Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, affects one in 59 people in the United States. There are many different signs, including delays in speech, social skills, and fine motor skills. Many of these appear in early childhood and can be diagnosed early. ASD is a developmental disorder that can inhibit progress in those areas, making it hard to adjust as a person grows older. Autism Spectrum Disorder can also be diagnosed later in life. Adults on the spectrum, as well as folks previously diagnosed with Asperger’s, may need help adjusting their day to routines to be more beneficial to them. Since there is a wide spectrum with the diagnosis, we try to accommodate needs that may be just as broad.
ASD is something that is a lifelong diagnosis, so it is important to have a therapist you trust to be able to see on a regular basis. Wherever you are on the spectrum, we want to talk to you about how we can accommodate your needs. If you’re looking for therapy for ASD in yourself or a loved one, we are available in the Audubon and Douglassville PA area.
Do I Need Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
First of all, we want to celebrate you for you. Neurodiversity is part of what makes our community a more beautiful place, and you are absolutely affirmed in who you are – now and always. That being said, navigating the world as a neurodiverse person is not always easy. We are here to help you better understand how you interact with the world – and to help you communicate that insight to those around you. Whether it’s at school, work, or home, everyone deserves to feel empowered to navigate their lives with authenticity and dignity.
Therapy for folks on the spectrum can be life-changing. As compared with behavioral supports (which some people may already have in place), therapy focuses a great deal on your own identity and your own desires and needs. It’s less about “fitting in” and more about navigating – and connecting with others in ways that are meaningful to YOU. This is at the heart of our work with ALL of our clients, and folks with ASD are no exception.
“Autism is neither a deficit, disease nor disorder, but simply a different, and equally valid, way of being.”
― Victoria Honeybourne
The Most Effective Techniques for Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy
Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder is based on behavior analysis. Though techniques vary, most of our therapists start with CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It helps teach clients to look at their actions and change them to avoid emotions that may be a result of those actions. Other techniques are brought into sessions and used as needed, in order to best suit each client and their individual needs. These could include a systems-based therapy including the whole family, social skills therapy, or applied behavioral analysis.
Working with kids diagnosed with ASD tends to be more hands-on with family involvement. We can accommodate children starting at the age of 4 with play and behavioral therapy, helping provide early techniques to help your child. As a person ages, the participation of the family in therapy can change and evolve.
Family should be more involved or less involved in therapy depending on the client. Individuals on the lower functioning end of the spectrum will require more help than someone on the higher end of the spectrum (in most cases). Clients on the lower end will require a stronger family presence and need more help applying what is being learned in therapy. Client’s on the higher end of the spectrum who are more independent may not need their family involved to apply what is being learned.
Most effective techniques: ABA Techniques:(Modeling, Chaining, Reinforcement Systems), Person-Centered Approach: (Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard, Active Listening, and Reflection, Provide Care and Support), CBT Techniques: (Identify Distortions, Cognitive Restructuring, Journaling, Exposure, and Response Prevention)
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Many articles you see will state that there is “no cure” for ASD. We want to be clear – ASD makes you who you uniquely are. We are not trying to change you to fit into society. Rather, we want to provide you and/or your loved ones the tools to be able to feel empowered to participate in your life in ways that are meaningful to you.. What these tools look like will change as your needs change and as you move throughout your life. This may lead you to talk with a therapist on and off for the remainder of your life, keeping a therapeutic home so that you have someone who intimately understands your diagnosis and your life.
How do I Find a Qualified Therapist for ASD?
Because therapy is about navigating your life, most people find it helpful to have a key person they can work with closely over time. It is important that you see a therapist who has experience and training working with your needs, particularly ASD. Several of our therapists are specialized in working with clients of all ages that are diagnosed with ASD. We encourage our clients to make a plan with their therapist in which they figure out goals to attain during therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since ASD presents lifelong challenges, we try to create a therapeutic home for each of our clients. This therapeutic home is a place where, even if a client takes a temporary break from therapy, they can come back at any point and talk to someone who knows their story.
If you’re in the Douglassville or Audubon areas of Pennsylvania, we have two locations that can serve as your therapeutic home. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong diagnosis, but that does not mean it is a lifelong struggle. We are here to help guide you through the entire experience. Please take the first step in your journey to call us, we do not want you to learn to adjust to the world around you alone.
You are welcome here.
**** At present, we do not offer testing or evaluations for ASD diagnoses.
