Autism Therapy Services

Autism can vary drastically from person to person, which is why it’s known as a spectrum. With such a wide range of different strengths and challenges, no two people with autism present exactly the same. Even so, there are many common characteristics that can indicate autism. These include:

Social / Communication

• Difficulty with eye contact
• Delayed speech or nonverbal communication
• Trouble understanding social cues
• Difficulty with peer relationships
• Struggling with imaginative play
• Displaying facial expressions and/or gestures that don’t relate to verbal statements
• Difficulty with back-and-forth conversations
• Difficulty interpreting emotions
• Delayed response to someone calling their name

Behavioral

• Repetitive behaviors
• Repeating words and phrases (echolalia)
• Having intense special interests in specific topics
• Struggle with transitions
• Difficulty adapting to change in routine or expectations
• Emotional dysregulation
• Sleep problems
• Irritability

Sensory

• Easily overstimulated
• Sensory input sensitivity (lights, sounds, temperature, texture)
• Sensory food aversions (texture, smell, taste)
• Stimming, a self-regulating sensory behavior (hand flapping, spinning, rocking back and forth)

Of course, it’s important to understand that not every person on the Autism spectrum will show these signs, but they are common indicators.

Autism has no cure, but there are many ways to manage and support living with ASD. The best approach often includes a combination of efforts specific to the individual, all aimed at reducing symptoms that interfere with daily life. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Visual Aids
• Communication Devices
• Educational Supports
• Individual Therapy
• Family Therapy

Living with autism can be difficult, both for the individual and their loved ones. It takes time, effort, and specialized support to find a balance that works best. At Peak Psychological Services, we support autistic individuals through evidence-based therapy that we match based on their specific goals and needs. Treatment focuses on regulating emotions, handling anxiety, strengthening family relationships, and creating appropriate coping skills.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that aims to help people manage emotions, anxiety, and depression. This is done through learning how to identify negative thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more realistic versions. This can help those with autism ease social anxiety, challenge negative thought processes, and discover ways to cope that make sense for them.

Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotion Focused Therapy can offer a safe, supportive place for families to navigate an autism diagnosis by working to improve communication, strengthen connection, and find the healthiest ways for interaction.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified type of CBT that helps patients regulate their emotions, create healthy coping skills, and improve their relationships with others. When it comes to autism, emotions can feel very strong and overwhelming. DBT can help manage emotions, sensory overload, and deal with overwhelming feelings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has a focus on acceptance as a way to cope with negative thoughts or circumstances. For those on the autism spectrum, the goal is to increase psychological flexibility while encouraging healthy activities that align with personal values to make life more meaningful.

Finding the right support is a crucial step in managing Autism Spectrum Disorder, both for the individual who has been diagnosed and for their families. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and will find the right therapeutic path for each individual.