Autism Spectrum Disorder
We Provide Caring Treatment for Children and Teens With Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts the nervous system. Children with autism often deal with impairments in social interactions, verbal communication, and executive functioning. The caring therapists at Cross The Bridge Counseling provide a variety of helpful therapy sessions for children with autism in the Hudson Valley. We would be happy to build a personalized treatment plan to meet your child’s unique needs.
Common Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism refers to a broad range of conditions and characteristics, and every child with autism has a unique set of needs. Anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are also prevalent among children with autism. Some of the most common characteristics of autism include:
- Restricted or repetitive behaviors
- Obsessive interests
- Difficulty coping with changes in routine
- Unusual reactions to specific feelings, sounds, smells, or tastes
- Specific fears or phobias
- Generalized anxieties
- Delayed language skills
- Delayed cognitive or learning skills
- Unusual eating habits
- Unusual sleeping habits
Personalized Approach to Treatment for Your Child’s Unique Needs
Early recognition and therapy have been shown to help reduce the severity of symptoms and support the development of coping skills. At Cross The Bridge Counseling, we utilize various therapeutic methods to help your child develop essential life skills. Some types of therapy may use a team approach with multiple therapists available for you and your child. We primarily use the following techniques to treat children with autism:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Play Therapy
- Social Skills Groups
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is grounded in the idea that an individual’s thoughts directly affect the emotions and behaviors that they exhibit. Negative thoughts can result in negative emotions, which, in turn, produce negative behaviors. CBT focuses on breaking this cycle of negativity and changing your child’s thought processes. Our CBT treatments differ based on every child’s unique anxiety and OCD-related needs since these are likely to cause the most emotional distress. We strive to address specific goals through easily understood language and visual means of communication. We hope to create a comfortable therapy environment and focus on your child’s active role in the session.
Parental Impact on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Parents who choose to believe in their child’s full potential can make a big impact on their child’s self-esteem and how the world comes to see their child. Small steps and taking it one therapy session at a time will go a long way in making permanent, positive changes in your child. We would be happy to help you learn how to support your child with autism and, in turn, spread that knowledge to other family members. Our team is ready to support your child’s development and help you learn essential parenting skills. Give us a call today to schedule a parent intake with one of our caring therapists.