Autism Counselling in Bamber Bridge

Photo of Jacqueline Branfield - Jacqueline Branfield | Forever Growing , Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Jacqueline Branfield | Forever Growing
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
A warm welcome to Forever Growing Counselling & Wellbeing Specialist, I am Jacqueline a highly skilled Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Hypnotherapist and RTT Practitioner. I also hold experience has a school counsellor and therapeutic practitioner. Together we create a safe calming space, reducing overwhelm, promoting self exploration and expression, gaining deep understanding of challenges faced. At your pace we work towards soothing the nervous system, moving away from anxiety, being your own biggest critic, creating a new updated communication style, compassionate, one that works for you, stepping into being your own best friend.
A warm welcome to Forever Growing Counselling & Wellbeing Specialist, I am Jacqueline a highly skilled Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Hypnotherapist and RTT Practitioner. I also hold experience has a school counsellor and therapeutic practitioner. Together we create a safe calming space, reducing overwhelm, promoting self exploration and expression, gaining deep understanding of challenges faced. At your pace we work towards soothing the nervous system, moving away from anxiety, being your own biggest critic, creating a new updated communication style, compassionate, one that works for you, stepping into being your own best friend.
01257 448241 View 01257 448241
Photo of Rachel Leah Wesley - The Wellness Consultancy, Psychotherapist, MBACP
The Wellness Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Often clients contact me when other therapy has not helped them in the way they had hoped. This is often due to the complexity of difficulties being layered perhaps in a history of trauma. Distress in the body and mind can be triggered by what appears to be something superficial. This can open up the past or come at a time when our emotional resilience is low so this event has a greater impact than it may have done. We can find ourselves not being able to function in our normal way. Many clients often identify as 'good copers' and those who 'just get on with it'. Perhaps we can't now - this is frightening and can derail us.
Often clients contact me when other therapy has not helped them in the way they had hoped. This is often due to the complexity of difficulties being layered perhaps in a history of trauma. Distress in the body and mind can be triggered by what appears to be something superficial. This can open up the past or come at a time when our emotional resilience is low so this event has a greater impact than it may have done. We can find ourselves not being able to function in our normal way. Many clients often identify as 'good copers' and those who 'just get on with it'. Perhaps we can't now - this is frightening and can derail us.
01204 238760 View 01204 238760
Photo of Deborah Ann Lloyd, Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Deborah Ann Lloyd
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over twenty years experience working with adults and children within the NHS and in my private practice. I have particular knowledge and experience in trauma, attachment theory, bereavement and loss. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups in a supportive therapeutic environment covering a wide range of issues: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Traumatic events, Developmental Trauma during childhood, Attachment and relational difficulties, Self-harm and Eating disorders.
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist with over twenty years experience working with adults and children within the NHS and in my private practice. I have particular knowledge and experience in trauma, attachment theory, bereavement and loss. I work with individuals, couples, families and groups in a supportive therapeutic environment covering a wide range of issues: Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Traumatic events, Developmental Trauma during childhood, Attachment and relational difficulties, Self-harm and Eating disorders.
01254 964312 View 01254 964312

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Judith Marie Williams - Great Holme House Counselling Service, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Great Holme House Counselling Service
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Colne BB8
I am able to offer counselling on many issues, including but not limited to; relationships, anxiety and depression, bereavement (including infant mortality), trauma and abuse (including childhood abuse), gender identity / dysphoria, and support for parents of adult transgender offspring, as well as support for neurodiverse individuals including ADHD/ autism.
Great Holme House Counselling Service offers professional, and compassionate support for individuals facing life's challenges. As an experienced person centred therapist I aim to provide a safe and welcoming space to explore your thoughts and emotions. My practice office is a set aside work room within my home which is wheelchair accessible. WE have ample roadside parking outside the property. It is cool in hot weather and has a cosy log burner to ensure that it is both warm and welcoming in the colder months. I am happy to offer telephone or online counselling sessions, or home visits should this prove appropriate.
I am able to offer counselling on many issues, including but not limited to; relationships, anxiety and depression, bereavement (including infant mortality), trauma and abuse (including childhood abuse), gender identity / dysphoria, and support for parents of adult transgender offspring, as well as support for neurodiverse individuals including ADHD/ autism.
Great Holme House Counselling Service offers professional, and compassionate support for individuals facing life's challenges. As an experienced person centred therapist I aim to provide a safe and welcoming space to explore your thoughts and emotions. My practice office is a set aside work room within my home which is wheelchair accessible. WE have ample roadside parking outside the property. It is cool in hot weather and has a cosy log burner to ensure that it is both warm and welcoming in the colder months. I am happy to offer telephone or online counselling sessions, or home visits should this prove appropriate.
01282 953298 View 01282 953298
Photo of Tony Hall, Counsellor, MBACP
Tony Hall
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Waitlist for new clients
I have specialist interest in Autism and Aspergers and I work with problems including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, it is often the case that autistic adults have had a poor experience of counselling and psychotherapy where the practitioner has not had sufficient understanding of the ways in which the world looks so very different to their autistic client.
I have specialist interest in Autism and Aspergers and I work with problems including depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, it is often the case that autistic adults have had a poor experience of counselling and psychotherapy where the practitioner has not had sufficient understanding of the ways in which the world looks so very different to their autistic client.
01706 619833 View 01706 619833
Photo of Lola Winter - AJA Therapies, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
AJA Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chorley PR7
Low mood/depression, Social anxiety, Panic disorder, Stress management, PTSD Separation anxiety, Phobias, Support with self-harm and suicidality, Support with family dynamics, Anger management and other mood dysregulations, Low self esteem/confidence, Specific support for those with ADHD and/or Autism (age 13 - 21), Life skills such as communication.
Hi I’m Lola. I created AJA Therapies, to provide accessible and affordable Mental Health therapies for all. AJA is the Yoruba Goddess for health and healing who shared her gift with others so as to continue the cycle of good health and healing. I am no Goddess but hope to share my knowledge and skills with you, to help you become the optimum version of yourself. As an RMN I’ve always strived to help others heal their minds and staying in control of your Mental Health is a constant journey. AJA Therapies can provide you with a variety of skills to maintain that control of your emotional wellbeing.
Low mood/depression, Social anxiety, Panic disorder, Stress management, PTSD Separation anxiety, Phobias, Support with self-harm and suicidality, Support with family dynamics, Anger management and other mood dysregulations, Low self esteem/confidence, Specific support for those with ADHD and/or Autism (age 13 - 21), Life skills such as communication.
Hi I’m Lola. I created AJA Therapies, to provide accessible and affordable Mental Health therapies for all. AJA is the Yoruba Goddess for health and healing who shared her gift with others so as to continue the cycle of good health and healing. I am no Goddess but hope to share my knowledge and skills with you, to help you become the optimum version of yourself. As an RMN I’ve always strived to help others heal their minds and staying in control of your Mental Health is a constant journey. AJA Therapies can provide you with a variety of skills to maintain that control of your emotional wellbeing.
01254 964131 View 01254 964131
Photo of James Barrott, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
James Barrott
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
While I consider my specialism to be people (having worked with pretty much most issues in my career) and enjoy the variety of working with different issues, I do have a specialism in the areas of autism and neurodiversity, existential issues (what is it all about?)
The purpose of my work is to bring about change – allowing people to be inspired, have access to their own potential, to be able to express themselves fully in their daily lives and live in tune with the environment. We have much to learn about ourselves through therapy – identifying and developing strengths, overcoming our wounds and learning how to gain fulfilment in life. The job of good therapy is to take forth these changes into your relationships and life situations, seeing the benefits of our changes have a far reaching and spreading influence beyond ourselves, confirming we have tapped into something deep and significant.
While I consider my specialism to be people (having worked with pretty much most issues in my career) and enjoy the variety of working with different issues, I do have a specialism in the areas of autism and neurodiversity, existential issues (what is it all about?)
The purpose of my work is to bring about change – allowing people to be inspired, have access to their own potential, to be able to express themselves fully in their daily lives and live in tune with the environment. We have much to learn about ourselves through therapy – identifying and developing strengths, overcoming our wounds and learning how to gain fulfilment in life. The job of good therapy is to take forth these changes into your relationships and life situations, seeing the benefits of our changes have a far reaching and spreading influence beyond ourselves, confirming we have tapped into something deep and significant.
01524 938888 View 01524 938888
Photo of Una Chadwick - Una Chadwick Counselling Practice, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Una Chadwick Counselling Practice
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
With over 25 years of experience with Autism/Asperger's, Una has specialised in these fields to ensure therapy is tailored and specific.
I'm very passionate about helping people work through their problems & to do that I offer mainly Person-Centred Therapy, provided in a safe, friendly and confidential environment. Everyone says, it's been great to be able to say whatever they want. That to have someone like me to listen to what is bothering them and what they are going through without being judged or given an opinion, has allowed them the space to work through their problems leaving them feeling empowered, stronger & with purpose. Being an experienced therapist means I can work with a range of mental health issues so, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
With over 25 years of experience with Autism/Asperger's, Una has specialised in these fields to ensure therapy is tailored and specific.
I'm very passionate about helping people work through their problems & to do that I offer mainly Person-Centred Therapy, provided in a safe, friendly and confidential environment. Everyone says, it's been great to be able to say whatever they want. That to have someone like me to listen to what is bothering them and what they are going through without being judged or given an opinion, has allowed them the space to work through their problems leaving them feeling empowered, stronger & with purpose. Being an experienced therapist means I can work with a range of mental health issues so, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
01253 335694 View 01253 335694
Photo of Debbie Challinor - Debbie Challinor Counselling and Psychotherapy, Counsellor, MBACP
Debbie Challinor Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
I hold a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and additional certification in trauma-informed therapy and anger management.
I'm a counsellor with lived neurodivergent experience, passionate about working with individuals and couples in the neurodivergent community. I know that seeking counselling can be a vulnerable and courageous step. Whether facing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking a better understanding of yourself and your experiences, I am here to help. Together, we can create a safe space where you, as the expert in your own experiences, are free to be who you are unapologetically. I will support you as you tell your story, helping you to make sense of it and leaving you with a clearer view of your next chapter.
I hold a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism and additional certification in trauma-informed therapy and anger management.
I'm a counsellor with lived neurodivergent experience, passionate about working with individuals and couples in the neurodivergent community. I know that seeking counselling can be a vulnerable and courageous step. Whether facing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking a better understanding of yourself and your experiences, I am here to help. Together, we can create a safe space where you, as the expert in your own experiences, are free to be who you are unapologetically. I will support you as you tell your story, helping you to make sense of it and leaving you with a clearer view of your next chapter.
01706 335950 View 01706 335950
Photo of Amy Whittle, Counsellor, MBACP
Amy Whittle
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Burnley BB10
I’m very experienced in pre and post autism diagnosis counselling of children, young people and adults.
I’m a person centred counsellor working online and face to face in Burnley and Todmorden. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive and understanding environment for you to talk and explore your experiences, feelings and needs, enabling growth and change to happen. I have worked for many years with autistic children, adults and their families, this is an area I continue to be passionate about.
I’m very experienced in pre and post autism diagnosis counselling of children, young people and adults.
I’m a person centred counsellor working online and face to face in Burnley and Todmorden. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive and understanding environment for you to talk and explore your experiences, feelings and needs, enabling growth and change to happen. I have worked for many years with autistic children, adults and their families, this is an area I continue to be passionate about.
01282 967157 View 01282 967157
Photo of Uzma Ahmed, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Uzma Ahmed
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
I have expertise working with clients who have a variety of issues, including self-harm, depression, anxiety and loss, relationship issues and breakups, PTSD, Autism, attachment issues, and child abuse.
I use a person-centered approach and the humanistic method to personalise my therapy to each individual client, allowing them to explore their emotions, feelings, and behaviours. In addition, a psychodynamic strategy is used while analysing childhood trauma. I am a non judgmental therapist that provides a safe environment for clients to speak freely
I have expertise working with clients who have a variety of issues, including self-harm, depression, anxiety and loss, relationship issues and breakups, PTSD, Autism, attachment issues, and child abuse.
I use a person-centered approach and the humanistic method to personalise my therapy to each individual client, allowing them to explore their emotions, feelings, and behaviours. In addition, a psychodynamic strategy is used while analysing childhood trauma. I am a non judgmental therapist that provides a safe environment for clients to speak freely
01254 964028 View 01254 964028
Photo of Louise Fisher, Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Louise Fisher
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Mental health struggles are on the rise, impacting young adults, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and those affected by domestic abuse.
My services include: • Supporting parents of young adults with ASD and social/learning challenges • Helping young adults with ASD build resilience and manage behaviours • Providing therapeutic tutoring for individuals facing barriers to mainstream education • Offering specialized support for care leavers, foster carers, and teens in care, focusing on emotion
Mental health struggles are on the rise, impacting young adults, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and those affected by domestic abuse.
My services include: • Supporting parents of young adults with ASD and social/learning challenges • Helping young adults with ASD build resilience and manage behaviours • Providing therapeutic tutoring for individuals facing barriers to mainstream education • Offering specialized support for care leavers, foster carers, and teens in care, focusing on emotion
01704 336302 View 01704 336302
Photo of Hannah Mitchell, Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Hannah Mitchell
Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I specialise in working with anxiety, ADHD, autism, and trauma, providing a compassionate and tailored approach to therapy that recognises the unique experiences and challenges of each individual.
My name is Hannah and I’m a Person-Centred Psychotherapist. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, uncomfortable in traditional settings, or unsure how to express yourself. That’s why I’m dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and accommodating space where you can feel accepted and valued exactly as you are. I work in a person-centred way, placing you at the heart of therapy in a safe, judgment-free space. My approach is flexible and fluid, adapting to your unique needs and preferences. Sessions move at your pace, ensuring therapy feels responsive, and tailored to you.
I specialise in working with anxiety, ADHD, autism, and trauma, providing a compassionate and tailored approach to therapy that recognises the unique experiences and challenges of each individual.
My name is Hannah and I’m a Person-Centred Psychotherapist. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, uncomfortable in traditional settings, or unsure how to express yourself. That’s why I’m dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and accommodating space where you can feel accepted and valued exactly as you are. I work in a person-centred way, placing you at the heart of therapy in a safe, judgment-free space. My approach is flexible and fluid, adapting to your unique needs and preferences. Sessions move at your pace, ensuring therapy feels responsive, and tailored to you.
01773 301543 View 01773 301543
Photo of Amber A Redish, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Amber A Redish
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Autism supportive Person Centred Counselling EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Hello. The majority of my work is with people who have experienced trauma; including in early childhood or education. I support people across the lifespan from 16+ to elders; pregnant women & new parents, those struggling with transitions, demanding family lives, or relationship difficulties; including poor experiences of therapy. I regularly support people diagnosed, undiagnosed or self ID with ASD/Asperger’s/ADHD. It is important to me that people feel safely welcome and able to work at a pace that suits them. I provide a space of genuine empathic understanding & I hope you will find me a kind, warm and approachable human being.
Autism supportive Person Centred Counselling EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Hello. The majority of my work is with people who have experienced trauma; including in early childhood or education. I support people across the lifespan from 16+ to elders; pregnant women & new parents, those struggling with transitions, demanding family lives, or relationship difficulties; including poor experiences of therapy. I regularly support people diagnosed, undiagnosed or self ID with ASD/Asperger’s/ADHD. It is important to me that people feel safely welcome and able to work at a pace that suits them. I provide a space of genuine empathic understanding & I hope you will find me a kind, warm and approachable human being.
01273 944014 View 01273 944014
Photo of Lucy Prokic, Counsellor, MBACP
Lucy Prokic
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I regularly attend CPD (continued professional development) courses, on a range of different topics such as autism/ADHD, addiction, trauma, PTSD and BPD/EUPD.
Life can be hard right? Ever feel like your struggling to cope with the day to day, like you don't feel like yourself. Or maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to work through that. Or are you experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time such as anxiety or depression. Well these are some of the many things that therapy can help with.
I regularly attend CPD (continued professional development) courses, on a range of different topics such as autism/ADHD, addiction, trauma, PTSD and BPD/EUPD.
Life can be hard right? Ever feel like your struggling to cope with the day to day, like you don't feel like yourself. Or maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to work through that. Or are you experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time such as anxiety or depression. Well these are some of the many things that therapy can help with.
01785 335804 View 01785 335804
Photo of Martin Spencer, Counsellor, MBACP
Martin Spencer
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.
My aim with therapy is to help you work out where you want to get to and help you find your ways to get there. Sometimes it can also be useful to think about what has happened to you. Working this way means we can find a path that suits you, in a collaborative way. I always keep in mind that you are the expert on you. I mainly use solution focused therapy which is a therapeutic approach that works with almost anybody and almost any issue. It is a way of identifying what a better life might be like and thinking through how to get there. I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.
My aim with therapy is to help you work out where you want to get to and help you find your ways to get there. Sometimes it can also be useful to think about what has happened to you. Working this way means we can find a path that suits you, in a collaborative way. I always keep in mind that you are the expert on you. I mainly use solution focused therapy which is a therapeutic approach that works with almost anybody and almost any issue. It is a way of identifying what a better life might be like and thinking through how to get there. I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
01457 605981 View 01457 605981
Photo of Marta Sikora, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Marta Sikora
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Many of my clients navigate the intersection of autism, ADHD, and adversity, addressing challenges like sensory overwhelm, burnout, masking, identity struggles, social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the impact of bullying, rejection, or discrimination.
I also offer neurodivergent-focused adult ADHD assessments from a non-psychiatric, non-pathologising perspective. Assessments are clinically robust, made up of 4 stages and include a detailed post-diagnostic report, which can be used for support at work or in education. Priced at £590, they’re designed to increase well-being and self-understanding.
Many of my clients navigate the intersection of autism, ADHD, and adversity, addressing challenges like sensory overwhelm, burnout, masking, identity struggles, social anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the impact of bullying, rejection, or discrimination.
I also offer neurodivergent-focused adult ADHD assessments from a non-psychiatric, non-pathologising perspective. Assessments are clinically robust, made up of 4 stages and include a detailed post-diagnostic report, which can be used for support at work or in education. Priced at £590, they’re designed to increase well-being and self-understanding.
01463 211991 View 01463 211991
Photo of Natasha Menoni - Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD.
I have experience using CBT, CFT, ACT, TF-ACT, EFT & ADHD Coaching. My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD.
I have experience using CBT, CFT, ACT, TF-ACT, EFT & ADHD Coaching. My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
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Photo of Leonora Eddolls, Counsellor, MBACP
Leonora Eddolls
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
   As a neurodivergent individual with a neurodivergent family I developed a special interest in neurodivergence including Adult ADHD and Adult Autism.
I am a specialist in Neurodivergence. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I have experience of complex Mental Health problems and Personality Disorder. I also offer training and workplace coaching for Neurodivergent individuals.
   As a neurodivergent individual with a neurodivergent family I developed a special interest in neurodivergence including Adult ADHD and Adult Autism.
I am a specialist in Neurodivergence. I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I have experience of complex Mental Health problems and Personality Disorder. I also offer training and workplace coaching for Neurodivergent individuals.
01572 494640 View 01572 494640
Photo of Natalie Mills, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Natalie Mills
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Aside from my private practice, I work for Respect For All who specialise in counselling adults and children with autism and learning disabilities.
I know things can be difficult but you don’t need to struggle alone, because I'm here to help. As a qualified therapist, my mission is to help you to overcome your fears and doubts and realise what you are truly capable of. I offer a friendly and confidential one-to-one counselling service supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of emotional, mental, and physical issues. I will be empathic, honest, and non-judgemental during our sessions.
Aside from my private practice, I work for Respect For All who specialise in counselling adults and children with autism and learning disabilities.
I know things can be difficult but you don’t need to struggle alone, because I'm here to help. As a qualified therapist, my mission is to help you to overcome your fears and doubts and realise what you are truly capable of. I offer a friendly and confidential one-to-one counselling service supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of emotional, mental, and physical issues. I will be empathic, honest, and non-judgemental during our sessions.
0161 850 3632 View 0161 850 3632
Autism Counsellors

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.