Autism Therapy: psychotherapy

definition of psychotherapy: Broad category of therapy that relies on communication between a trained therapist and the person with behavioral or emotional problems. Psychotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help people improve their lives. There have been some reports of psychotherapy being helpful for some people with autism.

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Psychotherapy of Small Children
Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, by Jaklewicz, H., and Popek L., published in 2009, summarized Apr 8, 2010

Psychotherapy may be useful in helping small children with autism to notice their peers and learn what their peers are feeling.

This article reviews the use of psychotherapy for young children and presents a case study of the use of psychotherapy to treat a child with autism. For small children psychotherapy may involve play therapy, music therapy, or drawings. Music therapy is used because it brings the child back to fetal life and the feel of the mother’s heart beat. Drawing can be used to see the problems that the child is having and to watch the progress of the child during psychotherapy. Drawings may be very helpful in learning about the world of a child with autism.


Prescription Medicine Primer: Pharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, by Bhagar, HA, and Schmetzer AD, published in 2008, summarized Nov 25, 2009

Children with autism may benefit from behavioral therapies and medications.

The common approach to therapy for children with autism is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication (drug therapy). One study reported that 70% of children with autism 8 years old and older receive some form of medication. Common types of medication include antidepressants, stimulants, and antipsychotics.


The Case of Richard: Assessment and Analytic Treatment of a Two-Year-Old Twin with Autistic-Like States
Journal of Infant, Child, and Adolescent Psychotherapy, by Kalish-Weiss, BI, published in 2008, summarized Aug 19, 2009

The BRIAAC (Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic and Other Atypical Children) assessment may be helpful to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of a child with autism.

This case study describes one boy with autism (toddler twin) and his mother from the first therapy request through the therapy sessions. The author performed the BRIACC assessment to test abilities of the boy with his mother in the room. The test results for this boy allowed the therapist to focus on specific skills during therapy. During psychotherapy, the author observed behaviors that showed the boy was developing his sense of self. The boy improved, and the narrative ends when the mother decided to stop therapy sessions.


Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms in Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study
Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, by Reaven, JA, Blakely_Smith A., Nichols S., Dansari M., Flanigan E., and Hepburn S., published in 2009, summarized Apr 16, 2009

Group cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety in children with autism.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether group (parent and child) cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy could reduce anxiety symptoms in children with high-functioning autism. The study used two measures of anxiety: parent reports, and child reports. Parents noted a decrease in anxiety symptoms after the group therapy intervention. The study had only 33 children with an average age of 12. The authors also note that the study did not have a control group.


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A Virginia University Opens an Autism Resource Center

Dec 13, 2011

Averett University in Virginia recently opened an autism resource center. The Carrington Autism Resource Center provides teaching resources for parents and caregivers of children with autism. There is a sensory-friendly room for kids and their parents that includes games, books, and toys. The area has seen a rise in the number of children diagnosed with autism and hopes the center will serve as a springboard for other community resources. In addition, Averett’s psychotherapy program has added certified autism training to their offerings.

Read original article: Area University Opens Autistic Resource Center


Creative Arts Therapies Make Use of All Art Forms to Help People with Autism and Other Disabilities

Jul 5, 2010

Creative Arts Therapies (CAT) use art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, poetry therapy, drama therapy, and psychodrama to help treat autism and other development and psychological delays. Sharon W. Goodill, PhD, defines CAT as "six fields that combine artistic expression with psychotherapy to promote healing, wellness, and personal change." While the six therapies that make up CATs gained professional status in the 1950s, they are each represented by their own professional associations, with an umbrella organization - the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations. Creative art therapists usually focus on one area of the arts to treat healthcare issues, but many use a dual focus in their treatment plans for patients. The six therapies have been found to work well with people who have little or no communication skills, for example, children with autism will often be able to dance or paint or make music as a way of expressing themselves. It is a way to show emotions without verbal communication.

Read original article: The Creative Arts Therapies: Making Health Care Whole


Hope-thru-Horses: Therapy for Self-Confidence and Coping Skills

Oct 10, 2007

Hope-thru-Horses, in Lumber Bridge, NC, provides more than just talk therapy; Heather Wilkerson, LCSW, uses the interaction between humans and horses as psychotherapy. Wilkerson finds that children with autism may develop more assertiveness and better self-confidence than with talk therapy alone. "This is a cognitive behavior approach that is solution-focus oriented." In addition, she and the horses offer parenting skills and coping skills.

Read original article.


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