Autism Support Groups in Berks County, PA

Optimum Care Counseling & Wellness Solutions provides confidential, client focused counseling and therapy services for individuals, couples, and families specializing in areas that include, but are not limited to: Autism, Anger Management, Panic Attack, Child Abuse, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, Couples Therapy, OCD, Panic Disorder, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Emotional & Physical Abuse, Adjustment Disorder, Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Medication Management. Call (610)-670-8800 for an appointment today! Most insurance accepted.
Photo of Ucheena Uzouwku, Psychiatrist, MD
Hosted by Ucheena Uzouwku
Psychiatrist, MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Group meets in Reading, PA 19608
I am a board certified psychiatrist who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in children and adolescents but also works with adults in providing psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. In addition, I also provide ADHD testing. I develop a comprehensive and thorough treatment plan that most importantly is designed to educate my patients on mental wellness.
(610) 624-4474 View (610) 624-4474
Each 2 hour workshop will focus on a different part of the brain and how to regulate it, aligning with the Neurosequential Model. Participants will engage in activities and exercises specifically crafted to target various brain areas, promoting regulation and emotional well-being. 2025 Dates: March 5th April 12th May 17th June 14th July 19th August 16th September 13th October 11th.... Groups for ages 5-18 Available!
Photo of Meagan Good - Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselor, Meagan, Good, MA, LPC, Owner
Hosted by Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, Meagan, Good, MA, LPC, Owner
Verified Verified
Group meets in Wernersville, PA 19565
Looking for something other than talk therapy? How about working alongside horses in therapy? More than petting horses, our professional counseling team is specially trained to integrate horses into therapy. We empower individuals, couples, families, and groups to overcome a variety of struggles and trauma and find hope, healing, and mental, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. You are mind, body, soul, and spirit. Nurture every part of you in a peaceful, safe, and beautiful ranch environment. Horses are gentle and intuitive partners, providing nonjudgmental connection and self awareness as we explore your struggles and strengths.
(717) 839-2864 View (717) 839-2864

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Autism Support Groups

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.