Autism Therapists in 77035
I've worked with a variety of patients and consider my specialties to be: psychological testing including cognitive testing; autism and ADHD assessments; working with individuals on the autism spectrum who are high functioning; and psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults.
As an experienced psychologist, I've come to believe that change is most likely to happen when a client and therapist can form a strong therapeutic alliance. Throughout my career, I've seen such alliances produce remarkable results for patients and their families.
I've worked with a variety of patients and consider my specialties to be: psychological testing including cognitive testing; autism and ADHD assessments; working with individuals on the autism spectrum who are high functioning; and psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults.
As an experienced psychologist, I've come to believe that change is most likely to happen when a client and therapist can form a strong therapeutic alliance. Throughout my career, I've seen such alliances produce remarkable results for patients and their families.
I am a graduate of the Texas A&M – Central Texas Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate with an eclectic background. Having experience serving in the miliary and working as a paramedic, I bring a varied and deep knowledge base relating to traumatic and other chronic disorders. I have worked in the managed care system with both acute and chronic illnesses and focuses on how overall wellness and physiological well-being play a role in how we feel mentally. I have experience working with clients of all ages and from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
I am a graduate of the Texas A&M – Central Texas Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate with an eclectic background. Having experience serving in the miliary and working as a paramedic, I bring a varied and deep knowledge base relating to traumatic and other chronic disorders. I have worked in the managed care system with both acute and chronic illnesses and focuses on how overall wellness and physiological well-being play a role in how we feel mentally. I have experience working with clients of all ages and from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Chavon Cecily Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77035 (Online Only)
My ideal client is anyone who is struggling to find peace within their own mental health. The client may have issues of grief, past betrayals, or major life changes. The client only wants to come to a place of acceptance with the things that have happened in their life. They want to be validated in the knowledge that their experience and feelings are real. They also want help in moving past their current place and reaching their goals. They want to be at a state of inner peace. When this is not possible they want the skills to be able to cope.
My ideal client is anyone who is struggling to find peace within their own mental health. The client may have issues of grief, past betrayals, or major life changes. The client only wants to come to a place of acceptance with the things that have happened in their life. They want to be validated in the knowledge that their experience and feelings are real. They also want help in moving past their current place and reaching their goals. They want to be at a state of inner peace. When this is not possible they want the skills to be able to cope.
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Autism Therapists
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.