Psychologist Questions Psychologist

Does behavioral therapy work for autism?

My daughter has autism and I want to help her. Does behavioral therapy work for autism?

9 Answers

Yews, behavioral therapy can work. All involved must respond to the unwanted behavior the same way so when implemented with fidelity it can be vary successful.
It is very effective however other modalities can also be used to enhance the outcome of treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy may be a treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder who have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It teaches children to alter their beliefs or behaviors to avoid negative emotions.
Yes it does.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The talking therapy can help patients manage their problems by helping them recognize and understand how their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions affect each other.

Having worked with schools in metro and rural communities this approach is highly effective through planning services with families, students and professionals. Contact your school district for consultation.
Thank you for your question. Yes, behavioral therapy works very well for autism. *Applied Behavior Analysis* (ABA) is the most researched and common intervention type for autism. This intervention has been used for over 50 years. Through ABA, the individual can learn play, communication, self-care, and social skills. The highly structured intervention can also help in reducing problematic behaviors. Studies showed that ABA yields positive outcomes for children with autism. It is usually the starting point for autistic children with symptoms on the severe side. The therapy can help
children learn skills, while also eliminating problem behaviors. Different types of ABA commonly used to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include:

-Positive Behavioral and Support (PBS). PBS aims to figure out why a child does a particular problem behavior. It works to change the environment, teach skills, and make other changes that make a
correct behavior more positive for the child. This encourages the child to behave more appropriately.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT). PRT takes place in the child's everyday environment. Its goal is to improve a few "pivotal" skills, such as motivation and taking initiative to communicate. These help the child to learn many other skills and deal with many situations.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI). EIBI provides individualized, behavioral instruction to very young children with ASD. It requires a large time commitment and provides one-on-one or small-group instruction.
- Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). DTT teaches skills in a controlled, step-by-step way. The teacher uses positive feedback to encourage the child to use new skills.

*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* (CBT) is another form of behavioral therapy that has been in use since the 1960s. Usually children with milder symptoms of autism benefit from this type of therapy. Its aim is to define what triggers the behaviors. Through the use of CBT, children can learn to see when they are going to exhibit a certain behavior, and they practice doing something different instead of problematic behavior. This form of therapy helps with fear and anxiety.

*Relationship Development Intervention* (RDI) is a family-centered approach. The aim of RDI is to focus on certain defined emotional and social objectives which are used to establish meaningful relationships. Aimed more toward the parents, RDI consultants help caregivers develop skills related to interpersonal engagement.

*Verbal Behavior Therapy* (VBT) is a type of behavioral therapy that teaches the non-vocal child how to communicate with purpose. The aim of verbal behavior therapy is to teach children how to use words functionally to get the desired response. Through repetition, children understand that communication will yield positive results. They will get what they want by using language functionally.

*Developmental and Individual Differences Relationship* (DIR) Therapy, also called Floortime, engages children through activities that they will enjoy. Parents will also participate in the session. Therapists will help the child work on gaining new skills. During this therapy, the child will be engaging and interacting with others.

*Sensory Integration Therapy* works to improve a child’s sensitivities to sensory stimuli that may be overwhelming to the child. Loud noises, bright lights, and touches may all be addressed. A therapist using this type of therapy will introduce the child to increasingly higher levels of the stimuli being worked on. While the therapist does need to push the child’s limits, there is no force involved. Sensory integration therapy does not require a lot of time per session and positive results usually occur relatively quickly if this is going to work.

*Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children* (TEACCH model) is used to help children with autism achieve positive results with their social and maladaptive behaviors. It uses an environment that is structured and organized at all times. In addition, activities are predictably sequenced and visually organized to enhance the environment for the child. Children proceed to practice activities and skills in a specific fashion. Outcomes are more positive when the parents are taught to use a similar method at home.

Overall, behavior therapy for individuals with autism varies widely among therapists. Different types of therapies work better for each child and finding the right protocol for each child is the key to success. I hope this has been helpful!

Best,

Jenna Torres, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
LifeStance Health
(626) 808-4600 x109
Hello and thank you for your question,

Behavioral therapy can work for specific behaviors displayed by those with ASD. Each client is unique, so please consult with the therapist about specific needs and desired outcomes.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Applied behavioral analysis is the "gold standard treatment"
Check this link out...
https://www.additudemag.com/which-behavior-therapy-works-best/