Autism
Compassionate treatment for individuals with ASD.
See a therapist specialized in Autism treatment. If you’re intersested in ASD-sensitive counseling, please reach out to be scheduled this week. Get therapy anywhere via telehealth or in-person in Denver and Lakewood!
What exactly is Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ASD, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of complex developmental disabilities. While some forms of ASD may be caused by genetic and environmental factors, other causes are still poorly understood.
People with ASD often find communication and social interactions challenging. They may also develop highly fixated interests. For folks living with untreated ASD, even simple matters like emotional regulation and basic social interactions can be quite challenging! Feelings of isolation are common as well.
The different levels of ASD.
Autism is diagnosed in three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3:
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- Level 1 Autism is often called “high functioning” autism. People with Level 1 Autism require support and may struggle with interpersonal relationships and understanding social cues. Many are able to live an otherwise normal lifestyle.
- Symptoms at Level 2 are more pronounced. People with Level 2 Autism require considerable support, and struggle with both verbal and nonverbal communication. Inflexibility is also more apparent at Level 2. Repetitive behaviors are more pronounced, and changes in routine can cause significant distress.
- People with Level 3 Autism face significant challenges. They may require substantial support and often present with nonverbal communication or limited intelligible language. At this level, individuals exhibit extreme repetitive behaviors and inflexibility that affect their ability to live normally.
Living and treating ASD.
- DBT, or Dialectic Behavioral Therapy. DBT is a means of teaching people how to live in the present moment, regulate emotions, and improve their interpersonal relationships. For autistic individuals, DBT is useful for identifying coping strategies that alleviate the stress of negative emotions or impaired function due to autism symptoms.
- ESDM, or the Early Start Denver Model, is an early intervention behavioral and communication therapy intended for children on the autism spectrum. ESDM is based on parent-therapist collaboration and seeks to build fun, positive spaces in the home, at school, or at a clinic. ESDM is intended to guide children into exploring the world safely through their neurodivergent perspective. By using play, ESDM can be an effective way for children on the spectrum to benefit individually, socially, and cognitively with an emphasis on meeting the child where they are and encouraging their individual strengths.
- AEDP, or Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, refers to a broad range of psychotherapy techniques geared towards relieving psychological distress and improving individual empowerment. Therapists use a collaborative safe space to explore negative thoughts and emotions and emphasize the client’s individual health and healing to discover personal abilities and strengths through experiential work and emotional processing.
The signs and symptoms of ASD.
Autism is typically diagnosed in children; however, as of 2023, approximately 5.4 million adults in the United States are on the autism spectrum.
Autism in Children
Because autism is a neurodivergent diagnosis, symptoms can vary extensively from person to person. Children can begin displaying diagnostic indicators of autism as early as 6 months and as late as 10-15 years old. Some signs of autism in children include:
- Loss or lack of speech
- Delayed language development
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Limited social engagement through facial expressions or verbal and nonverbal expression
- Repetitive self-soothing behaviors, or “stimming”
- High distress in response to changes in routine or environment
Autism in Adults
Autism in adults presents with similar indicators; however, adults with autism often experience more distress in social situations. Some signs of autism in adults include:
- Difficulties with setting boundaries
- Difficulties with expressing emotion
- Social anxiety
- Difficulties with understanding social “rules,” or understanding sarcasm
- Challenges with changes in daily routine
What can I do about it?
If you suspect you’re on the autism spectrum, it’s important to connect with a trained professional who can conduct an autism screening and diagnosis.
Autism is individual. At Better Life Therapy, we believe that therapeutic spaces for autism should exist to fit the person, not for the person to fit the space. We promote collaborative therapeutic spaces with our clients so that our autism-specialized clinicians can engage actively and fluidly with clients to adapt to their individual needs with a goal of improving cognitive functioning, social awareness, and individual fortitude. Contact us today to set up your first appointment.
