Autism Treatment Centers in Riverside County, CA
Gunn Psychological Services, Inc.
Treatment Center, PsyD
Not Verified Not Verified
Riverside, CA 92508
We provide Independent Educational Evaluations, Neuropsychological Assessments, Psychoeducational Assessments, Developmental/Autism Evaluations, Premarital Testing and College/Career Assessment.
We offer therapy and counseling for a variety of conditions, diagnoses and concerns. Our therapists provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, premarital/marital counseling, adjustment disorders and many other difficulties and basic problems of living. Please call us to consult with us. If we cannot help you directly, then we will provide you with a referral to a provider who can.
We provide Independent Educational Evaluations, Neuropsychological Assessments, Psychoeducational Assessments, Developmental/Autism Evaluations, Premarital Testing and College/Career Assessment.
We offer therapy and counseling for a variety of conditions, diagnoses and concerns. Our therapists provide treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, childhood trauma, premarital/marital counseling, adjustment disorders and many other difficulties and basic problems of living. Please call us to consult with us. If we cannot help you directly, then we will provide you with a referral to a provider who can.
ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers
Treatment Center, PhDs, LMFTs, LCSWs, AMFTs, ACSWs
Verified Verified
Corona, CA 92881
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 14 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
ROWI is a comprehensive mental health facility for teens ages 12-17. We are clinician-owned and operated, with 14 locations across Southern California. Our program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric care. In addition, we provide art, fitness, mindfulness, music, UCLA's "PEERS" social skills program, and other therapies to provide a holistic approach to care. We offer full-day (Partial Hospitalization) and after-school (Intensive Outpatient) services for teens experiencing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, school avoidance, ADHD, trauma, gender identity issues, and more. We also offer an inclusive program for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our Director of Education and the Educational Liaisons at each center coordinate with your child's school to help ensure students don't fall further behind. ROWI offers a free Alumni program for graduates.
We Level Up California
Treatment Center, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Verified Verified
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Free 24/7 hotline & assessments. Get help & take your first step to get better! Your call is FREE. Start Your Recovery Journey at We Level Up California - Your Premier Rehab Center in Lake Elsinore CA. At We Level Up California, located in the serene settings of Lake Elsinore, our commitment to excellence in addiction treatment sets us apart, creating a nurturing environment tailored for personalized healing. As a leading rehab center near you, we offer a blend of compassionate care and innovative recovery solutions, ensuring that each individual has access to the highest quality of addiction and substance abuse treatment in California. Our program is built on the expertise of empathetic substance abuse therapists who are dedicated to understanding and meeting your unique recovery needs. Our addiction specialists are available 24/7. Call us now for urgent support and to discuss your treatment options.
Free 24/7 hotline & assessments. Get help & take your first step to get better! Your call is FREE. Start Your Recovery Journey at We Level Up California - Your Premier Rehab Center in Lake Elsinore CA. At We Level Up California, located in the serene settings of Lake Elsinore, our commitment to excellence in addiction treatment sets us apart, creating a nurturing environment tailored for personalized healing. As a leading rehab center near you, we offer a blend of compassionate care and innovative recovery solutions, ensuring that each individual has access to the highest quality of addiction and substance abuse treatment in California. Our program is built on the expertise of empathetic substance abuse therapists who are dedicated to understanding and meeting your unique recovery needs. Our addiction specialists are available 24/7. Call us now for urgent support and to discuss your treatment options.
Newport Academy
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Temecula, CA 92592
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
Newport Academy offers treatment for teens between the ages of 12-17. Our integrated approach treats the trauma and attachment wounds underlying teen mental health and behavioral issues, such as anxiety, depression, & eating disorders. We address these root causes through comprehensive, solution-focused treatment that involves the entire family in the healing process. To support our teens and their families in achieving long-term, sustainable healing, our clinical model takes into account every aspect of a teen’s well-being—physical, psychological, relational, educational, and spiritual—so they can thrive when they return home to their families, schools, and communities. Moreover, we are committed to ongoing research on the efficacy of our treatment. To ensure that our care is truly evidence-based, we track a variety of treatment goals and commission rigorous third-party evaluations of our programming. Data gathered on our outcomes using industry-approved measurement tools shows consistent positive results in measures of well-being, depression, and anxiety, with patients’ improvements, on average, exceeding levels of clinical significance.
Drew Edmund Psychiatric Centers
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92505
Drew Edmund Psychiatric Centers provide a unique residential mental health program designed to care for the whole individual through a customized blend of traditional and alternative therapies. From the beginning, Drew Edmund Psychiatric has sought to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience that helps patients achieve stability and develop healthy new patterns for living happily and successfully. Each and every member of our staff has extensive experience in providing integrated care for adults challenged by mental, emotional and personality disorders. Drew Edmund Psychiatric Centers is dedicated to improving patient's quality of life and increasing personal independence in both short and long term residential settings. Our dynamic team of professionals provides state of the art treatment in an upscale environment that offers the finest amenities for the comfort of our residents. As a therapeutic team, we take pride in the balanced, streamlined care we deliver and the positive, life enriching changes we facilitate in our residents.
Drew Edmund Psychiatric Centers provide a unique residential mental health program designed to care for the whole individual through a customized blend of traditional and alternative therapies. From the beginning, Drew Edmund Psychiatric has sought to provide an exceptional therapeutic experience that helps patients achieve stability and develop healthy new patterns for living happily and successfully. Each and every member of our staff has extensive experience in providing integrated care for adults challenged by mental, emotional and personality disorders. Drew Edmund Psychiatric Centers is dedicated to improving patient's quality of life and increasing personal independence in both short and long term residential settings. Our dynamic team of professionals provides state of the art treatment in an upscale environment that offers the finest amenities for the comfort of our residents. As a therapeutic team, we take pride in the balanced, streamlined care we deliver and the positive, life enriching changes we facilitate in our residents.
Moment of Clarity - Outpatient Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Norco, CA 92860
Moment of Clarity is an esteemed mental health treatment center renowned for providing empathetic, evidence-based care to individuals grappling with a range of mental health issues. Our clientele adults struggling with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse issues. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of mental health, our facility tailors its treatment strategies to address the unique challenges and needs of each patient. Our innovative and holistic approach includes not just a focus on symptoms, but also underlying issues that may contribute to mental health conditions. Thus, our clients receive a well-rounded treatment plan aimed at enhancing their overall quality of life.
Moment of Clarity is an esteemed mental health treatment center renowned for providing empathetic, evidence-based care to individuals grappling with a range of mental health issues. Our clientele adults struggling with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse issues. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of mental health, our facility tailors its treatment strategies to address the unique challenges and needs of each patient. Our innovative and holistic approach includes not just a focus on symptoms, but also underlying issues that may contribute to mental health conditions. Thus, our clients receive a well-rounded treatment plan aimed at enhancing their overall quality of life.
Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation
Treatment Center, LMFT
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92501
Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation provides mental health treatment to both children and adults in Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas (all of California virtually) while advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities. Our services are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. We are committed to advancing our 100% culturally sensitive mental healthcare agenda and promoting health equity. We recognize that racial injustice has caused enough trauma to communities of color which in turn affects their mental wellbeing, and we’re doing our part to make a difference.
Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation provides mental health treatment to both children and adults in Los Angeles County, and surrounding areas (all of California virtually) while advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities. Our services are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. We are committed to advancing our 100% culturally sensitive mental healthcare agenda and promoting health equity. We recognize that racial injustice has caused enough trauma to communities of color which in turn affects their mental wellbeing, and we’re doing our part to make a difference.
Online Treatment Centers
Acera Health - Mental Health Adult Outpatient
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
At Acera Health, we believe that every client is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. We work closely with our clients to identify their strengths and develop a plan that will help them overcome mental health challenges. Our priority is to ensure our clients’ well-being while they are immersed in sustainable modalities that will work for them both during and after our program. With Acera Health, you can be confident that you are receiving the best possible care and that your individual needs are always our top priority.
At Acera Health, we believe that every client is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. We work closely with our clients to identify their strengths and develop a plan that will help them overcome mental health challenges. Our priority is to ensure our clients’ well-being while they are immersed in sustainable modalities that will work for them both during and after our program. With Acera Health, you can be confident that you are receiving the best possible care and that your individual needs are always our top priority.
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual IOP, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), wilderness therapy, short-term residential treatment programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include in-home treatment, virtual IOP, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), wilderness therapy, short-term residential treatment programs, long-term residential treatment, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Greenhouse Therapy Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91106
Peace, joy, meaning, creativity, and connection - for over 20 years, Greenhouse Therapy Center has been a place deeply rooted in the lifelong pursuit of personal growth. Our talented, multidisciplinary team of clinicians partner with clients of all ages to help them cope with the struggles they face while honoring each client's individual differences. We understand that each of us brings unique strengths and growing edges to treatment, and we offer a variety of services to cultivate your healing and growth, including individual and family psychotherapy, couples therapy, play therapy, art therapy, psychodiagnostic testing, individualized intensive trauma treatment, EMDR/Havening, occupational therapy, trauma-informed yoga, reflexology, and movement meditation in nature. Our team-based approach helps you to move past suffering and flourish faster.
Peace, joy, meaning, creativity, and connection - for over 20 years, Greenhouse Therapy Center has been a place deeply rooted in the lifelong pursuit of personal growth. Our talented, multidisciplinary team of clinicians partner with clients of all ages to help them cope with the struggles they face while honoring each client's individual differences. We understand that each of us brings unique strengths and growing edges to treatment, and we offer a variety of services to cultivate your healing and growth, including individual and family psychotherapy, couples therapy, play therapy, art therapy, psychodiagnostic testing, individualized intensive trauma treatment, EMDR/Havening, occupational therapy, trauma-informed yoga, reflexology, and movement meditation in nature. Our team-based approach helps you to move past suffering and flourish faster.
Acera Health - Adult Mental Health Outpatient
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
At Acera Health, we work with our clients to create personalized treatment plans that are based on their individual strengths. We believe that no two clients are alike, and as such, the ingredients to overcome mental health challenges are not going to be the same for each client. Our model is to work with our clients hand-in-hand to identify their strengths and create a sustainable plan that will work for them both during and after their time at Acera Health. We prioritize our clients' well-being and Immersion into sustainable modalities is key to our success. When our clients have completed our program, they continue on their journey of wellness armed with the tools they need for success.
At Acera Health, we work with our clients to create personalized treatment plans that are based on their individual strengths. We believe that no two clients are alike, and as such, the ingredients to overcome mental health challenges are not going to be the same for each client. Our model is to work with our clients hand-in-hand to identify their strengths and create a sustainable plan that will work for them both during and after their time at Acera Health. We prioritize our clients' well-being and Immersion into sustainable modalities is key to our success. When our clients have completed our program, they continue on their journey of wellness armed with the tools they need for success.
Acera Health - Inpatient Mental Health Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
At Acera Health, we believe that each client is unique and deserves a personalized approach to treatment. We work closely with our clients to identify their strengths and create a customized plan that will meet their specific needs. Our goal is to provide our clients with the resources they need to sustain their mental health long-term. We offer a variety of evidence-based therapies and modalities, and we work with our clients to find the ones that are most effective for them. Our program is designed to empower our clients and help them build the skills they need to maintain their mental health for a lifetime.
At Acera Health, we believe that each client is unique and deserves a personalized approach to treatment. We work closely with our clients to identify their strengths and create a customized plan that will meet their specific needs. Our goal is to provide our clients with the resources they need to sustain their mental health long-term. We offer a variety of evidence-based therapies and modalities, and we work with our clients to find the ones that are most effective for them. Our program is designed to empower our clients and help them build the skills they need to maintain their mental health for a lifetime.
Acera Health - Mental Health Adult IOP
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
At Acera Health, we understand that everyone's journey to mental wellness is unique. That's why we take a client-centered approach to treatment, working closely with each individual to identify their strengths and create a personalized plan that meets their needs. We believe that sustainable change is possible, and our goal is to help our clients find the tools and resources they need to thrive both during and after our program. By focusing on mind, body, and spirit, we provide a holistic approach to healing that can lead to lasting transformation. If you're ready to begin your journey to mental wellness, we invite you to reach out and start your Acera today.
At Acera Health, we understand that everyone's journey to mental wellness is unique. That's why we take a client-centered approach to treatment, working closely with each individual to identify their strengths and create a personalized plan that meets their needs. We believe that sustainable change is possible, and our goal is to help our clients find the tools and resources they need to thrive both during and after our program. By focusing on mind, body, and spirit, we provide a holistic approach to healing that can lead to lasting transformation. If you're ready to begin your journey to mental wellness, we invite you to reach out and start your Acera today.
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include virtual IOPs, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), outdoor therapy, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of exceptional treatment and therapy programs across the United States. We specialize in helping adolescents, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health and substance abuse issues. Our programs include virtual IOPs, outpatient clinics that offer intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHPs), outdoor therapy, residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and young adult transitional living options.
Thrive Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Thrive Treatment℠ is the premier Los Angeles Treatment Center offering the full continuum of care. We offer detox, residential, and outpatient services for addiction and mental health. We employ a multi-modal approach to recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our program philosophy is rooted in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with our clients while helping them to understand the underlying social and emotional issues that drive their substance abuse. In that sense, we view all addictions as dual diagnoses. While many of these underlying issues are visible to clients and their loved ones, there are often other challenging aspects of their inner lives that cannot be seen. Our goal is to help clients identify these problems, believing that insight in these areas is the best way to initiate positive and lasting change. This approach also helps clients minimize the shame that often comes with addiction, developing a sense of self-compassion for their circumstances while learning how to face life’s discomfort with strength and resilience.
Thrive Treatment℠ is the premier Los Angeles Treatment Center offering the full continuum of care. We offer detox, residential, and outpatient services for addiction and mental health. We employ a multi-modal approach to recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our program philosophy is rooted in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with our clients while helping them to understand the underlying social and emotional issues that drive their substance abuse. In that sense, we view all addictions as dual diagnoses. While many of these underlying issues are visible to clients and their loved ones, there are often other challenging aspects of their inner lives that cannot be seen. Our goal is to help clients identify these problems, believing that insight in these areas is the best way to initiate positive and lasting change. This approach also helps clients minimize the shame that often comes with addiction, developing a sense of self-compassion for their circumstances while learning how to face life’s discomfort with strength and resilience.
Acera Health - Outpatient Mental Health Treatment
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
We all want to live a life that we love. However, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out where to turn when life gets tough. That's where Acera Health comes in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we are here to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult but, with our help, it is possible for you to create lasting change in your life. Contact us today so that we can get started on helping you create the life you've always wanted. You deserve to live a life that you love, and we are here to help make that happen.
We all want to live a life that we love. However, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out where to turn when life gets tough. That's where Acera Health comes in. We offer a range of services to help restore your mind and transform your life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or addiction, we are here to support you every step of the way. We know that change can be difficult but, with our help, it is possible for you to create lasting change in your life. Contact us today so that we can get started on helping you create the life you've always wanted. You deserve to live a life that you love, and we are here to help make that happen.
Psyclarity Mental Health - Los Angeles
Treatment Center, MD, PhD, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Psyclarity Mental Health caters to individuals struggling with various mental health issues, providing tailored treatments for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, and more. The facility emphasizes a holistic approach to address each client's unique needs and challenges, aiming to foster recovery and resilience. With a combination of expert counselors, professional medical staff, and a lifelong support system, our primary mission is to give every client the tools they need to sustain recovery after treatment.
Psyclarity Mental Health caters to individuals struggling with various mental health issues, providing tailored treatments for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, PTSD, and more. The facility emphasizes a holistic approach to address each client's unique needs and challenges, aiming to foster recovery and resilience. With a combination of expert counselors, professional medical staff, and a lifelong support system, our primary mission is to give every client the tools they need to sustain recovery after treatment.
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
At Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, we understand the debilitating impact a mental health condition can have on you and your loved ones. We are here to offer treatment and support to help you restore the fulfilling, productive life you deserve. Both inpatient and outpatient programs are available, depending on your individual needs or preference. We care for patients of all ages — from children and teens to seniors — and we help build strong foundations to treat anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and more. To begin the intake process, please call 858-836-8434. Our hotline is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by experienced mental health professionals.
At Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, we understand the debilitating impact a mental health condition can have on you and your loved ones. We are here to offer treatment and support to help you restore the fulfilling, productive life you deserve. Both inpatient and outpatient programs are available, depending on your individual needs or preference. We care for patients of all ages — from children and teens to seniors — and we help build strong foundations to treat anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, bipolar disorder and more. To begin the intake process, please call 858-836-8434. Our hotline is open 24 hours a day and is staffed by experienced mental health professionals.
Forward Wellness
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
Placentia, CA 92870
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
Are you feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or lonely? Our therapists understand how you are feeling and can help you feel better as well as help you begin to manage your symptoms. At Forward Wellness our goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While no one can change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. We offer treatment services for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, substance use, co-occurring disorders, pain management, adjustment issues, life transitions, relationship and family difficulties, and grief. Holistic approaches are known to help you reduce anxiety and improve your mood. We look forward to teaching you the tools needed to get your life back.
Studio City Clinical Associates
Treatment Center, LCSW, PsyD, ca
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604 (Online Only)
Carol Bernstein, LCSW Becky Rau, Karen Chambre, LCSW. Psy.D.abd and our highly qualified associates, Evan Dunn, AMSW, and Marine Guloyan ACSW, MPH, CHES
Carol Bernstein, LCSW Becky Rau, Karen Chambre, LCSW. Psy.D.abd and our highly qualified associates, Evan Dunn, AMSW, and Marine Guloyan ACSW, MPH, CHES
See more therapy options for Riverside County
Autism Treatment Centers
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.