Individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can face many challenges to their daily lives, including school and work functioning, ability to manage daily tasks, and developing strong relationships. Behavioral therapies for autism can greatly reduce many symptoms associated with ASD and help individuals lead happy, fulfilling, and independent lives. Several types of therapies for autism are available and are most effective when applied through early intervention.
Mental Health Treatment That Works
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder which affects how people behave, learn, communicate and interact with others. ASD can also include limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. Even though it is described as a developmental disorder, it can be diagnosed at any age. The term “spectrum” is used because symptoms and degree of impairment vary. Milder forms of ASD can easily escape detection or may be misdiagnosed.
Symptoms usually appear in early childhood, eventually progressing into problems functioning in society such as in school, at work, and socially. Symptoms in early infancy can include reduced eye contact, indifference to caregivers, or lack of response to their name. Other children may develop normally for the first few months or years of their lives, but then suddenly become aggressive, withdrawn, or lose language skills. There are many symptoms associated with ASD including:
- Having obsessive interests.
- Getting upset by minor changes.
- Repeating words or phrases over and over.
- Lack of showing facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, or surprised.
- Doesn’t notice when others are hurt or upset by 2 years of age.
- Delayed language, movement, cognitive, and/or learning skills.
- Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior.
- Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry.
- Lack of fear or more fear than expected.
Although many strengths come with ASD, throughout their lives, individuals with autism are likely to face certain challenges. Many may receive negative attitudes from non-autistic people which can affect their careers and social lives. They often also experience mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or psychosis. Sensory differences experienced can make many public spaces overwhelming and cause distressing emotions. They may also struggle with work, school, and daily functioning.
The Importance of Early Intervention
There is no “cure” for autism spectrum disorder, however intensive treatment early on can make a world of a difference in the lives of many. It is important for children to be evaluated by a medical professional for correct diagnosis. Diagnosing can be difficult as there is no medical test, such as a blood test but rather is diagnosed based on behavior and developmental history. Some people with ASD may not be diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults.
Early intervention can provide children with therapeutic services while the brain is still rapidly developing. This can greatly improve the child’s overall development and functioning later in life. Interventions can address communication, social skills, self-care, independence, gross and fine motor skills, and much more. Receiving early intervention can drastically improve autism symptoms and behavioral issues by middle to late childhood so they are able to live their own unique best lives.
Overview of Behavioral Therapies for Autism
Patients with ASD can reduce some symptoms through treatment and behavioral therapies. Some of these approaches focus on helping individuals understand what happens before and after a behavior in order to change unwanted behaviors or reinforce wanted ones. Every person’s experience with ASD is unique, which requires comprehensive, personalized treatment approaches. Treatment can include various therapies to improve speech and behaviors, and at times medications may be able to help as well. Here are some autism therapy techniques:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy is the most common and successful method for helping children with ASD develop positive behaviors. Typically, ABA is a type of interpersonal therapy in which a child works with a practitioner one-on-one. It is designed to help children on the spectrum develop social, motor, and emotional skills through observation and positive reinforcement. ABA therapy can help children with autism by:
- Improving social abilities such as communicating, learning new skills, and completing tasks.
- Develop maintenance behaviors like self-regulation and self-control.
- Teaches them to transfer learned behaviors to new environments.
- Learn new skills including academic ones like reading and math.
- Reduces negative behaviors such as self-harm and aggression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used therapy for many types of mental health disorders. It is also a treatment option for people with ASD to help them understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Children and adults with ASD can both benefit from CBT by understanding how they react to certain situations and emotions, and how they control those reactions to achieve more positive outcomes. It is also a powerful tool to help individuals with autism manage co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can learn various coping skills to manage difficult situations.
Social Skills Training
One core challenge faced by individuals with autism is the development of social skills which can make it challenging to navigate social situations. Social skills training (SST) plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by helping individuals develop necessary skills and build meaningful relationships. This type of therapy is done both on an individual basis and through group interactions such as group therapy.
Occupational Therapy
Another primary mode of intervention is occupational therapy (OT) for autism. Individuals can develop, recover, or maintain their ability to engage in daily activities so they can live fuller, more independent lives. Occupational therapists will evaluate the person’s current level of ability and identify any obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in day-to-day activities. Some goals and strategies addressed in occupational therapy for autism include:
- Independent dressing
- Grooming
- Eating
- Fine motor skills such as writing and coloring
- Using the bathroom
Mental Health Treatment That Works
Integrating Behavioral Therapies into Daily Life
Many of these behavioral therapies work by having the child or adult with ASD apply what they have learned into daily life. Not only does this help reinforce learned behaviors and skills, but it also helps clinicians evaluate progress so they can adapt treatment as needed. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use these same teachings in their day-to-day routines so the individual can retain the information. As individuals integrate behavioral therapies into their daily lives, they can assess themselves what works and areas to troubleshoot with their therapists. Applying behavioral therapies does not have to be intense or strict, but can be implemented through language, activities, and games to shape their skills.
Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Child
The right therapies for autism depend on the individual’s unique needs and symptoms. Often, comprehensive programs with a combination of treatments may offer the best approach. When choosing the right autism therapy for your child, starting with a thorough assessment that gives an overall view of your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall goals, can help you and healthcare providers choose the right types of therapy. It is also important to choose programs that encourage family participation so caregivers can participate in their child’s treatment, reinforce skills and strategies learned in therapy, provide emotional support, and advocate for their child.
How Moment of Clarity Supports Families
Families looking for mental health treatment to cope with autism spectrum disorder symptoms can get the help and guidance they need at Moment of Clarity. We provide personalized treatment programs for children and adults with ASD using evidence-based therapies to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilling, independent lives. Our treatment centers offer therapies for ASD and co-occurring mental health disorders through outpatient treatment so patients can actively apply what they have learned while continuing to receive support from loved ones.
If you would like more information about our autism treatment programs, please give us a call at (949) 625-0564 or chat with us online.
