as theirs. Let me help you figure out what it takes to refill your cup, so you are available to fill the cup of others. My practice accepts children over 5, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
![Photo of Michelle Renfrow, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dec83b1-a5dd-41e0-87ad-da86b1085ddd/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 21 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families and I address ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief. My specialty is with children, pre teens, teens and young adults however I enjoy working with adults as well.
I am a Therapist and have been providing mental health services for 21 years in outpatient and in home settings. I see Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families and I address ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Grief. My specialty is with children, pre teens, teens and young adults however I enjoy working with adults as well.
![Photo of Carolyn Ha, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4713f46a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Psychologist specializing in scientifically tested treatments for children and adolescents with challenging behaviors (tantrums, risky behaviors, school issues), difficulty with mood, anxiety disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I provide Autism evaluations using gold-standard assessments (ADOS-2), as well as comprehensive psychological, psycho-educational, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluations.
I am a Licensed Psychologist specializing in scientifically tested treatments for children and adolescents with challenging behaviors (tantrums, risky behaviors, school issues), difficulty with mood, anxiety disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I provide Autism evaluations using gold-standard assessments (ADOS-2), as well as comprehensive psychological, psycho-educational, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluations.
![Photo of Leah Newlove Clionsky - Thriving Child Center, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40136388-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We also offer Gold Standard Autism Testing and ADHD Testing in our clinic.
Watching your child struggle is very hard and causes parents to feel alone and helpless. Parents ask themselves, "How will this person help my child? Will things get better?" Doctors at the Thriving Child Center are licensed psychologists who specialize in helping children, adolescents, and their families with treatments that really work and are supported by science and research. We will guide you through the process of finding out what is wrong, making a treatment plan to address your specific concerns, and using a treatment that works and is tailored to help your family.
We also offer Gold Standard Autism Testing and ADHD Testing in our clinic.
Watching your child struggle is very hard and causes parents to feel alone and helpless. Parents ask themselves, "How will this person help my child? Will things get better?" Doctors at the Thriving Child Center are licensed psychologists who specialize in helping children, adolescents, and their families with treatments that really work and are supported by science and research. We will guide you through the process of finding out what is wrong, making a treatment plan to address your specific concerns, and using a treatment that works and is tailored to help your family.
![Photo of Quique Autrey, MS, MDiv, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9525032e-dbe2-43d0-a818-9a251664babb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, thank you for stopping by! I offer personalized services to children, adolescents and adults in the greater Houston area. I have experience working with male teenagers, high functioning young adults on the Autism spectrum, OCD, and men struggling with life transitions. I work with clients who are stuck in depression, facing relationship issues and experiencing loss. I also enjoy helping couples navigate conflict and strengthen their emotional and sexual connection.
Hello, thank you for stopping by! I offer personalized services to children, adolescents and adults in the greater Houston area. I have experience working with male teenagers, high functioning young adults on the Autism spectrum, OCD, and men struggling with life transitions. I work with clients who are stuck in depression, facing relationship issues and experiencing loss. I also enjoy helping couples navigate conflict and strengthen their emotional and sexual connection.
![Photo of Kelly Poirot, PhD, LP, LSSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/055df8af-2c3c-4d57-91ef-555d975ff2c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
When your child is struggling, seeking out therapy or an evaluation can be incredibly overwhelming. I am here to walk with you through this process! My areas of expertise include assessing and providing therapy to neurodiverse children/adolescents ages 2-23. I love empowering individuals with symptoms of autism, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, learning disorders, and twice exceptional learners (and their parents!). I worked in a local school district for several years and bring that knowledge with me into sessions to support an individual's emotional and behavioral functioning not only at home, but also at school.
When your child is struggling, seeking out therapy or an evaluation can be incredibly overwhelming. I am here to walk with you through this process! My areas of expertise include assessing and providing therapy to neurodiverse children/adolescents ages 2-23. I love empowering individuals with symptoms of autism, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, ADHD, learning disorders, and twice exceptional learners (and their parents!). I worked in a local school district for several years and bring that knowledge with me into sessions to support an individual's emotional and behavioral functioning not only at home, but also at school.
![Photo of Dyanna Villesca - Katy Psychological Services, PLLC, PhD, LP, LSSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f77682f-209f-4e65-8c48-c300a780e801/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katy Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fulshear, TX 77441
We also conduct conduct comprehensive written evaluations for psychological disorders, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
We are a small, warm, and friendly private practice in Katy. We have the most diverse group of doctoral level psychologists and staff. Seeing a psychologist means you are receiving care from the highest-trained professional in the field. Please view our website or give us a call to discuss if we are the right fit for you.
We also conduct conduct comprehensive written evaluations for psychological disorders, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities.
We are a small, warm, and friendly private practice in Katy. We have the most diverse group of doctoral level psychologists and staff. Seeing a psychologist means you are receiving care from the highest-trained professional in the field. Please view our website or give us a call to discuss if we are the right fit for you.
![Photo of Sneha Desai, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a50ee975-cb9a-4668-90b8-7db1edb013c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose work involves the treatment and assessment of many types of psychological difficulties that includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with children with developmental and behavioral disorders including ADHD and autism.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose work involves the treatment and assessment of many types of psychological difficulties that includes but is not limited to depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and relationship conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with children with developmental and behavioral disorders including ADHD and autism.
![Photo of Romilia R Ramirez - Alternative Roads, LLC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc738dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Psychologist with specialized training in the evaluation of autism, learning disabilities, intellectual, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. I treat adults, adolescents and children. I have a holistic/integrative approach which focuses on the relationship between mind, body, and spirit attempting to understand and address the ways issues in one aspect of a person can lead to concerns in other areas. With an integrative approach to mental health and wellness, I am available to collaborate with your other health providers (e.g., psychiatrists, holistic/alternative/functional medicine doctors).
I am a Licensed Psychologist with specialized training in the evaluation of autism, learning disabilities, intellectual, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. I treat adults, adolescents and children. I have a holistic/integrative approach which focuses on the relationship between mind, body, and spirit attempting to understand and address the ways issues in one aspect of a person can lead to concerns in other areas. With an integrative approach to mental health and wellness, I am available to collaborate with your other health providers (e.g., psychiatrists, holistic/alternative/functional medicine doctors).
![Photo of JoAnna Lynn Quan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5683b186-0c2a-4273-992a-b5cc37116d3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
JoAnna Lynn Quan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77479
I have worked in private practice, university clinics, and hospital settings across the country including Lucille Packard Children's Stanford and Texas Children's Hospital. I have over 20 years experience working with kids, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health and behavioral conditions. Including kids with ADHD, Autism, Learning DIsabilities, and Grief. I specialize in working with women with Post Partum Depression, Adoption, and Infertility, couples, and family counseling. I completed training with Bo's Place. I was awarded graduate fellowship in Distress Screening from Yale University .
I have worked in private practice, university clinics, and hospital settings across the country including Lucille Packard Children's Stanford and Texas Children's Hospital. I have over 20 years experience working with kids, teens, and adults with a wide range of mental health and behavioral conditions. Including kids with ADHD, Autism, Learning DIsabilities, and Grief. I specialize in working with women with Post Partum Depression, Adoption, and Infertility, couples, and family counseling. I completed training with Bo's Place. I was awarded graduate fellowship in Distress Screening from Yale University .
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![Photo of Jennifer S Crawford, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460e0618-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Building resilience in children and supporting their families has been my longstanding commitment. I have more than fifteen years of experience working with children and their families on issues related to behavior management and parenting, anxiety , perfectionism, mood, developmental and learning disabilities, autism, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I enjoy utilizing a combination of therapy and assessment to better understand the needs of my clients and to optimize outcomes. My training includes a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with specialization in pediatric neuropsychology, an internship at Johns Hopkins Medical School, and postdoctoral training at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical School.
Building resilience in children and supporting their families has been my longstanding commitment. I have more than fifteen years of experience working with children and their families on issues related to behavior management and parenting, anxiety , perfectionism, mood, developmental and learning disabilities, autism, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I enjoy utilizing a combination of therapy and assessment to better understand the needs of my clients and to optimize outcomes. My training includes a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with specialization in pediatric neuropsychology, an internship at Johns Hopkins Medical School, and postdoctoral training at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical School.
![Photo of Amanda Beeman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/213ef5c2-e8c4-4d2a-9bd0-bc1b014db337/4/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Beeman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77498 (Online Only)
Amanda is an experienced therapist interested in treating complex trauma in women and autism in women. She is a Certified ASD Clinical Specialist. Her approach includes a holistic view of a client's supports, lifestyle, and nutrition as it relates to their current functioning. She has extensive training and experience in treating trauma, autism, depression, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety. She believes the brain-gut connection needs to be explored in therapy due to the gut microbiome's involvement in producing neurotransmitters. Her approach to mental health is modern and informed with the goal to treat and introduce optimal health.
Amanda is an experienced therapist interested in treating complex trauma in women and autism in women. She is a Certified ASD Clinical Specialist. Her approach includes a holistic view of a client's supports, lifestyle, and nutrition as it relates to their current functioning. She has extensive training and experience in treating trauma, autism, depression, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety. She believes the brain-gut connection needs to be explored in therapy due to the gut microbiome's involvement in producing neurotransmitters. Her approach to mental health is modern and informed with the goal to treat and introduce optimal health.
![Photo of Alreal Angelle, LPC-A, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c395101-f9da-4573-b17c-88969e03d583/1/320x400.jpeg)
My experiences have allowed me to help individuals dealing with autism, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Since 2018, I have had the greatest pleasure of serving individuals in the behavioral and mental health field where I have seen them make great leaps towards recovery. My previous experiences have allowed me to aid individuals overcome major adversities. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” is a quote by Victor Frankl that has guided me along my journey in the counseling field. Above all, I want to provide a welcoming and safe space with enough room for growth for each of my clients.
My experiences have allowed me to help individuals dealing with autism, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Since 2018, I have had the greatest pleasure of serving individuals in the behavioral and mental health field where I have seen them make great leaps towards recovery. My previous experiences have allowed me to aid individuals overcome major adversities. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves” is a quote by Victor Frankl that has guided me along my journey in the counseling field. Above all, I want to provide a welcoming and safe space with enough room for growth for each of my clients.
![Photo of Kristie D. Walton, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a60ad91d-54a5-4c2d-adcc-169b1656f90a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristie D. Walton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Missouri City, TX 77489 (Online Only)
I provide care for a range of life challenges including depression and mood disorders; anxiety and panic; OCD and related disorders; trauma responses and grief; and neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and Autism spectrum.
At Waypoint Counseling of Texas, I offer individual and couples counseling for pre-teens through adults. I aim to be a waypoint on your journey that allows you to heal and reorient. I practice person-centered and trauma informed counseling utilizing interventions from the cognitive behavioral umbrella. This begins with understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I will view you with unconditional positive regard. I endeavor to be gentle in my curiosity and invite you to guide and assist me in understanding the support you need.
I provide care for a range of life challenges including depression and mood disorders; anxiety and panic; OCD and related disorders; trauma responses and grief; and neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and Autism spectrum.
At Waypoint Counseling of Texas, I offer individual and couples counseling for pre-teens through adults. I aim to be a waypoint on your journey that allows you to heal and reorient. I practice person-centered and trauma informed counseling utilizing interventions from the cognitive behavioral umbrella. This begins with understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I will view you with unconditional positive regard. I endeavor to be gentle in my curiosity and invite you to guide and assist me in understanding the support you need.
![Photo of Dr. Karen Jaggers, PsyD, LPC, NBCC, CGRS, CAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b34c36e6-162a-42ca-b5a8-c8616bf9836a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Karen Jaggers
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, NBCC, CGRS, CAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Advanced Family Mediator, Life Coach, Grief Specialist, Certified Autism Specialist, Certified Parenting Facilitator, behavior specialist, and educational consultant.
Dr. Karen Jaggers holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is well known in the Houston and surrounding communities for her commitment to community mental health issues. Dr. Jaggers was honored to be voted Best Counselor in Katy/Fulshear in 2019 and 2020!
Advanced Family Mediator, Life Coach, Grief Specialist, Certified Autism Specialist, Certified Parenting Facilitator, behavior specialist, and educational consultant.
Dr. Karen Jaggers holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is well known in the Houston and surrounding communities for her commitment to community mental health issues. Dr. Jaggers was honored to be voted Best Counselor in Katy/Fulshear in 2019 and 2020!
![Photo of Dyanna M. Villesca, PhD, LP, LSSP, ABSNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fb878e-2134-4775-81cd-bb2ed4ac098f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dyanna M. Villesca
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP, ABSNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fulshear, TX 77441
I am a licensed psychologist with over 23 years experience combined working with children, adolescents, and adults. My focus is on psychoeducational evaluations to assess for learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. I also assess for developmental conditions including ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities. Feel free to contact me to discuss your full options for getting answers to why your child is struggling in school.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 23 years experience combined working with children, adolescents, and adults. My focus is on psychoeducational evaluations to assess for learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia. I also assess for developmental conditions including ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities. Feel free to contact me to discuss your full options for getting answers to why your child is struggling in school.
![Photo of Kerry Ledwig-Newman, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f05556e-8e81-4e6d-9787-d2956744bd50/1/320x400.png)
Kerry Ledwig-Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Missouri City, TX 77489
I have worked in education with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, autism, and addictions, and I have worked in mental health with children, teens, and adults in residential and outpatient settings and private practice.
I truly enjoy helping people and love what I do. I aim to create an encouraging, safe, and comfortable environment for my clients to open up, and clients have described me as warm and empathic. I assist my clients in discovering how to help themselves and developing the tools and techniques necessary to make lasting and positive changes. Helping my clients reach their goals on their journey of self-discovery is sincerely my honor. I work with individuals, couples, and families using a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness-based techniques.
I have worked in education with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, autism, and addictions, and I have worked in mental health with children, teens, and adults in residential and outpatient settings and private practice.
I truly enjoy helping people and love what I do. I aim to create an encouraging, safe, and comfortable environment for my clients to open up, and clients have described me as warm and empathic. I assist my clients in discovering how to help themselves and developing the tools and techniques necessary to make lasting and positive changes. Helping my clients reach their goals on their journey of self-discovery is sincerely my honor. I work with individuals, couples, and families using a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness-based techniques.
![Photo of Renee Hawkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89146edb-61a2-42bf-baab-e798e3b52f64/1/320x400.jpeg)
Renee Hawkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77479
I help people struggling with high stress, life changes, divorce, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, managing emotions, family conflict, or late realized autism. If you’re seeking support to manage anxiety, enhance communication, or build self-esteem, and are ready to explore both practical skills and deeper personal growth, we may be a great fit. My clients are those who want to feel empowered and work towards creating a fulfilling, authentic life.
I help people struggling with high stress, life changes, divorce, trauma, anxiety, ADHD, managing emotions, family conflict, or late realized autism. If you’re seeking support to manage anxiety, enhance communication, or build self-esteem, and are ready to explore both practical skills and deeper personal growth, we may be a great fit. My clients are those who want to feel empowered and work towards creating a fulfilling, authentic life.
![Photo of Amalyssa Johnson - AJ Johnson Psychological Services, PLLC, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9f1c25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
AJ Johnson Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Dr. Johnson's hope is to provide compassionate and collaborative psychological services for children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Johnson provides expert evaluation, therapy, and consultation to children, adolescents and their parents in order to help sort through concerns and find answers. Presenting concerns for an evaluation may include developmental delays, learning problems, attention difficulties, emotional and/or behavioral concerns, or social skills problems. In individual and family therapy, Dr. Johnson focuses on supporting the emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Therapy is also offered to target children's behavioral adherence and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Dr. Johnson's hope is to provide compassionate and collaborative psychological services for children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Johnson provides expert evaluation, therapy, and consultation to children, adolescents and their parents in order to help sort through concerns and find answers. Presenting concerns for an evaluation may include developmental delays, learning problems, attention difficulties, emotional and/or behavioral concerns, or social skills problems. In individual and family therapy, Dr. Johnson focuses on supporting the emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of children and adolescents. Therapy is also offered to target children's behavioral adherence and strengthen parent-child relationships.
See more therapy options for Fort Bend County
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.