Autism Therapists in Mesquite, TX
![Photo of Shanna Roberson, LPC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/48e07200-dc33-4f28-afba-f1d2fe598a53/4/320x400.jpeg)
Shanna Roberson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75149 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, Autism and ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and brief grief therapy.
Welcome! My name is Shanna Roberson; I am a licensed counselor and a certified clinical trauma professional. Modalities I often use in my practice include, but are not limited to, client-centered, cognitive-behavior, and solution-focused. Still, I delve into other diverse practical skill-based approaches to create the best treatment plans. I believe in empowering one another and that we all need support to manage daily life challenges. I aim to build on a collaborative process with you and create time together that fits your needs and life goals.
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, Autism and ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and brief grief therapy.
Welcome! My name is Shanna Roberson; I am a licensed counselor and a certified clinical trauma professional. Modalities I often use in my practice include, but are not limited to, client-centered, cognitive-behavior, and solution-focused. Still, I delve into other diverse practical skill-based approaches to create the best treatment plans. I believe in empowering one another and that we all need support to manage daily life challenges. I aim to build on a collaborative process with you and create time together that fits your needs and life goals.
![Photo of Charity Maashe-Mengueme - ABA Vibe Ltd Company, BCBA, LBA, IBA](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3fe93c29-e896-4f4c-8e06-2571ce600458/2/320x400.jpeg)
At ABA Vibe, we firmly believe that effective treatment and progress can only be achieved when the “family”, that is, all stakeholders (parents or guardians, caregivers, teachers, and therapists) come together and take ownership of the treatment program and wholeheartedly collaborate and participate in the process.
At ABA Vibe, we firmly believe that effective treatment and progress can only be achieved when the “family”, that is, all stakeholders (parents or guardians, caregivers, teachers, and therapists) come together and take ownership of the treatment program and wholeheartedly collaborate and participate in the process.
![Photo of Laura Esparza, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/4384e9ea-b64d-48d7-a0cf-1a47aeb0fdf1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Esparza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75150 (Online Only)
Laura utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic medical or other mental health conditions. She strives to help clients identify how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. Laura believes in strengthening psychological flexibility by using a mindfulness based approach with behavior change strategies. She will use a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to creating a specialized treatment plan for each client.
Laura utilizes a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic medical or other mental health conditions. She strives to help clients identify how their thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. Laura believes in strengthening psychological flexibility by using a mindfulness based approach with behavior change strategies. She will use a holistic, biopsychosocial approach to creating a specialized treatment plan for each client.
![Photo of Olimpia Calaway, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/f27e5592-ef35-4226-b3b3-97732a0fab50/1/320x400.jpeg)
Olimpia Calaway
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75150 (Online Only)
Experienced professional counselor with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. Accomplished in working with adolescence and adults. Compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with proven ability to work independently and as a group to provide quality services to those in need. Skilled in needs assessment, counseling techniques and treatment planning.
Experienced professional counselor with over 5 years experience in the mental health field. Accomplished in working with adolescence and adults. Compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with proven ability to work independently and as a group to provide quality services to those in need. Skilled in needs assessment, counseling techniques and treatment planning.
![Photo of Keyna Omenukor, PMHNPBC, NP-C](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/74c16f94-e770-4657-9e87-4bf558d4a006/2/320x400.jpeg)
Keyna Omenukor is a Dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is equipped with the necessary skills to deliver compassionate and empathic mental care to all ages. Her area of specialty includes Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Trauma. She also offers supportive therapy. Dr Keyna graduated from Walden University with Masters & Doctorate degree in Nursing, and Brandman University with her Post-Doctorate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed with life reach out to her.
Keyna Omenukor is a Dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is equipped with the necessary skills to deliver compassionate and empathic mental care to all ages. Her area of specialty includes Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Trauma. She also offers supportive therapy. Dr Keyna graduated from Walden University with Masters & Doctorate degree in Nursing, and Brandman University with her Post-Doctorate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed with life reach out to her.
![Photo of Jonathan Byrd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/38c6f7a7-86fe-4c9e-80b4-5197cd12c260/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, my friend. I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of clinical experience. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors with symptoms related to Addiction, Anger Management, Depression, Grief, Life Transitions, ADHD, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Men's Issues, Substance Use, Relationship Issues, and Stress. My client-centered approach uses a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Existential. I firmly believe that Life is a journey so let us make the most of it.
Hello, my friend. I am Jonathan. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of clinical experience. I have worked with Individuals, Couples, Families, and Minors with symptoms related to Addiction, Anger Management, Depression, Grief, Life Transitions, ADHD, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Men's Issues, Substance Use, Relationship Issues, and Stress. My client-centered approach uses a mix of Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Existential. I firmly believe that Life is a journey so let us make the most of it.
![Photo of Timothy Curtis, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/af38f047-b14a-42a9-90d3-b8af61f32173/1/320x400.png)
I have been a clinical therapist for several years now. I tend to take an eclectic approach to therapy. I utilize the best approaches to help you effectively achieve your personal growth needs, which we mutually establish for you during the course of counseling. Primarily, I do rely upon a person-centered approach to develop a close working rapport with clients, which is beneficial for the establishment of your counseling treatment goals. The majority of my counseling has been with clients that have addiction, (marriage/family) relationships, anxiety, depression, and anger management concerns.
I have been a clinical therapist for several years now. I tend to take an eclectic approach to therapy. I utilize the best approaches to help you effectively achieve your personal growth needs, which we mutually establish for you during the course of counseling. Primarily, I do rely upon a person-centered approach to develop a close working rapport with clients, which is beneficial for the establishment of your counseling treatment goals. The majority of my counseling has been with clients that have addiction, (marriage/family) relationships, anxiety, depression, and anger management concerns.
![Photo of Cristina Parsons, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/4a94c95f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a diverse professional background including community mental health, gerontology, special education social work and advocacy, group therapy, and private practice. My goal is to assist clients to find their strengths and live an authentic life. I strive to help clients find and build a core toolbox of coping skills that can assist them through the most difficult of times.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a diverse professional background including community mental health, gerontology, special education social work and advocacy, group therapy, and private practice. My goal is to assist clients to find their strengths and live an authentic life. I strive to help clients find and build a core toolbox of coping skills that can assist them through the most difficult of times.
![Photo of Shara Nicole Cherepes, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/4c8ef534-b932-4377-b703-94bddf44d0ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shara Nicole Cherepes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mesquite, TX 75150 (Online Only)
I have over 13 years experience working with those who have suffered loss and are experiencing grief in a variety of ways. I also have extensive experience working with those who have an array of trauma.
I have over 13 years experience working with those who have suffered loss and are experiencing grief in a variety of ways. I also have extensive experience working with those who have an array of trauma.
![Photo of Ijeoma Too-Chiobi, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/e009030d-b535-4d09-8dc2-ce4241c9b0a4/1/320x400.png)
Ijeoma Too-Chiobi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75150 (Online Only)
Diligent Licensed Professional Counselor exercising competency in broad subject-matter in counseling therapies, including substance abuse, grief and domestic violence. Knowledgeable in youth and adolescent development, including social, behavioral, emotional and cognitive strategies. Exhibiting expertise in listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
Diligent Licensed Professional Counselor exercising competency in broad subject-matter in counseling therapies, including substance abuse, grief and domestic violence. Knowledgeable in youth and adolescent development, including social, behavioral, emotional and cognitive strategies. Exhibiting expertise in listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
![Photo of Lisa Morales, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/bfd03527-014d-4800-bb12-5a45e2de2eb4/1/320x400.png)
Lisa Morales
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75150 (Online Only)
Healing Through Authentic Connection Welcome! I'm Lisa Morales, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, dedicated to fostering healing through genuine connections. As an open lesbian and parent of a trans-person, I bring a rich tapestry of personal experiences and professional expertise to the therapeutic space. In the heart of my practice is the belief that authenticity and acceptance are powerful catalysts for growth. With over twelve in the field, I've dedicated my career to creating a safe and affirming space for individuals seeking support and transformation.
Healing Through Authentic Connection Welcome! I'm Lisa Morales, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, dedicated to fostering healing through genuine connections. As an open lesbian and parent of a trans-person, I bring a rich tapestry of personal experiences and professional expertise to the therapeutic space. In the heart of my practice is the belief that authenticity and acceptance are powerful catalysts for growth. With over twelve in the field, I've dedicated my career to creating a safe and affirming space for individuals seeking support and transformation.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Natalie A Furdek, LPC, CASDCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/1b27f992-15a0-41ec-9979-b9b144ccc22d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie A Furdek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CASDCS
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75217 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In 2021, I became a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist after learning about the unique ways in which females and non-binary folks experience being autistic.
I work with autistic and ADHD clients from a neurodiversity perspective. I have worked with a wide and inclusive range of clients on issues such as trauma, depression, bipolar, substance use, stress and anxiety, gender and sexual identity, and many others. My approach is client-centered, which means that I believe that the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is the most important aspect of therapy.
In 2021, I became a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist after learning about the unique ways in which females and non-binary folks experience being autistic.
I work with autistic and ADHD clients from a neurodiversity perspective. I have worked with a wide and inclusive range of clients on issues such as trauma, depression, bipolar, substance use, stress and anxiety, gender and sexual identity, and many others. My approach is client-centered, which means that I believe that the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is the most important aspect of therapy.
![Photo of Tabitha Jones - Get Out Of Your Head Therapy Texas, MSW, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/dafe3def-9796-44d1-a1e7-bd3318c10ff3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Get Out Of Your Head Therapy Texas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Balch Springs, TX 75180 (Online Only)
Tabitha decided to go into social work and counseling because she wanted to help people learn how to become the best versions of themselves. Tabitha has experience and passion working with individuals who are adjusting to major life changes such as birth of a child, becoming an empty nester, job changes, changes in marital status, etc. She has experience with helping clients learn to cope and thrive with mood disorders including anxiety, depression, and bi-polar diagnoses. Tabitha also works with patients experiencing disordered eating as well as adults and teens with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Tabitha decided to go into social work and counseling because she wanted to help people learn how to become the best versions of themselves. Tabitha has experience and passion working with individuals who are adjusting to major life changes such as birth of a child, becoming an empty nester, job changes, changes in marital status, etc. She has experience with helping clients learn to cope and thrive with mood disorders including anxiety, depression, and bi-polar diagnoses. Tabitha also works with patients experiencing disordered eating as well as adults and teens with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
![Photo of Jamila Cheikh, BCBA, LBA](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/ac934392-b46b-4a2c-aa91-2ae35e28f9f2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a dedicated and compassionate BCBA, advocating for my clients in every capacity. I consider my strengths to be teaching functional communication and decreasing behaviors of concern for individuals with autism. An official autism diagnosis is needed to accept insurance.
I am a dedicated and compassionate BCBA, advocating for my clients in every capacity. I consider my strengths to be teaching functional communication and decreasing behaviors of concern for individuals with autism. An official autism diagnosis is needed to accept insurance.
![Photo of Stacy Marshall, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/de2573ba-72e8-40c9-9073-011d65cab903/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stacy Marshall
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75227 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, family conflict, Autism and ADHD, BPD, and working with queer, trans, and nonbinary clients.
I believe that each person is the expert on themselves and their experiences, and my role is to be a supportive guide throughout the healing process. I always want our work together to be a collaborative process, so we will structure our time together around your goals. This is your space, and you get to decide how it looks. Some clients are looking to stay near the surface, and work on coping skills and solutions to daily life problems. Others want to explore further into their own past or their inner world.
My specialties include depression and anxiety, trauma, family conflict, Autism and ADHD, BPD, and working with queer, trans, and nonbinary clients.
I believe that each person is the expert on themselves and their experiences, and my role is to be a supportive guide throughout the healing process. I always want our work together to be a collaborative process, so we will structure our time together around your goals. This is your space, and you get to decide how it looks. Some clients are looking to stay near the surface, and work on coping skills and solutions to daily life problems. Others want to explore further into their own past or their inner world.
![Photo of Cynthia Dominguez, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/57c1d757-3ca5-4085-8bbd-b89bee964244/1/320x400.png)
Cynthia Dominguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75217 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, family and relationships, identity, LGBTQ+, trauma, social skills, ADHD/ADD, Autism, ODD, ED, and coping skills.
Hello, my name is Cynthia Dominguez, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in state of Texas and have been practicing for 3 years. I am also a first-generation Mexican-American. My experiences lead me to become a counselor to support and help people of all ages in navigating their own mental health/life journey.
I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, family and relationships, identity, LGBTQ+, trauma, social skills, ADHD/ADD, Autism, ODD, ED, and coping skills.
Hello, my name is Cynthia Dominguez, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in state of Texas and have been practicing for 3 years. I am also a first-generation Mexican-American. My experiences lead me to become a counselor to support and help people of all ages in navigating their own mental health/life journey.
![Photo of Andrew Simmons - Elevate Counseling Group, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3248ac5c-9d7d-4d57-b0a8-e568ac5df048/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elevate Counseling Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rowlett, TX 75088
These include: depression/anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, autism, adjustment disorders, self-worth, self-harm, issues communicating, affairs, porn addictions, marriage & family counseling and EMDR.
Elevate is now accepting NEW clients! Realizing you could use help does not make you broken, it makes you human. The perfect candidate for counseling realizes that if they could have fixed a problem on their own, they would have done it by now. They realize that they could benefit from having a professional listen and help them better tell and re-frame their story. This person believes they are committed to make needed change to become the best version of themselves. A person who most benefits from counseling is there because they want to be and they fully buy-in to the process. Start simply and simply start by reaching out today!
These include: depression/anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, autism, adjustment disorders, self-worth, self-harm, issues communicating, affairs, porn addictions, marriage & family counseling and EMDR.
Elevate is now accepting NEW clients! Realizing you could use help does not make you broken, it makes you human. The perfect candidate for counseling realizes that if they could have fixed a problem on their own, they would have done it by now. They realize that they could benefit from having a professional listen and help them better tell and re-frame their story. This person believes they are committed to make needed change to become the best version of themselves. A person who most benefits from counseling is there because they want to be and they fully buy-in to the process. Start simply and simply start by reaching out today!
![Photo of Kevin J. Goldberg, PsyD, Psychologist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/4414bb97-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I invite you to email or call me to see if we might be a good fit! Throughout the week, I also conduct autism assessments.
I am a Licensed Psychologist in Texas (in person & virtual sessions) & Illinois (virtual only sessions) providing short and long-term therapy to adults (ages 18 and up). I have worked with individuals from all ranges of life including varying socio-economic status and different stages of life in settings like college counseling centers, community mental health, and forensic detention facilities. Some areas of interest to me are depression or difficult moods, troubling thought processes, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger management, recovery from trauma, and chronic relationship problems/marriage difficulties.
I invite you to email or call me to see if we might be a good fit! Throughout the week, I also conduct autism assessments.
I am a Licensed Psychologist in Texas (in person & virtual sessions) & Illinois (virtual only sessions) providing short and long-term therapy to adults (ages 18 and up). I have worked with individuals from all ranges of life including varying socio-economic status and different stages of life in settings like college counseling centers, community mental health, and forensic detention facilities. Some areas of interest to me are depression or difficult moods, troubling thought processes, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger management, recovery from trauma, and chronic relationship problems/marriage difficulties.
![Photo of Aimee Diane Halloran, MS, CRC, BCN](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/2b6ce496-d703-477c-a261-40131d72124a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aimee Diane Halloran
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, CRC, BCN
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rowlett, TX 75088
As a counselor specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral issues, ADHD, insomnia, TBI, Autism, and memory challenges, I'm here to empathetically listen and support you on your journey. I value clients who are motivated to engage in a collaboration, aiming to cultivate self-regulation and coping skills that can enhance their daily lives. I am drawn to those who share an eagerness to enhance both cognitive functioning and emotional regulation, driven by a desire to be a better person, spouse, parent, sibling or supportive person to others. I work with clients of all ages across the lifespan.
As a counselor specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral issues, ADHD, insomnia, TBI, Autism, and memory challenges, I'm here to empathetically listen and support you on your journey. I value clients who are motivated to engage in a collaboration, aiming to cultivate self-regulation and coping skills that can enhance their daily lives. I am drawn to those who share an eagerness to enhance both cognitive functioning and emotional regulation, driven by a desire to be a better person, spouse, parent, sibling or supportive person to others. I work with clients of all ages across the lifespan.
![Photo of Dawn Waldron Nelson, LCSW-S, ACSW, SAP, CART, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/photos.psychologytoday.com/3f359067-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Waldron Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, ACSW, SAP, CART
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
I work with individuals, couples, groups, and families regarding anxiety, anger, autism, depression, grief, stress, serious illness, and crisis management.
I have 25 years of psychotherapy experience successfully helping people improve their lives. Talking about problems can be difficult, however, sharing concerns with an objective, professional therapist enables you to understand and overcome challenges. I treat you with respect, understanding, and confidentiality, and provide exceptional services in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. I have a wide variety of professional experience with children, teens, and adults, in both short and long-term therapy, dealing with a broad spectrum of problems. In addition, I provide diagnostic assessments and consultations.
I work with individuals, couples, groups, and families regarding anxiety, anger, autism, depression, grief, stress, serious illness, and crisis management.
I have 25 years of psychotherapy experience successfully helping people improve their lives. Talking about problems can be difficult, however, sharing concerns with an objective, professional therapist enables you to understand and overcome challenges. I treat you with respect, understanding, and confidentiality, and provide exceptional services in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. I have a wide variety of professional experience with children, teens, and adults, in both short and long-term therapy, dealing with a broad spectrum of problems. In addition, I provide diagnostic assessments and consultations.
See more therapy options for Mesquite
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Mesquite
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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.