Autism Treatment Centers in Cranberry Township, PA
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Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
At Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting, we welcome ALL people, including those who are not able to pay. We counsel adults, children, adolescents, older people, couples (married or unmarried), and families via teletherapy and in-person counseling at multiple sites in Western Pennsylvania. Many folks seek our help because they are struggling from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship problems, and numerous other conditions. They come to us to learn how to cope with challenges and difficulties of all kinds, including the effects of violence, sexual abuse and other traumatic events, as well as stress, gender identity issues, and strained or shattered relationships. Plus, people who are experiencing fears, doubts, and confusion that are spiritually and faith-related come to Samaritan to seek spiritual direction without being judged or preached to, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
At Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting, we welcome ALL people, including those who are not able to pay. We counsel adults, children, adolescents, older people, couples (married or unmarried), and families via teletherapy and in-person counseling at multiple sites in Western Pennsylvania. Many folks seek our help because they are struggling from depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship problems, and numerous other conditions. They come to us to learn how to cope with challenges and difficulties of all kinds, including the effects of violence, sexual abuse and other traumatic events, as well as stress, gender identity issues, and strained or shattered relationships. Plus, people who are experiencing fears, doubts, and confusion that are spiritually and faith-related come to Samaritan to seek spiritual direction without being judged or preached to, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
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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.