How psychology can help make a positive difference in someone with autism.
Psychology is the study of the human mind and this has made a big contribution to the understanding of treating autism. There are a number of ways in which psychologists can play a role in helping people with autism.
Psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and talk therapy are all built around the use of the spoken word. Psychotherapy can be a very useful tool for managing symptoms such as anxiety or compulsions. It can also help people with autism to better understand how their actions and reactions are perceived by others.
Applied behavior analysis is a form of behavioral therapy, which is based on traditional physiology. It is often used successfully to treat individuals with autism. It is a carefully structured process where an individual is taught skills using rewards to reinforce correct answers or preferred actions.
Development psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with child development and explores typical and atypical development, questions of nature vs. nurture, and related topics. This can be a basis for several well-known treatments for autism.
Some other areas of psychology that are often helpful for people with autism include:
• Drama Therapy
• Play Therapy
• School/Educational Psychology
• Family Psychology
What Does A Psychologist Do For People With Autism?
Psychologists are often involved in the process of diagnosing both children and adults with autism. 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 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 with both children and adults with autism to treat issues such as social anxiety, depression, and preservative behavior (doing or saying the same things over and over again). They also work with individuals on the autism spectrum to help them manage 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. But Laurian Ward is skilled in assisting individuals with autism.
