AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

At ABTC, we provide treatment services for one facet of this broad spectrum of disorders, previously referred to as Asperger’s Disorder; representing a higher level of performance in persons whose symptoms may vary across multiple domains of functioning.  Children, teens, young adults and older adults are provided services for issues related to this level of ASD. Initial intakes via parent(s), individual and/or caregivers are relied upon to determine appropriateness of therapist/ client fit for treatment of individuals with ASD symptoms or and ASD diagnosis at ABTC. 


Specifically, profiles of these persons may include deficits in any and/or all of the following areas of functioning:

  • Social skills / Interpersonal and relationship skills
  • Self-advocacy/ Assertiveness skills
  • Conversational skills/ Eye contact/ Reading body cues and signals
  • Difficulty abstracting/ literal or concrete thinking
  • Self-care and hygiene/ Self-monitoring & self-observing skills
  • Dependency on others, despite desire to become independent
  • Intellectual /Achievement functioning /Specific academic subjects/ Learning skills
  • Cognitive executive functioning/ ADD & ADHD related issues
  • Anxious behavior/ Fears / Phobias/ Obsessive compulsive behavior(s)
  • Unusual talent(s)/ Unique interests/ Giftedness (above average IQ)    
  • Employment issues/career confusion & indecision
  • Financial burdens /basic living skills needs
  • Mood dysregulation /anger control issues
  • Nutritional /dietary regulation /health maintenance  
  • Sleep dysregulation and disturbances
Our staff provides Cognitive Behavioral Skills (CBT) aimed primarily at social skills enhancement, including routine rehearsal of assertiveness skills, to strengthen basic conversation and self-advocacy skills for these individuals. Mood management skills through didactic coaching, visual aids, clinical hypnotherapy and one-on-one role-playing are among the techniques our clinic utilizes to strengthen these skills. We also liaison with supervising medical practitioners, where warranted, to maximize functioning for persons with ASD who may benefit from medical supplementation and follow-up.

Extensive, individually tailored evaluations are available to clarify diagnostic profile and to determine level of functioning in individuals who present with these type profiles. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen skills in order to maximize functioning and assist in mainstreaming these individuals into society. We also strive to help families cope by identifying local resources that can assist these persons in successful, everyday living.