Autism Treatment Centers in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Tracy Markle Owner Clinical Director - Collegiate Coaching Services, MA, LPC, Treatment Center
Collegiate Coaching Services
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
We focus on academic success, mental health support, and developing skills such as organization, planning and preparing, prioritization, and more. Our clients typically have ADHD, autism, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, isolation, and other factors that impact their ability to be successful. We prioritize in-person coaching when our clients live near our locations, Boulder, CO, and Boston, MA. We provide virtual coaching to those who do not live locally. We support students to be successful academically and to manage emotional stressors and mental health factors by implementing a strength-based-empowered approach.
We focus on academic success, mental health support, and developing skills such as organization, planning and preparing, prioritization, and more. Our clients typically have ADHD, autism, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, isolation, and other factors that impact their ability to be successful. We prioritize in-person coaching when our clients live near our locations, Boulder, CO, and Boston, MA. We provide virtual coaching to those who do not live locally. We support students to be successful academically and to manage emotional stressors and mental health factors by implementing a strength-based-empowered approach.
(303) 647-4367 View (303) 647-4367
Photo of Bart Magee - Access Institute for Psychological Services, Treatment Center
Access Institute for Psychological Services
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Access Institute has been a part of the San Francisco community for over 20 years. We provide high-quality psychological care to people of all ages with the greatest need and least access to care while training the next generation of mental health professionals through a model that values human complexity, supports socially-conscious practice, and promotes sustained human growth.
Access Institute has been a part of the San Francisco community for over 20 years. We provide high-quality psychological care to people of all ages with the greatest need and least access to care while training the next generation of mental health professionals through a model that values human complexity, supports socially-conscious practice, and promotes sustained human growth.
(415) 319-7980 x380 View (415) 319-7980 x380
Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, 2972930, Treatment Center
Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services
Treatment Center
Not Verified Not Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse clients via video across California. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer.
(415) 851-6482 View (415) 851-6482
Photo of Jonathan Horowitz - SF Stress and Anxiety Center, PhD, Treatment Center
SF Stress and Anxiety Center
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
Are you overwhelmed? Off balance? Anxious? Stuck? We can help. At SF Stress and Anxiety Center, we can teach you the tools to turn stress into an ally.
Are you overwhelmed? Off balance? Anxious? Stuck? We can help. At SF Stress and Anxiety Center, we can teach you the tools to turn stress into an ally.
(510) 399-1038 View (510) 399-1038
Photo of Access Coordinator - Masonic Center for Youth and Families, Treatment Center
Masonic Center for Youth and Families
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94129
Families come to the Masonic Center for Youth and Families to help nurture and develop connected, healthy, and productive youth. By evaluating and understanding young people's unique situations and needs, MCYAF staff is able to create a developmentally appropriate and individualized approach to addressing emotional, academic, behavioral and social difficulties, and other forms of distress.
Families come to the Masonic Center for Youth and Families to help nurture and develop connected, healthy, and productive youth. By evaluating and understanding young people's unique situations and needs, MCYAF staff is able to create a developmentally appropriate and individualized approach to addressing emotional, academic, behavioral and social difficulties, and other forms of distress.
(877) 488-6293 View (877) 488-6293
Photo of Incoming Coordinator - The Liberation Institute, Treatment Center
The Liberation Institute
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($20 - $120).
We are open for anyone and everyone, via tele-health, throughout California. We are a non-profit community mental health organization providing professional counseling and psychotherapy to adults, youth, children, couples, families, and groups from all walks of life. In addition, we offer an array of innovative therapeutic programs and workshops, such as weekly support groups. All are welcome, and all services are provided on a true sliding scale basis ($20 - $120).
(628) 209-5264 View (628) 209-5264
Photo of Anna Nedelisky - Clinical Psychology Solutions, Treatment Center
Clinical Psychology Solutions
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We are a group therapy practice located in the heart of downtown San Mateo offering in-person and telehealth sessions to Kids/Parents, Teens and Adults.
We are a group therapy practice located in the heart of downtown San Mateo offering in-person and telehealth sessions to Kids/Parents, Teens and Adults.
(650) 459-4256 View (650) 459-4256
Photo of Admissions Team - Embark Behavioral Health , Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Walnut Creek, California are designed to support adolescents and teens ages 12-17 of all genders facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
We know how difficult it can be to see your son or daughter struggling with severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) in Walnut Creek, California are designed to support adolescents and teens ages 12-17 of all genders facing these challenges. Our IOPs and PHPs provide flexible treatment that fits into your teen’s and family’s life, offering the intensive support they need while staying connected to home, school and family.
(925) 489-0556 View (925) 489-0556
Photo of Dan Hanks - Northwest College Support Residential Transition, DO, LPC, LMSW, EdS, MEd, Treatment Center
Northwest College Support Residential Transition
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
Northwest College Support exists to help young adults ages 18 60 26 transitioning from treatment programs, wilderness programs, and leaving their home environment. We are a caring and supportive team of dedicated professionals helping young adults find their path to success in college, vocation, high school completion and living independence. Based out of beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Northwest College Support provides a wide range of supportive services to help students meet their potential as they attend college. The range of services provided is widely variable based on each student's needs and goals. Our services include Individual Psychotherapy,Testing and Evaluations, Psychiatric Services Educational Coaching, Life Skills Training, Nutritional Education, Fitness Coaching, and Life Coaching Services. Other services may include Family Therapy and Parent Education. Our approach is based on a growth model that provides uniquely provides the appropriate amount of support. The amount of support provided decreases as each individual grows towards his or her potential.
(877) 485-2776 View (877) 485-2776
Photo of Terry Edelmann - Integrated Interventions LLC., Treatment Center
Integrated Interventions LLC.
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Integrated Interventions is a Young Adult Therapeutic Program located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and New Braunfels, Texas. We are a community-based program where our students learn independent living skills through the support of our team of mentors. Our therapeutic support system provides the essential social and life skills required to become productive members of your family and community. We provide custom-fit treatment that allows us to serve a wide spectrum of individuals and we offer support for individuals with diagnoses including, behavioral, cognitive, medical, addiction, and educational challenges. We provide 24/7 support, life skill development, work-ethic training, career and educational support and so much more. Integrated believes in providing custom programming and support systems designed for everyone on a totally individualized basis.
Integrated Interventions is a Young Adult Therapeutic Program located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and New Braunfels, Texas. We are a community-based program where our students learn independent living skills through the support of our team of mentors. Our therapeutic support system provides the essential social and life skills required to become productive members of your family and community. We provide custom-fit treatment that allows us to serve a wide spectrum of individuals and we offer support for individuals with diagnoses including, behavioral, cognitive, medical, addiction, and educational challenges. We provide 24/7 support, life skill development, work-ethic training, career and educational support and so much more. Integrated believes in providing custom programming and support systems designed for everyone on a totally individualized basis.
(208) 228-0369 View (208) 228-0369
Photo of Michael Jacobus - Reset Summer Camp - Digital Detox, Treatment Center
Reset Summer Camp - Digital Detox
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94101
Reset Summer Camp is a fully immersive, residential 4-week, clinical program, hosted on a college campus, with a fun-filled, summer camp atmosphere. Teens detox from their screen addictions and learn how to self-regulate while participating in individual/group therapy. The Life Skills program creates understanding and builds self-confidence so our campers will be able to handle their real-world responsibilities. Our staff include experienced youth-development professionals, clinical interns, registered nurses and private-practice mental health PhDs who work daily with teens on gaming addiction and other unhealthy screen-time overuse habits. We also now offer an online version of our program. Visit www.resetsummercamp.com and click "New Online Course".
Reset Summer Camp is a fully immersive, residential 4-week, clinical program, hosted on a college campus, with a fun-filled, summer camp atmosphere. Teens detox from their screen addictions and learn how to self-regulate while participating in individual/group therapy. The Life Skills program creates understanding and builds self-confidence so our campers will be able to handle their real-world responsibilities. Our staff include experienced youth-development professionals, clinical interns, registered nurses and private-practice mental health PhDs who work daily with teens on gaming addiction and other unhealthy screen-time overuse habits. We also now offer an online version of our program. Visit www.resetsummercamp.com and click "New Online Course".
(805) 979-2633 View (805) 979-2633
Photo of Stephanie Lucas - Embark Behavioral Health, Treatment Center
Embark Behavioral Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94101
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or teen, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Klamath Falls, Oregon provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents, teens, and young adults ages 17-28 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities and emotional support to your teen as they move forward toward lasting mental wellness. Our residential treatment centers are here to help your family and are designed to give your teen the structure and support they need to build a healthier life.
We understand how heartbreaking it is to watch your adolescent or teen struggle with severe mental health conditions like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, depression and anxiety. As a parent or teen, the weight of these conditions can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our residential treatment center in Klamath Falls, Oregon provides 24/7 care in a safe, home-like environment for adolescents, teens, and young adults ages 17-28 of all genders. With constant supervision from a compassionate, experienced team, we offer personalized treatment designed to promote emotional safety and healing. Each day is structured with therapy, therapeutic activities and emotional support to your teen as they move forward toward lasting mental wellness. Our residential treatment centers are here to help your family and are designed to give your teen the structure and support they need to build a healthier life.
(541) 422-6748 View (541) 422-6748
Photo of Marcus Robinson - Windhorse Integrative Mental Health, Treatment Center
Windhorse Integrative Mental Health
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
Windhorse is a semi-residential program for adults experiencing life-disrupting mental states, with three locations in the US (Oregon, California, and Massachusetts). Inspired by the vision that psychiatric recovery is possible, Windhorse Integrative Mental Health has been a leader in personalized, compassionate care for over 30 years. The foundational principle of our treatment is healing through relationship and community. Windhorse addresses what is missing in most institutional settings. Our clients experience:
(800) 319-8261 View (800) 319-8261
Photo of H. Dayton Turberville - Prescott House, MEd, LISAC, CSAT, CMAT, Treatment Center
Prescott House
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94120
Since 1988 Prescott House has provided outstanding services to men and their families from across the country and abroad. Throughout the years we have found that long-term recovery is best achieved through long-term treatment in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Prescott House is committed to providing precisely that: excellent clinical care in a close-knit recovery community. This commitment is founded on a firm belief in recovery of the mind, spirit, and body. Prescott House is a safe environment in which clients may confront their self-destructive behaviors and develop integrity and accountability while nurturing their personal and emotional growth in recovery. We as a staff work tirelessly to consider the whole person and to treat the causes of self-destructive behaviors and not simply the symptoms.
Since 1988 Prescott House has provided outstanding services to men and their families from across the country and abroad. Throughout the years we have found that long-term recovery is best achieved through long-term treatment in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Prescott House is committed to providing precisely that: excellent clinical care in a close-knit recovery community. This commitment is founded on a firm belief in recovery of the mind, spirit, and body. Prescott House is a safe environment in which clients may confront their self-destructive behaviors and develop integrity and accountability while nurturing their personal and emotional growth in recovery. We as a staff work tirelessly to consider the whole person and to treat the causes of self-destructive behaviors and not simply the symptoms.
(928) 504-5406 View (928) 504-5406

More Treatment Centers Nearby

Quest Therapeutic Camps
Treatment Center, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Alameda, CA 94501
Quest is an innovative group program for kids 5-19, utilizing the natural environment of play to teach better emotional and social skills. Kids with mild to moderate emotional, learning and social problems participate in our 6-week summer (minimum 3 wk attendance) or 2 hr/week Afterschool program with licensed therapists and counselors developing individualized treatment plans based on need. Parents utilize Quest therapeutic techniques at home and receive written and verbal feedback on progress and effective approaches. Using unique therapeutic strategies developed by Dr. Field, founder, Quest campers improve self esteem, emotional coping and social interactive abilities. Medical insurance may cover portions of the service. Check our website:www.questcamps.com
Quest is an innovative group program for kids 5-19, utilizing the natural environment of play to teach better emotional and social skills. Kids with mild to moderate emotional, learning and social problems participate in our 6-week summer (minimum 3 wk attendance) or 2 hr/week Afterschool program with licensed therapists and counselors developing individualized treatment plans based on need. Parents utilize Quest therapeutic techniques at home and receive written and verbal feedback on progress and effective approaches. Using unique therapeutic strategies developed by Dr. Field, founder, Quest campers improve self esteem, emotional coping and social interactive abilities. Medical insurance may cover portions of the service. Check our website:www.questcamps.com
(925) 968-4973 View (925) 968-4973

Online Treatment Centers

Photo of Intake Team - Child Mind Institute, Treatment Center
Child Mind Institute
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
San Mateo, CA 94403
Mental health and learning disorders are real, common and treatable. When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. Care that is truly evidence-based, compassionate and personalized makes all the difference. At the Child Mind Institute, we’re here to help you wherever you are by providing educational resources and clinical care for children, teens, young adults, and parents.
Mental health and learning disorders are real, common and treatable. When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. Care that is truly evidence-based, compassionate and personalized makes all the difference. At the Child Mind Institute, we’re here to help you wherever you are by providing educational resources and clinical care for children, teens, young adults, and parents.
(650) 931-6565 View (650) 931-6565
Photo of Sarah Proemsey - Love Your Story Therapy, LPCC, Treatment Center
Love Your Story Therapy
Treatment Center, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlingame, CA 94010
Life can be tough and sometimes you find yourself overwhelmed facing challenging relationships, stressful changes, and painful past experiences. It can be difficult to know who to turn to for support and how to hold on to hope. Along the way, you can lose yourself and the ability to connect with those you love, often pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself. All of this can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe there is hope for you to take a step back from it all and learn to build a life you love living.
Life can be tough and sometimes you find yourself overwhelmed facing challenging relationships, stressful changes, and painful past experiences. It can be difficult to know who to turn to for support and how to hold on to hope. Along the way, you can lose yourself and the ability to connect with those you love, often pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself. All of this can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. We believe there is hope for you to take a step back from it all and learn to build a life you love living.
(650) 420-4287 View (650) 420-4287
Photo of Children's Health Council - Children's Health Council (CHC), Treatment Center
Children's Health Council (CHC)
Treatment Center
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Children’s Health Council (CHC) is a non-profit agency that provides life-changing education and mental health services for children, teens and young adults up to age 25 in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve been a trusted community resource for nearly 70 years, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and depression and autism. Our mission is to transform young lives by providing culturally-responsive, gold-standard services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location or ability to pay. With consultations, multidisciplinary evaluations, individualized therapy and personalized programs, our comprehensive and integrated approach honors each family’s unique challenges and needs. Our mission is to help children, teens and young adults become resilient, happy and successful at home, at school and in life. We strive to remove social emotional and learning barriers regardless of language, location or ability to pay. If you’re worried, don’t wait. We can help. We offer services in English and Spanish, proudly accept Santa Clara Medi-Cal, and offer financial assistance.
Children’s Health Council (CHC) is a non-profit agency that provides life-changing education and mental health services for children, teens and young adults up to age 25 in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve been a trusted community resource for nearly 70 years, specializing in ADHD, learning differences, anxiety and depression and autism. Our mission is to transform young lives by providing culturally-responsive, gold-standard services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location or ability to pay. With consultations, multidisciplinary evaluations, individualized therapy and personalized programs, our comprehensive and integrated approach honors each family’s unique challenges and needs. Our mission is to help children, teens and young adults become resilient, happy and successful at home, at school and in life. We strive to remove social emotional and learning barriers regardless of language, location or ability to pay. If you’re worried, don’t wait. We can help. We offer services in English and Spanish, proudly accept Santa Clara Medi-Cal, and offer financial assistance.
(650) 681-2772 View (650) 681-2772
Photo of Aimee Pomerleau - Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center, MA, Treatment Center
Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center
Treatment Center, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Soquel, CA 95073
At the Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center ("The Center"), our goal is to help you live to your full potential. Whether you are seeking to increase focus or motivation, decrease anxiety, elevate mood, expand awareness, or simply wish to tune your brain for optimal performance, The Center can help you train your brain! Neurofeedback produces a long lasting effect, without the substantial disadvantages of tolerance and side-effects common with medication. Neurofeedback (brainwave biofeedback) has been shown to help both children and adults with ADD/ADHD, OCD, PTSD, chronic pain, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, learning disorders, head trauma, and numerous other conditions. Many of the clients we see have tried a number of approaches, from talk therapy to prescription medications, with little or no relief. Neuroscientist Langdon Roberts, MA, CMT, The Center's Director, has over 17 years of experience successfully helping clients with these conditions. He co-runs the Center with Aimee Pomerleau, MFT, who specializes in mindfulness-based therapy for individuals and couples.
At the Santa Cruz Neurofeedback Center ("The Center"), our goal is to help you live to your full potential. Whether you are seeking to increase focus or motivation, decrease anxiety, elevate mood, expand awareness, or simply wish to tune your brain for optimal performance, The Center can help you train your brain! Neurofeedback produces a long lasting effect, without the substantial disadvantages of tolerance and side-effects common with medication. Neurofeedback (brainwave biofeedback) has been shown to help both children and adults with ADD/ADHD, OCD, PTSD, chronic pain, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, learning disorders, head trauma, and numerous other conditions. Many of the clients we see have tried a number of approaches, from talk therapy to prescription medications, with little or no relief. Neuroscientist Langdon Roberts, MA, CMT, The Center's Director, has over 17 years of experience successfully helping clients with these conditions. He co-runs the Center with Aimee Pomerleau, MFT, who specializes in mindfulness-based therapy for individuals and couples.
(831) 346-1319 View (831) 346-1319
Photo of Tasnim Khan - ShaMynds Healing Center, MD, Treatment Center
ShaMynds Healing Center
Treatment Center, MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95818
At ShaMynds Healing Center our mission is to empower you with tools to unshackle your trauma and pain using a holistic healing approach. Our medical doctors, therapists and guides are specifically trained in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, Ketamine Assisted Therapy and Integrative Medicine and treat: depression • anxiety • Chronic Regional Pain Syndromes • PTSD • OCD.
At ShaMynds Healing Center our mission is to empower you with tools to unshackle your trauma and pain using a holistic healing approach. Our medical doctors, therapists and guides are specifically trained in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, Ketamine Assisted Therapy and Integrative Medicine and treat: depression • anxiety • Chronic Regional Pain Syndromes • PTSD • OCD.
(916) 318-3307 View (916) 318-3307

See more therapy options for San Francisco

Autism Treatment Centers

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.