“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Dr. Stephen Shore, professor at Adelphi University and autistic advocate who was nonspeaking until age 4.
This speaks to the fact that each individual with autism has their own unique strengths, abilities, and challenges. As a result, a therapist who really understands this complex disorder, and the amazing potential of each individual on the spectrum, is key to making progress with your child or teen.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental disorder characterized by challenges in the following areas:
- Social communication
- Social interaction
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that 1 in 54 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. 1 There is a wide variation in the presentation of symptoms that people with ASD experience, which is why it’s called a spectrum disorder. While autism spectrum disorder can make it challenging for your child or teen to identify and express their feelings, the range of human emotion, from joy and excitement, to frustration and worry are present nonetheless, just as in typically developing children. Though counseling with a professional who has a high level of understanding of ASD, your child or teen can feel supported and encouraged to work through challenges, as well as identify their strengths and values. This can be helpful in reducing frustration and developing self-advocacy skills which will benefit them throughout their life. Counseling can also be beneficial to help to help your child or teen navigate social situations, through social skills training. Our therapists have experience working with individuals with diverse needs across the spectrum, including nonspeakers who type to communicate. Our philosophy, which values neurodiversity was formed through extensive work directly with autistic advocates.
Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit from Autism Counseling
Children or teenagers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have varying symptoms. Generally, they have problems with their social or communication skills. Some may have unusual eating habits or excessively worry about things. Others may also have different coping or learning methods, affecting their quality of life. Watch out for the symptoms mentioned below and contact a professional immediately to benefit from counseling for autism spectrum disorder.
- Doesn’t make eye contact
- Doesn’t show facial expressions such as feeling sad or happy
- Doesn’t sing or dance by 60 months of age
- Doesn’t respond to their name by nine months of age
- Excessively follows certain routines
- Easily gets upset
- Loses interest in activities they used to do
- Gains or loses significant weight
- Has insomnia and other sleep problems
- Says the same phrases or words over and over
- Delayed movement or language skills
- More impulsive or hyperactive
The symptoms your child or teenager has shown may not be mentioned above. It’s still essential to get in touch with a professional when you notice something unusual in your child. If he generally has problems communicating, navigating social situations or interacting with his peers, your teenager or child may have autism spectrum disorder. Our compassionate counseling and help with social skills development have helped many children and teens with ASD to have more success in their friendships, school and daily life.
Common Therapies and Strategies Used to Help Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
There is a wide range of therapies and strategies for youth and teens with ASD that are designed to address a range of behavioral, emotional, and social challenges.
Emotional Regulation
Children with ASD often have difficulty coping with stress and have intense emotional reactions. Our mental health providers teach strategies, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and engaging in positive physical activities, to improve emotional regulation. These techniques can help kids manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and reduce anxiety.
Social Skills Development
Children with ASD can struggle with understanding nonverbal communication, correctly interpreting emotions, and conversing properly. Social skills development involves teaching children with ASD how to effectively interact with others, such as understanding social cues and encouraging peer interactions.
Mental health providers tailor techniques to each child to promote the best results, but strategies typically include practicing communication skills and recognizing others’ visible emotions. This can help children develop stronger friendships and feel more confident in social settings.
Behavioral Strategies
Behavioral strategies are designed to help children with ASD manage repetitive behaviors, adapt to daily routines, develop better self-control, and cope with sensory sensitivities. These strategies can significantly improve daily life, especially as children get older. Techniques include breaking larger tasks into smaller manageable steps, encouraging taking breaks when needed, and using visual aids.
Compassionate Counseling for Kids and Teens with ASD
At Get Centered Counseling, Coaching and Wellness, our experienced mental health professionals will assess your child and develop an effective treatment plan that is tailored for their unique struggles with ASD.
If you believe your child or teen with autism spectrum disorder could benefit from support, our affiliated professional counselors are here to help. Our therapists utilize a strengths-based approach and, when appropriate, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Give our office a call today and let’s schedule a time to talk.