With different behavior therapies for autism, parents can feel overwhelmed. There is no cure for autism, but there are different interventions that can diminish symptoms. When searching for behavior therapy for autism near me, it’s helpful to know some of the different therapies so you can make the right choice for your child.
Applied Behavior Analysis: This type of therapy is the most researched and has been used in autism treatment for more than five decades. It’s highly structured and is backed by science that will teach communication, play, social and academic skills, and self-care. Research shows that can it can improve outcomes. A therapist will break down skills into component parts and, through reinforcement and repetition, help children learn. A therapist observes a kid’s ability and defines what would benefit him or her, even if the child doesn’t seem interested in learning a particular skill. This is usually the starting point for children that have more severe symptoms. Even as skills improve, this therapy can still be useful.
Verbal Behavior Therapy: This type of therapy helps teach non-vocal children how to communicate. This therapy will seek to move children beyond labeling, in order to vocalize their request. In a normal session, a therapist will show stimuli, such as toys or food, and then use it to attract the child’s interest. Children are encouraged to understand that communicating gives positive results and they get what they desire because they communicate to ask for it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy has been used since the 1960s and is used for children who have milder symptoms. It helps to define triggers of certain behaviors so that children can start to recognize these themselves. Children learn to see when they are about to head down a path that is a habit and learn to practice something else instead. This therapy helps with concerns that are common to autism, such as being anxious or overly fearful.
Relationships Development Intervention: This is a family centered therapy to treat autism. It’s focused on defining social and emotional objectives, in order to establish more significant relationships. This will include the ability to form a bond and shared experiences. This is commonly used with parents and there are goals set to develop skills that relate to interpersonal engagement, such as empathy.
Social Skills Groups: These groups help children engage in practical language and help them manage real world problems with peers. Since children with autism can be more comfortable talking with adults than with their peers, these groups will bring out difficulties that come with being with a group of peers.
Searching for behavior therapy for autism near me doesn’t have to be challenging if you have the right resources and know what you are looking for.
