New Jersey
Autism Therapy
Autism Therapy is advancing at a breakneck pace as our society is recognizing just how beneficial autism therapy and occupational therapies are at supporting individuals who are challenged with autism-related symptoms. At Behaved Brain, we believe that early intervention is key to helping individuals address their symptoms while supporting their strengths, so they feel confident and capable with the abilities they have.
Our Approach To
Autism Therapy
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. The “spectrum” nature of the condition means it can present in a wide range of ways, with varying levels of intensity and impact on daily life. Since autism is so wide ranging, autism therapy and autism treatment is wholly dependent on the type and level of presentation in the individual.
When treating autism, the very first thing we do at Behaved Brain Wellness Center is conduct observational tests to determine the unique nature of each person’s autism symptoms. From there, we can implement a variety of autism therapies, such as speech therapy, sensory therapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, and social development therapy, just to name a few.
Advancing With
Autism
Successfully navigating autism is possible for a great many of those who suffer from its wide-ranging symptoms when the right autism therapies are utilized. In our many years of treating children, teens and adults with autism, we have found that focusing on their strengths in combination with teaching ways to do things differently has enabled them to thrive in their environment and build a foundation of self-esteem.
In addition, our society has begun to provide more accommodations for those in the autistic community, allowing for more opportunities and inclusive environments. Autistic individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives, such as exceptional memory, creativity, or problem-solving skills. When combined with our autism therapy, we are seeing that these individuals are more capable learners, better able to navigate their symptoms, and capable of developing a path toward a successful future designed to meet their needs while supporting their strengths.
Comprehensive
Autism Testing
The very first step we take when evaluating an autism therapy program is to determine the type, the symptoms, and the severity of the individual’s struggles. The way we do this is through our comprehensive Autism Spectrum Testing. During the Autism Spectrum Testing, your child or teen may go through a series of “Psycho-Education Tests” that each assess different things such as social and emotional scales, acumen tests, psychological tests, and other assessments like gross and fine motor skills. We follow this up by developing a customized autism treatment plan that employs therapies targeted to help manage and improve symptoms. Families are included in all Autism Therapy programs to help support the individual and better understand how
Strategies For
Autism Therapy
Click on the topics below to learn more about the therapy approaches we use to support Autism.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Focuses on teaching positive behaviors and reducing undesired behaviors using reinforcement.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Helps individuals understand and manage emotions, recognize triggers, and develop coping strategies.
Speech and Language Therapy
Helps improve verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
Occupational Therapy
Helps to develop life skills for improved independence focusing on task management, concentration, organization and more.
Social Skills Training
Helps to develop interactive skills for improved relationships between family members, friends and colleagues.
Play Therapy
Used for children to help them work on strengthening communication and interpersonal skills within a child-friendly, playful environment.
Educational Interventions
We help clients access custom-tailored education plans (like IEP’s) which are being used throughout the school system to help support the unique needs of students who struggle with autism symptoms.
Sensory Integration
Helps individuals manage sensitivity to environmental changes like light, sound and triggering textures.
Physical Therapy
Used for those who struggle with gross and fine motor skills like coordination, balance and strength.
Fine Art Therapies
Using things like music, art, and animal-assisted therapies, we’re able to help clients improve their communication, social and emotional regulation skills.
Parent and Family Training
We provide family members and caregivers with tools and strategies to help support those suffering with autism to help mitigate symptoms while improving self-esteem and the overall family dynamic.
Symptoms Of
Autism
Families often ask us how to tell if their child or teen has autism. While there are some classical signs that we do suggest looking for early on, such as speech delays and especially speech or skill regressions, your child’s autism symptoms may not be apparent for quite some time. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of autism:
- Difficulty Communicating
- Sensory Issues & General Sensitivity
- Repetitive Behaviors and/or Motions
- Isolation
- Relationship Issues
- Intense Focus
- Speech Delays
- Motor Skills Regression
- Speech Regression
- Self-Harming
- Trouble Concentrating
- Lack of Eye Contact
- Covering Ears
frequently asked questions about
Autism Therapy
What is the right age to start Autism Therapy?
Since early intervention is the best way to enhance one’s overall quality of life, we suggest getting your child screened at the first inclination of autistic symptoms. These may include speech delays, difficulty making eye contact, or sensory sensitivity, just to name a few.
How do I choose the right Autism Therapy for my child?
As a client of Behaved Brain, we take the guesswork out of the autism therapy journey. Through strategic testing, our staff can determine exactly what your child is having challenges with and develop a custom-tailored treatment plan to help address specific symptoms while giving them the support and tools they need to feel confident in their abilities.
Is Autism Therapy covered by insurance?
Depending on your unique healthcare policy, autism therapy services may be covered by your insurance company. Our team can help submit the necessary information and paperwork to your insurance company for reimbursement. However, clients are responsible for payment of all therapy sessions that are not covered by insurance.
Does therapy cure Autism?
Autism is not considered a disease like other curable ailments. Rather, autism is a very general diagnosis that identifies neurodivergent tendencies. These symptoms can be treated with therapies that help the individual better manage their symptoms. In certain cases, medications can also be used to help mitigate symptoms, though we try to avoid medication as a treatment method. The goal of autism therapy is to give clients access to strategies to alleviate symptoms while supporting their strengths so they can feel confident and capable.
Do you offer Autism Therapy for adults?
Absolutely! There has been a recent surge in autism acceptance, which is helping reduce the stigma behind the diagnosis. We now realize that many people exhibit autism symptoms to varying degrees who have never previously been diagnosed with the condition. And now in adulthood, these same individuals are realizing that they can benefit from autism therapies that help rewire their thinking around their unique symptoms, giving them more confidence than ever before.
Start Your Autism Therapy Journey
Behaved Brain Wellness Center is currently accepting new in-person and virtual clients. If you’d like to call to schedule a session at either our Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ or Midland Park, NJ location, click here!