Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting interpersonal interactions and cognitive, social, communication, and motor skills. It also may lead to specific behaviors and interests. People’s experiences of ASD can vary greatly. For this reason, counseling interventions for individuals with ASD also range in their purpose and intent.
Available Treatment Options
Most mental health professionals agree that early intervention for people with ASD leads to better outcomes. Therapists may reduce problematic behaviors and improve communication, social skills, and sensory skills. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a type of behavioral therapy that counselors use specifically to increase desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones. Counselors may use Play Therapy to increase awareness of emotions and social skills and Speech-Language Therapy to improve communication skills.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Autism
There is nothing harder than witnessing a child in pain, who is unwilling or unable to talk about it. Adults often have words, but it’s a little trickier for kids and adolescents. In art therapy, we make things together that create a bridge to communication, sometimes staying in the metaphor, and other times using the art product as a jumping off point for verbal discussion. I am an artist and ...
I believe we all hold an innate capacity to gain perspective, repair, and thrive. But sometimes this can feel unimaginable. We feel a loss of control and certainty. In times of stress and uncertainty, therapy simply provides a safe space where all feelings are welcome. Therapy helps us cope and uncover strengths. It can guide us back to our essential self and support us to process our past. As ...
Hello! I am a California state licensed marriage family therapist, who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment and assessment to children, adults and families with a variety of emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges. I am experienced in working with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including in-home, schools, non-profit agencies and private practice. In...
As a school psychologist by training, I specialize in psychotherapy as well as conducting comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations. My approach to therapy is flexible and individualized, focused on building coping skills, solution-oriented and evidence-based. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapies rooted in understanding the connection of behavior and...
Have you been told to look at your substance use by someone you are close to? Are you worried you might have a problem or know that you do? Substance use is on a continuum, with abstinence on one end and severe abuse, or addiction, on the other. Historically, approaches to substance use treatment have been binary—you either use or you do not. While this approach is effective for some people, fo...
South Shore Counseling and Psychological Services is a private practice with locations in Wantagh, Amityville, and Great Neck, on Long Island. Our talented psychotherapists have a variety of clinical specialties; we work with a wide range of patients of all ages through many presenting issues: anxious disorders, depressive disorders, mood disorders, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, relationship issues,...
I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families who are struggling with conflicts in their lives, whether they are emotional, psychological, relational or any combination of these. I have also worked with persons with substance abuse issues, abuse/trauma issues, and mental health issues. All of them are looking for healing and restoration to a sense of identity and meaning, which can lea...
I believe that people seek out counseling because they feel that they are lacking guidance and are struggling to make sense of the problem(s) or issue(s) they are experiencing. In other words, they feel “stuck”. Because of this, they are searching for a way to change, move forward, or process their own thoughts and feelings related to whatever is causing their problem. Each person has the optio...
Hello, I specialize in trauma and adoption. My focus is on using the strengths of you, your child, and your family to work with you to overcome even severe obstacles to success. My 38 years of experience includes individual, family, and group psychotherapy, teaching at the Master's level at Regis University and DU, elementary school counseling, local and national educational presentations, and...
Hi! I'm Stacy and I have worked in the field of mental health for 15 years supporting both individuals and families struggling with various mental health conditions. I recognize that if you are seeking therapy, you are trusting me with either you or your loved ones mental health. It is important for me to create a comfortable and welcoming environment to help facilitate insight, change and grow...
*Accepting new clients* I am a therapist for individuals, couples, and families and view this as a collaborative process. All of us experience struggles in life. If you find that coping with these struggles is more difficult than you ever imagined; you may want to consider therapy. A safe, understanding, empathetic, and confidential environment is provided so that we can explore your concerns. ...
I understand how difficult it is to take the first step in finding support for you or your loved ones. The fact that you are browsing Psychology Today to see what is out there is a big step. You probably have lots of questions, concerns, and overall hesitations for picking up the phone and trying to schedule an appointment. It is a scary thing, but you would not be here if you did not feel like...
A cornerstone of my belief system is that behavior is an expression of what we need. And this is no more truer than for children. The difficulty lies, however, in parenting a child with behaviors we don't quite understand. It can be frightening that, as a parent or caregiver, we don't know what to do. And, it can feel isolating. What I want to share is that it doesn't have to be overwhelming. A...
We are often told to manage our lives as if we have learned every strategy and read every book. Nobody knows everything, and you cannot expect yourself to navigate through life as if you do. Counseling has the ability to help you gain or refine skill sets to maneuver daily life, mental health, and major life events. My intention as a counselor is to foster a safe environment, to assist you in y...
