Psychology Is Behind Most Therapies for Autism

Psychology is the study of the human mind. This social science has made huge contributions to the understanding and treatment of autism. It's important to note that psychiatry, a closely related field, also involves medical interventions (pharmaceutical treatments).

This article discusses a number of ways in which psychologists can and do play a role in helping autistic children and adults.

Psychotherapy and Autism

Psychotherapy is built around the use of the spoken word. For autistic people with verbal skills, psychotherapy can be a very useful tool for managing traits or other conditions like anxiety. It can also help autistic people to better understand how their actions and reactions are perceived by others.

Applied behavior analysis is a form of behavioral therapy based on traditional psychology. ABA is often used successfully to treat autistic individuals. ABA, however, is not talk therapy; rather it is a carefully structured process wherein an individual is taught skills using rewards to reinforce correct answers or preferred actions.

Both psychotherapy and other forms of therapeutic interventions are used to improve psychological functioning through behavioral means. These therapies can be completed individually and in groups at both schools and outpatient clinics. Autistic children and their parents and caregivers can participate.

Developmental psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with child development and explores typical and atypical development, questions of nature versus nurture, and related topics. Developmental psychology is the basis for several well-known treatments for autism, including SCERTS, Floortime, and Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).

Some other areas of psychology that are often helpful for autistic people and their families include:

• Drama therapy
• Play therapy
• School/educational psychology
• Family psychology

What Does a Psychologist Do For Autistic People?

Psychologists are often involved in the process of diagnosing both autistic children and adults. They may recommend appropriate treatment programs, and/or support the process of evaluation, benchmarking and ongoing assessment.

Developmental and child psychologists work with children to help them engage with others through play, and learn skills such as joint attention (doing something with rather than near or alongside someone else).

School psychologists may work with autistic students to help them engage with their peers, manage stress, or handle difficult interactions with bullies or general teasing. They may also work with parents and teachers to develop strategies for school success.

Psychologists work with both autistic children and adults to treat issues such as social anxiety, depression, and perseverative behavior (doing or saying the same things over and over again). Psychologists also work with autistic individuals to help them manage self stimulation (stims), assess social interactions, understand social cues, and manage school and work relationships.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Psychologist?

Because there is no such thing as an "autism psychologist," there is no directory of psychologists skilled in working with autistic children or adults. To find an appropriate psychologist, parents may want to start at a local children's hospital with an autism center or program. They can try the school district or a regional autism center.

Autistic adults can do a local online search, but may be better served by connecting with autism self-advocacy organizations such as GRASP.org.