Therapy is a great way for adults with autism to explore their experiences and emotions. Therapists can also help autistic people find strategies that work for them.
A common need for some autistic adults is to establish routines that reduce the sensory chaos in their lives. They can also try to create a social network that fits their needs better.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that may be helpful for adults with autism who are dealing with depression or anxiety. It focuses on how thoughts and emotions affect behaviors, and aims to change these negative thinking patterns.
It is often used in combination with another therapy such as interpersonal therapy or a medication, depending on the needs of the individual. Generally, it involves a gradual process that takes a step-by-step approach to improving symptoms.
A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of an eight-week modified CBT program for young adults with autism therapy near me spectrum disorder (ASD). The results showed that the group therapy approach was beneficial for reducing social anxiety and depression in the young participants.
The findings of this study provide a basis for future research in this area, with particular attention to how best to optimise CBT for young people with ASD. In a three round Delphi survey, we asked expert clinicians and clinical-researchers in England about how to optimise the design, delivery and evaluation of CBT for young people with ASD.
Social Skills Training (SST)
Social skills training (SST) helps people with autism understand and respond in social situations. In the program, participants learn how to take turns, engage in conversation, share, join a group, work together toward a common goal, and understand facial expressions and tone of voice.
SST is effective in teaching basic social behaviors that can lead to positive outcomes in the daily lives of individuals with ASD. It can also help them interact more effectively with family, friends, and the community.
Although there are many types of SST programs, the primary goals are to teach individuals how to greet others and initiate conversations, understand emotions, tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, behave appropriately in certain social situations, form friendships, and show empathy. Some SST programs also focus on the development of more broader social concepts like theory of mind.
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT)
Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a therapeutic technique that improves the way your brain processes sensory information such as touch, smell, movement, and sound. SIT is generally performed by a qualified occupational therapist or physical therapist.
Sensory integration is a neurobiological process that is essential to your development. However, if you have a disability like autism, it can be difficult to process sensory information correctly and effectively.
SIT is often used to treat children with sensory processing difficulties, but it can also be helpful for adults with autism spectrum disorder who have a hard time controlling their senses. It can help reduce stress, increase self-confidence, and enhance motor planning skills.
While there is some research evidence to support the use of SIT in children with autism, a thorough clinical trial is needed to verify its effectiveness and determine its place in clinical practice. According to Bodison and Parham, a lack of replicable protocols and unclear intervention models are common issues that need to be addressed in future studies.
Medication
If non-medical interventions are not sufficient, a doctor may prescribe medication to help an autistic person manage their symptoms. Several classes of drugs are available for autism, including stimulants, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics.
Stimulants are the most common class of medications used for children with ASD. They help improve inattention and impulse control problems. However, they can also cause side effects in some autistic patients.
A class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can sometimes help people with ASD deal with depression and other emotional issues. They also have a lower risk of side effects than some other classes of antidepressants.
Anxiety and depression are common in people with ASD. They can make it difficult to socialize and interact with others. They can also lead to a number of other symptoms that may be hard to manage, such as obsessive thinking or compulsive behaviors.