Autism Therapists in Brigham City, UT
![Photo of Amy Bowen, CMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d9af6d8-f144-488f-a351-9499cab5203c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My niche areas are PTSD, cPTSD, dissociative disorders, childhood trauma, ADHD, autism and other variations of neurodivergence.
As your therapist, I will work from a humanistic approach, which means you are the expert on your own life. My role is to help you move through trauma and ineffective behaviors to more fully understand and respect yourself. This means that I trust your instincts and your body. All of the work we do will be done through a trauma-based lens to encourage self-compassion and challenge shame. Your life going forward doesn't have to be a repeat of your past. We can shift these patterns through becoming fully present in your body and with your emotions. I strongly encourage people to use their intuition to help guide their healing.
My niche areas are PTSD, cPTSD, dissociative disorders, childhood trauma, ADHD, autism and other variations of neurodivergence.
As your therapist, I will work from a humanistic approach, which means you are the expert on your own life. My role is to help you move through trauma and ineffective behaviors to more fully understand and respect yourself. This means that I trust your instincts and your body. All of the work we do will be done through a trauma-based lens to encourage self-compassion and challenge shame. Your life going forward doesn't have to be a repeat of your past. We can shift these patterns through becoming fully present in your body and with your emotions. I strongly encourage people to use their intuition to help guide their healing.
![Photo of Justin David Barker - Justin D. Barker, PsyD. PLLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45c97883-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The most common disorders evaluated in my practice are: ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
I offer two distinct services: psychological testing and psychotherapy. As a psychologist, I provide psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations include a comprehensive understanding of the individual's cognitive and emotional functioning. They target intellectual and academic functioning, learning/memory, executive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Evaluations may be used for accommodations on standardized exams (e.g. ACT) as well as for Gifted and Talented programs. I also offer Pre-surgical Evaluations, Intellectual Disability Evaluations, and TBI Evaluations. Evaluations may be used to help guide academic (e.g. 504 plans, IEPs, or college accommodations) interventions.
The most common disorders evaluated in my practice are: ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
I offer two distinct services: psychological testing and psychotherapy. As a psychologist, I provide psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations include a comprehensive understanding of the individual's cognitive and emotional functioning. They target intellectual and academic functioning, learning/memory, executive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Evaluations may be used for accommodations on standardized exams (e.g. ACT) as well as for Gifted and Talented programs. I also offer Pre-surgical Evaluations, Intellectual Disability Evaluations, and TBI Evaluations. Evaluations may be used to help guide academic (e.g. 504 plans, IEPs, or college accommodations) interventions.
![Photo of Autumn Hoover - Truly You Therapy, Autumn Hoover, MRC, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c56da71-c4bc-470a-b6eb-89d06facebf2/2/320x400.png)
Truly You Therapy, Autumn Hoover
Counselor, MRC, CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brigham City, UT 84302
I enjoy working with adults of all abilities experiencing difficulties with daily living. I am passionate about supporting individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community and the neurodiversity movement. I prioritize inclusivity and welcome clients of all abilities. I have worked with individuals with a variety of mental health conditions that include; substance abuse, addiction, LGBTQIA+, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, anger, ADHD, autism, physical disability, and mood disorders. Working in the public sector with individuals gives me additional knowledge of systems and resources that can benefit my clients through a therapeutic lens.
I enjoy working with adults of all abilities experiencing difficulties with daily living. I am passionate about supporting individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community and the neurodiversity movement. I prioritize inclusivity and welcome clients of all abilities. I have worked with individuals with a variety of mental health conditions that include; substance abuse, addiction, LGBTQIA+, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, anger, ADHD, autism, physical disability, and mood disorders. Working in the public sector with individuals gives me additional knowledge of systems and resources that can benefit my clients through a therapeutic lens.
![Photo of LaDawn Lowder, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f397a92f-b954-4435-8d58-2cb8c5f8e43e/2/320x400.jpeg)
LaDawn Lowder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brigham City, UT 84302
Life can be crazy great, yet crazy HARD! Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don't go as planned. In fact, sometimes life gets completely out of control. Like now. Right? Otherwise you wouldn't be taking this difficult step of seeking help. You aren't sure what happened or what went wrong, but you are sure that this isn't what you thought this season of your life would look like. Our 1st session of therapy won't fix the problems or make them go away...in fact, our 4th session likely won't make the problem go away either, but it will help you find the answers, courage and strength within yourself to keep going and heal.
Life can be crazy great, yet crazy HARD! Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don't go as planned. In fact, sometimes life gets completely out of control. Like now. Right? Otherwise you wouldn't be taking this difficult step of seeking help. You aren't sure what happened or what went wrong, but you are sure that this isn't what you thought this season of your life would look like. Our 1st session of therapy won't fix the problems or make them go away...in fact, our 4th session likely won't make the problem go away either, but it will help you find the answers, courage and strength within yourself to keep going and heal.
![Photo of Travis Christensen - Travis Christensen, Clear Direction Counseling, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74992a8f-d885-4514-8873-1e1e5b5287be/1/320x400.jpeg)
Travis Christensen, Clear Direction Counseling
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brigham City, UT 84302
My Name is Travis Christensen, LCMHC, I trust that whatever you resist will persist! I offer those with an open mind for new ideas and seek to create long-lasting success to start that journey today. I am confident that individuals have the right to achieve and be all they desire. We have the power and capacity to decide on what we are going to tolerate in our lives. I challenge each of us to get into a great, beautiful state of thinking, and fully enjoy the benefits of our hard work. I am certain that knowledge is only potential power, and when we become truly powerful, we are courageous enough to execute that knowledge.
My Name is Travis Christensen, LCMHC, I trust that whatever you resist will persist! I offer those with an open mind for new ideas and seek to create long-lasting success to start that journey today. I am confident that individuals have the right to achieve and be all they desire. We have the power and capacity to decide on what we are going to tolerate in our lives. I challenge each of us to get into a great, beautiful state of thinking, and fully enjoy the benefits of our hard work. I am certain that knowledge is only potential power, and when we become truly powerful, we are courageous enough to execute that knowledge.
![Photo of Lesli Dustin, LAMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3abcb9a2-9409-4bd8-99ac-177457445f84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lesli Dustin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brigham City, UT 84302
I love to work with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families to help them imagine and create the future they want. I am passionate about strong relationships, knowing who you are, and having the confidence to get there. I believe that together we can construct solutions and that you can experience improvement in your sense of well-being. I am a proponent of self-care to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. I love to see clients recognize their own strengths and ways in which they've been succeeding and to identify which way they're headed.
I love to work with individuals, couples, children, teens, and families to help them imagine and create the future they want. I am passionate about strong relationships, knowing who you are, and having the confidence to get there. I believe that together we can construct solutions and that you can experience improvement in your sense of well-being. I am a proponent of self-care to achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. I love to see clients recognize their own strengths and ways in which they've been succeeding and to identify which way they're headed.
![Photo of Jenni Bair, ACMHC, MEd, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29835e8e-b8d2-4367-9884-ee539c82d1f1/2/320x400.png)
Therapy has a transformative power that invites individuals to develop life skills, emotional resilience, and most importantly, connections with others. As a therapist, working with others brings me immense joy and satisfaction and aligns deeply with my values and passions. I am hopeful and dedicated to helping people of all ages experience growth and peace through learning the skills of thoughtful communication, empathy, boundary setting, healthy thinking patterns, relationship building, and emotion regulation.
Therapy has a transformative power that invites individuals to develop life skills, emotional resilience, and most importantly, connections with others. As a therapist, working with others brings me immense joy and satisfaction and aligns deeply with my values and passions. I am hopeful and dedicated to helping people of all ages experience growth and peace through learning the skills of thoughtful communication, empathy, boundary setting, healthy thinking patterns, relationship building, and emotion regulation.
![Photo of Gina N Shields, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5d23b46-2f4e-4638-9277-25aac7235c4f/2/320x400.png)
I have extensive experience in domestic abuse and addiction, victim/perpetrator, acute mental illnesses, personality disorders, mood disorders, autism, ADHD, suicide, PTSD, military, and first responders.
I enjoy working with diverse clients from all backgrounds and needs. I like to take a Person-Centered approach to help my clients utilize their own strengths through the therapeutic process and in everyday life.
I have extensive experience in domestic abuse and addiction, victim/perpetrator, acute mental illnesses, personality disorders, mood disorders, autism, ADHD, suicide, PTSD, military, and first responders.
I enjoy working with diverse clients from all backgrounds and needs. I like to take a Person-Centered approach to help my clients utilize their own strengths through the therapeutic process and in everyday life.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Sadie Jones, ACMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d27f40c4-7ce3-4397-9d60-b54436ead077/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have a lot of experience working with kids and teens, especially those who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and autism.
Life is crazy and the thought of going to therapy can be intimidating. I want to create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and working together to make and reach meaningful goals to improve your well-being. I love it when sessions provide opportunities for both of us to grow together, so even though I am here to provide support and resources, I am always open to learning from you as well.
I have a lot of experience working with kids and teens, especially those who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, and autism.
Life is crazy and the thought of going to therapy can be intimidating. I want to create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and working together to make and reach meaningful goals to improve your well-being. I love it when sessions provide opportunities for both of us to grow together, so even though I am here to provide support and resources, I am always open to learning from you as well.
![Photo of Dina Hargrave - Ellie Mental Health and Growth and Acceptance LLC, MS, EdS, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15328593-2fc4-4061-bdb2-8f871de9c8d8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Mental Health and Growth and Acceptance LLC
Counselor, MS, EdS, CMHC
Verified Verified
West Jordan, UT 84084
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to individual (child and adult) and family counseling, I also provide Psycho-educational testing for Autism, Early-onset Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and more.
I have worked with children with significant behavioral concerns and their families for over 10 years. As a mother of children with significant behavioral concerns, I know how hard it can be to live with the judgment of others about your parenting and the internal struggle to help your child navigate their world successfully. I can help you find the right approach that doesn't take up all of your time and energy to implement. I specialize in working with parents to decrease problem behaviors and increase more prosocial ones. I will also work with your child to build skills in coping with frustration and the word "no".
In addition to individual (child and adult) and family counseling, I also provide Psycho-educational testing for Autism, Early-onset Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and more.
I have worked with children with significant behavioral concerns and their families for over 10 years. As a mother of children with significant behavioral concerns, I know how hard it can be to live with the judgment of others about your parenting and the internal struggle to help your child navigate their world successfully. I can help you find the right approach that doesn't take up all of your time and energy to implement. I specialize in working with parents to decrease problem behaviors and increase more prosocial ones. I will also work with your child to build skills in coping with frustration and the word "no".
![Photo of Michelle Greene - Synergism Counseling, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d0f46f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Synergism Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sandy, UT 84070
At Synergism Counseling we specialize in anxiety/depression, relationship issues, divorce, grief, trauma, autism, parenting, and life coping skills.
Our goal at Synergism Counseling is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Synergy is defined as the interaction of two or more parts to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of the separate parts. Together you can, with the help of an experienced therapist, make significant positive changes in your life, creating synergy. The relationship and trust we will build leads to empowerment, healing and strengthening individuals and family. Everyone can benefit from counseling.
At Synergism Counseling we specialize in anxiety/depression, relationship issues, divorce, grief, trauma, autism, parenting, and life coping skills.
Our goal at Synergism Counseling is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Synergy is defined as the interaction of two or more parts to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of the separate parts. Together you can, with the help of an experienced therapist, make significant positive changes in your life, creating synergy. The relationship and trust we will build leads to empowerment, healing and strengthening individuals and family. Everyone can benefit from counseling.
![Photo of Marquie Meli, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fee95dbd-2b6c-48a6-b54b-4b5afbc1652d/1/320x400.jpeg)
We have experience including, but not limited to the following: PTSD, life transitions, faith transitions, KAP, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, substance use disorders, autism, attachment/relationship issues, couples therapy, family therapy, body image and eating difficulties, LGBTQIA difficulties.
Although I have a wait list for new clients, I have some great clinicians that I am providing direct clinical supervision to at Mountain Valley Counseling that are accepting new clients. Contact me and I can tell you about our staff and help get you scheduled with one of my supervisees. At MVC, we are person-centered in our approach, and fundamentally believe in depth psychology methods. We want to help people beyond basic symptom reduction, which research shows, provides more lasting change. Oftentimes the issue someone presents to therapy with is a symptom of deeper difficulties or traumas. We also offer Ketamine therapy.
We have experience including, but not limited to the following: PTSD, life transitions, faith transitions, KAP, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, substance use disorders, autism, attachment/relationship issues, couples therapy, family therapy, body image and eating difficulties, LGBTQIA difficulties.
Although I have a wait list for new clients, I have some great clinicians that I am providing direct clinical supervision to at Mountain Valley Counseling that are accepting new clients. Contact me and I can tell you about our staff and help get you scheduled with one of my supervisees. At MVC, we are person-centered in our approach, and fundamentally believe in depth psychology methods. We want to help people beyond basic symptom reduction, which research shows, provides more lasting change. Oftentimes the issue someone presents to therapy with is a symptom of deeper difficulties or traumas. We also offer Ketamine therapy.
![Photo of Kassidy Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab9694e4-0e35-400f-aedd-fc3171f0f410/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in individualized treatment for each person. As the client, your treatment is yours and I will assist with meeting your needs. I practice from a humanistic person-centered approach with CBT, DBT, PCIT, and play therapy modalities. My passions are working with children and teens as well as people with disabilities. I have experience working with autism and other developmental disabilities as well as children and teens with a variety of diagnoses and backgrounds. I love people and I love to learn. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have and explore if I am the right fit for you.
I believe in individualized treatment for each person. As the client, your treatment is yours and I will assist with meeting your needs. I practice from a humanistic person-centered approach with CBT, DBT, PCIT, and play therapy modalities. My passions are working with children and teens as well as people with disabilities. I have experience working with autism and other developmental disabilities as well as children and teens with a variety of diagnoses and backgrounds. I love people and I love to learn. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have and explore if I am the right fit for you.
![Photo of Julie Chacon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9090c231-7686-44b5-9ddb-c29494e0bf72/2/320x400.png)
I earned my Advanced Certified Autism Specialist in 2021 and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) in 2024.
Together, we will explore your innate capabilities. Through collaborative therapy, I'm here to assist you in taking an active role in your own growth, development, and healing. Along the way, you'll develop clearer communication skills, fostering more effective connections with yourself and those around you. My approach integrates solution focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy modalities, ensuring a personalized and enriching therapeutic journey. I specialize in Solution Focus Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I earned my Advanced Certified Autism Specialist in 2021 and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) in 2024.
Together, we will explore your innate capabilities. Through collaborative therapy, I'm here to assist you in taking an active role in your own growth, development, and healing. Along the way, you'll develop clearer communication skills, fostering more effective connections with yourself and those around you. My approach integrates solution focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy modalities, ensuring a personalized and enriching therapeutic journey. I specialize in Solution Focus Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
![Photo of Devon Robertson, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad486556-8f19-48eb-b0f3-67e2135b74c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
She is trained in play therapy and experienced in working with adolescents, including those with autism as well as working with families.
Devon is skilled at helping adolescents, neurodivergent individuals and those who just feel out of step with the rest of the world. Whether you are working through loneliness and wanting to find skills to connect with others, or starting anew in life for a variety of reasons, Devon provides meaningful insights to help you find your way.
She is trained in play therapy and experienced in working with adolescents, including those with autism as well as working with families.
Devon is skilled at helping adolescents, neurodivergent individuals and those who just feel out of step with the rest of the world. Whether you are working through loneliness and wanting to find skills to connect with others, or starting anew in life for a variety of reasons, Devon provides meaningful insights to help you find your way.
![Photo of Sarah Heuser, CSW, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c612175b-1c6a-4807-8569-8fa68cb3e65c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I will never claim to be an expert in anything, but I have lived and clinical experience with autism, the LGBTQ+ community, and faith transitions.
My ideal client is willing to talk about and feel their feelings and the way they affect their lives. Not all of my clients can talk about their feelings quite yet, or even identify them. That’s okay. Some are absolutely terrified to acknowledge or address feelings, and that’s okay too. It’s only when clients are unwilling that I personally run into a wall with my work.
I will never claim to be an expert in anything, but I have lived and clinical experience with autism, the LGBTQ+ community, and faith transitions.
My ideal client is willing to talk about and feel their feelings and the way they affect their lives. Not all of my clients can talk about their feelings quite yet, or even identify them. That’s okay. Some are absolutely terrified to acknowledge or address feelings, and that’s okay too. It’s only when clients are unwilling that I personally run into a wall with my work.
![Photo of Elise Teerlink, CMHC-I, EdS, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad8ede0f-e5cb-4336-9e5c-6cd88b2d1914/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elise Teerlink
LPC Intern, CMHC-I, EdS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lehi, UT 84043
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with families of children with disabilities, prenatal and postpartum mothers, and those who have experienced betrayal trauma. I also work with anxiety, depression, autism, trauma, addiction, grief, and adjustment issues. I use evidence-based techniques and a collaborative and integrated approach to tailor my therapy to each individual's unique situations, learning preferences, and goals.
I enjoy working with families of children with disabilities, prenatal and postpartum mothers, and those who have experienced betrayal trauma. I also work with anxiety, depression, autism, trauma, addiction, grief, and adjustment issues. I use evidence-based techniques and a collaborative and integrated approach to tailor my therapy to each individual's unique situations, learning preferences, and goals.
![Photo of Mitch Tocher, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1fd78cd-96be-44c4-8a29-b8801f696deb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking to improve the connection with your kids, partner, or other family members? Managing your mental health? Difficult emotions? Choices? Priorities? Or life changes? My mission as a therapist, is to help people tap into their strengths and navigate these difficulties. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, social problems, romantic/family relationships, anger management, work stress or goals, managing crises, people on the Autism Spectrum (and their families), and substance recovery. I honestly see it as a privilege to be able to be working with you and seeing you achieve your goals!
Are you looking to improve the connection with your kids, partner, or other family members? Managing your mental health? Difficult emotions? Choices? Priorities? Or life changes? My mission as a therapist, is to help people tap into their strengths and navigate these difficulties. I work with people struggling with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, social problems, romantic/family relationships, anger management, work stress or goals, managing crises, people on the Autism Spectrum (and their families), and substance recovery. I honestly see it as a privilege to be able to be working with you and seeing you achieve your goals!
![Photo of Jennifer Gee, CSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27dbf2e1-ae38-4dfe-864b-0e2ebe62c6bc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Gee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families in a variety of school, residential, and outpatient behavioral health settings. I specialize in working with both youth and adults who have ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, Traumatic Brain Injury, Intellectual Disability or other Neurodevelopmental Disorders and co-occurring trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, or other behavioral or mental health needs. I draw upon CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-Informed methods in therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families in a variety of school, residential, and outpatient behavioral health settings. I specialize in working with both youth and adults who have ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, Traumatic Brain Injury, Intellectual Disability or other Neurodevelopmental Disorders and co-occurring trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, or other behavioral or mental health needs. I draw upon CBT, ACT, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-Informed methods in therapy.
![Photo of Christian A Egan, CMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6e1172d-b75c-4c56-9045-254bf32c9925/1/320x400.jpeg)
Serving Parents, Teens, Children, Couples and Families working through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, parenting challenges, behavioral difficulties, trauma, attachment needs, loss, adoption, the Autism spectrum, challenges related to identity, and others. Christian has found success in his career by creating compassionate space for clients to be seen, heard, and personally regarded as they share their experiences, shed their emotions, and receive support. Christian is a loyal follower of the Arbinger Institute, emphasizing the need for people to be seen and recognized for their humanity and unique, individual needs.
Serving Parents, Teens, Children, Couples and Families working through depression, anxiety, relational conflict, parenting challenges, behavioral difficulties, trauma, attachment needs, loss, adoption, the Autism spectrum, challenges related to identity, and others. Christian has found success in his career by creating compassionate space for clients to be seen, heard, and personally regarded as they share their experiences, shed their emotions, and receive support. Christian is a loyal follower of the Arbinger Institute, emphasizing the need for people to be seen and recognized for their humanity and unique, individual needs.
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Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Brigham City
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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.