The LodeStone Center provides a variety of types of therapy for treating Autism Spectrum Disorders. All of our current clinicians provide depression treatment with each focusing on different ages, ranging from early childhood to adulthood. It is our goal to match you with a therapist that will best fit your needs and provide you with the best care possible. If you would like more information, or would like to request a first visit with a therapist, you can either fill out the contact form on this page and we will get in touch with you or you can also call us directly at 847-802-4058.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that ranges in severity, forming a spectrum of disorders from mild (high functioning) to severe (low functioning) with a wide range of symptoms. It impairs the ability to communicate and interact socially, as well as effects behavior, thinking, interests, and activities. Every child or person with Autism will have their own unique pattern of behavior that follows a set of symptoms and impairments. Severity is determined by social communication impairments and restrictive and repetitive natures of behaviors, as well as how they impact the ability to function in a variety of settings.
Autism affects multiple areas of development; including but not limited to, social interaction, communication, and behavior. Symptoms can develop as early as infancy, but for many children symptoms are not noticed or do not become problematic until later childhood. In some cases development may follow the typical timeline until a certain age and then a child may appear to regress or stop developing, suddenly becoming withdrawn or losing other skills they have learned. In mild cases it is even possible to not be diagnosed until adolescence or early adulthood when symptoms begin to interfere with their ability to function independently and appropriately.
Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Interventions for this disorder tend to focus on social skills training while using some of the components of Cognitive Behavior Therapy to improve emotional and relational functioning. The techniques used vary widely depending on the age of the person. Learning to recognize and communicate about emotions, reading social cues more accurately, and working on verbal skills related to empathy are frequent goals in therapy. People with this disorder may find social relationships frustrating, but can gain an awareness of the impact that the disorder has on their social lives. They can also learn to compensate for the natural social tendencies that their genetics have dealt them. It is important to find a therapist that is familiar with the disorder, and is able to structure the counseling in a way that is comfortable for the client.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder, please don’t hesitate to call and speak with one of our therapists. We are happy to answer questions, help look into your insurance benefits or explain how counseling might be beneficial to you. If you have questions, and would like to speak to one of our mental health professionals, contact us today.