Autism Therapists in 80239
Here at Colorado Mental Health Network, we believe in providing patients with the best tools and resources to overcome their most challenging obstacles. Our mission is to provide a safe and authentic place for unlimited growth, while making our Colorado communities a better place! Colorado Mental Health Network is proud of its diversity in therapists to provide culturally sensitive services to the community. We speak Spanish!
Here at Colorado Mental Health Network, we believe in providing patients with the best tools and resources to overcome their most challenging obstacles. Our mission is to provide a safe and authentic place for unlimited growth, while making our Colorado communities a better place! Colorado Mental Health Network is proud of its diversity in therapists to provide culturally sensitive services to the community. We speak Spanish!
Shannon Kennealey, LCSW at Village Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80239
I am a strength-based psychotherapist. My work with individuals and families strives to unlock their inner capacities for strength, self determination, health and happiness, performance, well-being, and meaningful relationships. I believe that this potential is within all of us and is waiting to be unlocked. Everyone has a unique personality and experience, therefor I take an integrated approach that pulls from a variety of theoretical frameworks including, attachment theory, narrative therapy, self psychology, emotionally focused theory and spiritual/existential psychology.
I am a strength-based psychotherapist. My work with individuals and families strives to unlock their inner capacities for strength, self determination, health and happiness, performance, well-being, and meaningful relationships. I believe that this potential is within all of us and is waiting to be unlocked. Everyone has a unique personality and experience, therefor I take an integrated approach that pulls from a variety of theoretical frameworks including, attachment theory, narrative therapy, self psychology, emotionally focused theory and spiritual/existential psychology.
Are you or your child feeling overwhelmed by your child's recent diagnosis? Do you find yourself grappling with anxiety? I want to help you navigate these challenges. I am a compassionate partner dedicated to supporting you and your family through these difficult times.
Are you or your child feeling overwhelmed by your child's recent diagnosis? Do you find yourself grappling with anxiety? I want to help you navigate these challenges. I am a compassionate partner dedicated to supporting you and your family through these difficult times.
Rachael E Conrad
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80239
You may have had thoughts and feelings at some point that felt like a crushing tidal wave. We can learn to surf. Everyone has a unique footprint that they leave in the sand, bringing much to the table that is solely their own. We may have challenges along the way, but we don’t have to feel stuck.
You may have had thoughts and feelings at some point that felt like a crushing tidal wave. We can learn to surf. Everyone has a unique footprint that they leave in the sand, bringing much to the table that is solely their own. We may have challenges along the way, but we don’t have to feel stuck.
Hi, I’m Matt, and it’s my mission to help people find their peace. I specialize in dealing with depression, anxiety, and healing from traumatic experiences; I have worked with adults, children, and families for over 15 years. My primary focus is to help you establish meaningful goals that bring you back to a life full of joy. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, my approach to therapy is both relational and collaborative. Trusting you as the expert of yourself, and I offer support as you regain the capacity to be your best self.
Hi, I’m Matt, and it’s my mission to help people find their peace. I specialize in dealing with depression, anxiety, and healing from traumatic experiences; I have worked with adults, children, and families for over 15 years. My primary focus is to help you establish meaningful goals that bring you back to a life full of joy. As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, my approach to therapy is both relational and collaborative. Trusting you as the expert of yourself, and I offer support as you regain the capacity to be your best self.
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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.