Autism Therapists in Galveston, TX
![Photo of N. Nikki Davis-Burch - Hello Online Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b06e26f-eb4f-435e-9a08-798782f9d410/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello Online Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77554 (Online Only)
I have a genuine love for people. I specialize in treating the LGBTQ community, and I advocate for transgender, non-binary people, and people with other genders and sexual orientations. I also treat domestic/sexual violence, depression, anxiety, autism, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, stress, relationship issues, trauma, academic stress, hoarding, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and work stress.
I have a genuine love for people. I specialize in treating the LGBTQ community, and I advocate for transgender, non-binary people, and people with other genders and sexual orientations. I also treat domestic/sexual violence, depression, anxiety, autism, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, stress, relationship issues, trauma, academic stress, hoarding, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and work stress.
![Photo of Dr. Cynthia Lee Coronado, EdD, LPC-S, CAS, CCTP, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba737dbf-386c-410b-a14f-3cba73d28653/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Cynthia Lee Coronado
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC-S, CAS, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Galveston, TX 77550
I have a doctorate in education and I'm a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Autism Specialist, and EMDR Trained.
Dr. Cynthia Lee Coronado: As a proven psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I have worked to build, enhance, and sustain the social and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and adults by providing them the skills necessary to be successful in their life endeavors. I learned very quickly that my passion lies in wanting to help others achieve a better future for themselves through counseling and mentoring with an emphasis on individual, couples, and family therapy.
I have a doctorate in education and I'm a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Autism Specialist, and EMDR Trained.
Dr. Cynthia Lee Coronado: As a proven psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience, I have worked to build, enhance, and sustain the social and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and adults by providing them the skills necessary to be successful in their life endeavors. I learned very quickly that my passion lies in wanting to help others achieve a better future for themselves through counseling and mentoring with an emphasis on individual, couples, and family therapy.
![Photo of Jennifer Lynn Delclos, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e62c5a36-928d-45ec-86b9-07352b2f40fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Lynn Delclos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77550
Life comes in waves. Whether it's typical development or life changes and challenges, I offer services to children and their parents to help navigate those waves.
Life comes in waves. Whether it's typical development or life changes and challenges, I offer services to children and their parents to help navigate those waves.
![Photo of Julie Purser - Family Service Center of Galveston County, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9623f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Family Service Center is a counseling agency in Galveston County serving individuals of all ages and their families. FSC also collaborates and provides services at multiple community-based settings to best serve client needs. FSC employs a professional staff of skilled clinicians who hold degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or closely related disciplines. Our clinicians join clients in identifying solutions to meet and respond to life's challenges. FSC's programs include the Individual and Family Program, the Juvenile Justice/Oasis Program, the STAR Program, the Community Support Services Program, Prevention and Outreach Services, and Victim Support Services.
Family Service Center is a counseling agency in Galveston County serving individuals of all ages and their families. FSC also collaborates and provides services at multiple community-based settings to best serve client needs. FSC employs a professional staff of skilled clinicians who hold degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or closely related disciplines. Our clinicians join clients in identifying solutions to meet and respond to life's challenges. FSC's programs include the Individual and Family Program, the Juvenile Justice/Oasis Program, the STAR Program, the Community Support Services Program, Prevention and Outreach Services, and Victim Support Services.
![Photo of Anita Crawford Oliphant - Oliphant Counseling Center PLLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f4f9cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Oliphant Counseling Center PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Galveston, TX 77550
My name is Anita Oliphant. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked with children the past 9 years and worked with adults recovering from addictions for a little over a year. I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and young adults that need support with social and emotional skills, ADHD, anxiety, divorce, suicide ideation, as well as other mental health related difficulties.
My name is Anita Oliphant. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked with children the past 9 years and worked with adults recovering from addictions for a little over a year. I have experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and young adults that need support with social and emotional skills, ADHD, anxiety, divorce, suicide ideation, as well as other mental health related difficulties.
Online Therapists
![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 Dyanna M. Villesca, PhD, LP, LSSP, ABSNP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fb878e-2134-4775-81cd-bb2ed4ac098f/1/320x400.jpeg)
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 Nicole Anderson, PhD, LSSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7563427-2712-4eb9-afd7-97fc4cca27ca/2/320x400.jpeg)
I provide screenings, evaluations, and therapy for children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.
Parenting is tough, especially when your child faces challenges like autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities. But you're not alone—I'm here to help! As a Licensed Psychologist and Specialist in School Psychology with over a decade of experience, I understand the ups and downs of parenting. I offer screenings, evaluations, and therapy tailored to your child's unique needs. Let's navigate this journey together, empowering your child to thrive and bringing peace of mind to your family.
I provide screenings, evaluations, and therapy for children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.
Parenting is tough, especially when your child faces challenges like autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities. But you're not alone—I'm here to help! As a Licensed Psychologist and Specialist in School Psychology with over a decade of experience, I understand the ups and downs of parenting. I offer screenings, evaluations, and therapy tailored to your child's unique needs. Let's navigate this journey together, empowering your child to thrive and bringing peace of mind to your family.
![Photo of Ian Baker Thompson, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8979992e-1d35-44d1-8b5c-9c8cbdf0e7e5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ian Baker Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Types of counseling offered are: Individual, Family, Couple, Stress and Anxiety Management, Executive Skills Coaching, Substance Use Disorders, High Functioning Autism, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, and Personality Disorders.
I am a counselor and co-owner of Third Coast Counseling and Wellness. My masters degree is in Clinical Psychology and I have been working in the behavioral health field for over 10 years. I have worked in both private practice and public mental health services. I treat patients with and without health insurance using evidenced-based practices and down-to-earth sessions.
Types of counseling offered are: Individual, Family, Couple, Stress and Anxiety Management, Executive Skills Coaching, Substance Use Disorders, High Functioning Autism, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, and Personality Disorders.
I am a counselor and co-owner of Third Coast Counseling and Wellness. My masters degree is in Clinical Psychology and I have been working in the behavioral health field for over 10 years. I have worked in both private practice and public mental health services. I treat patients with and without health insurance using evidenced-based practices and down-to-earth sessions.
![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 Candis Firchau, MA, LPC-S, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4087a95a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Candis Firchau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cypress, TX 77429
I am an autism and trauma specialist .
I am a forensic counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor and an EMDR therapist. I diagnose, evaluate, and treat Autism, Anxiety, Depression, DID, and PTSD/Trauma.
I am an autism and trauma specialist .
I am a forensic counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor and an EMDR therapist. I diagnose, evaluate, and treat Autism, Anxiety, Depression, DID, and PTSD/Trauma.
![Photo of Monica Stiles, MS, LPC-A, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7ea8591-29fd-41a4-8296-8563efbe0988/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with children, teens, young adults, and families on topics such as trauma, divorce, life transitions, anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, and relationship difficulties.
Hello! I am Monica Stiles, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Alice Payne, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist-S. I also have a Specialist Degree in School Psychology. I have seven years experience working in local school districts where I had the pleasure of working with children aged 3 through 21 providing them with knowledge of coping skills, social skills, and various other skills. I have experience working with individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Depression, Anxiety, and other various mental health concerns.
I enjoy working with children, teens, young adults, and families on topics such as trauma, divorce, life transitions, anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, and relationship difficulties.
Hello! I am Monica Stiles, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Alice Payne, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist-S. I also have a Specialist Degree in School Psychology. I have seven years experience working in local school districts where I had the pleasure of working with children aged 3 through 21 providing them with knowledge of coping skills, social skills, and various other skills. I have experience working with individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disability, Depression, Anxiety, and other various mental health concerns.
![Photo of Stephen Emmanuel Lewis - Lewis Grace & Peace Counseling Services PLLC , MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4edf0b88-f5f6-4daa-99d8-e635bde77d32/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lewis Grace & Peace Counseling Services PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaumont, TX 77706
In addition, my clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual assault, and domestic violence.
You are a beautiful, bold, and courageous individual sometimes major traumatizing experiences, everyday struggles and stress become a roadblock in your ability to move forward on the journey to living out your best life. Here at Lewis Grace and Peace Counseling Services PLLC, we understand how important it is sometimes for counseling clients to utilize their expertise over their lives to overcome trauma, pain, grow, and develop their needs, wants, inner struggles, and family conflicts to win.
In addition, my clinical experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families with anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual assault, and domestic violence.
You are a beautiful, bold, and courageous individual sometimes major traumatizing experiences, everyday struggles and stress become a roadblock in your ability to move forward on the journey to living out your best life. Here at Lewis Grace and Peace Counseling Services PLLC, we understand how important it is sometimes for counseling clients to utilize their expertise over their lives to overcome trauma, pain, grow, and develop their needs, wants, inner struggles, and family conflicts to win.
![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 .
![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
Katy, TX 77494
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 Glenn Scott Harrell, MEd, BCBA, LBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29fdb76a-a4f5-4a32-b6ef-de29af5d8557/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a neurodivergent therapist specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, I offer targeted support for Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, and early intervention.
As a specialist in behavior analytic therapy, my ideal client is an individual living with Autism or ADHD. They may face challenges in communication, social interaction, and maintaining focus. Their needs often include structured support to develop coping strategies, enhance life skills, and improve behavioral responses. Their goals revolve around achieving greater independence, fostering meaningful relationships, and excelling in academic or professional environments. They seek therapy to navigate their unique challenges, embrace their strengths, and lead a fulfilling life.
As a neurodivergent therapist specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, I offer targeted support for Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, and early intervention.
As a specialist in behavior analytic therapy, my ideal client is an individual living with Autism or ADHD. They may face challenges in communication, social interaction, and maintaining focus. Their needs often include structured support to develop coping strategies, enhance life skills, and improve behavioral responses. Their goals revolve around achieving greater independence, fostering meaningful relationships, and excelling in academic or professional environments. They seek therapy to navigate their unique challenges, embrace their strengths, and lead a fulfilling life.
![Photo of Jeffrey Selman, PsyD, BCBA-D, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f99868-636e-43e7-90b1-5d7189b40a6e/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, and academic needs related to giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e).
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.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults presenting with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, mood disorders, and academic needs related to giftedness and twice exceptionality (2e).
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 Gina Gheller - Gina Gheller, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a485a9bf-e61b-43c1-a86d-4b87bbe9d8b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Gheller, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bellaire, TX 77401 (Online Only)
I specialize in Women's Issues, Narcissist Abuse Survivor Recovery, Complex Divorce, & Late Diagnosed Female Autism.
Do you feel traumatized from a partner, family member or friend? Narcissistic Abuse occurs in romantic relationships, parent-child dynamics, friendships, and organizational settings. You feel exhausted, confused, manipulated, unseen, & walking on eggshells despite having given yourself fully. Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Substance Misuse, Depression, Shame, Sleep Issues, & Immunological Disorders result from repeated exposure to Emotional Abuse. Survivors want to manage their trauma responses and move forward with healthy boundaries. I can help with that. We will focus on healing the past while simultaneously building a healthy future.
I specialize in Women's Issues, Narcissist Abuse Survivor Recovery, Complex Divorce, & Late Diagnosed Female Autism.
Do you feel traumatized from a partner, family member or friend? Narcissistic Abuse occurs in romantic relationships, parent-child dynamics, friendships, and organizational settings. You feel exhausted, confused, manipulated, unseen, & walking on eggshells despite having given yourself fully. Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Substance Misuse, Depression, Shame, Sleep Issues, & Immunological Disorders result from repeated exposure to Emotional Abuse. Survivors want to manage their trauma responses and move forward with healthy boundaries. I can help with that. We will focus on healing the past while simultaneously building a healthy future.
![Photo of Goria Champion - Woodnote Counseling, PLLC, M, Ed, LPC-S](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49f7c4b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
A challenging responsibility in life is to heal emotional wounds. Family crisis, divorce, losses, anxiety or having a child with emotional or intellectual barriers to be successful in life without finding the desired answer creates frustration and distress. Psychotherapy as an alternative isn't the easiest answer but could be insightful and resilient. Children with developmental difficulties, learning disabilities, autism or conduct disorders can benefit from a holistic approach that considers the healing of their emotional pain as resource for reaching developmental goals. I work with a collaborative approach. You will discover your own potential and solutions to your specific circumstance.
A challenging responsibility in life is to heal emotional wounds. Family crisis, divorce, losses, anxiety or having a child with emotional or intellectual barriers to be successful in life without finding the desired answer creates frustration and distress. Psychotherapy as an alternative isn't the easiest answer but could be insightful and resilient. Children with developmental difficulties, learning disabilities, autism or conduct disorders can benefit from a holistic approach that considers the healing of their emotional pain as resource for reaching developmental goals. I work with a collaborative approach. You will discover your own potential and solutions to your specific circumstance.
![Photo of Jessie Blakely, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff2eab64-cd45-4599-975a-e98042f9eb87/1/320x400.jpeg)
Parenting can be intense. If you're managing autism or ADHD, it can be completely overwhelming. Don't go it alone. Expert guidance is here, just waiting for your call. We can leverage my years of family therapy successes and create tailored strategies for your unique situation. Whether you're struggling with co-parenting dynamics, relating to an autistic adult child, or dealing with behavior issues, together we can turn your challenges into family strengths and peace of mind. Your child CAN thrive. It may take some tweaks and creativity, but I'm here to empower you. Leave the worry and sleepless nights behind. Let's talk today!
Parenting can be intense. If you're managing autism or ADHD, it can be completely overwhelming. Don't go it alone. Expert guidance is here, just waiting for your call. We can leverage my years of family therapy successes and create tailored strategies for your unique situation. Whether you're struggling with co-parenting dynamics, relating to an autistic adult child, or dealing with behavior issues, together we can turn your challenges into family strengths and peace of mind. Your child CAN thrive. It may take some tweaks and creativity, but I'm here to empower you. Leave the worry and sleepless nights behind. Let's talk today!
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Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Galveston
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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.