SPECIALIST PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY FOR AUTISM
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by qualitative impairments in social communication and a restricted, repetitive pattern of behaviour, interests, or activities. There is a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health problems, particularly emotional disorders, in autistic people and the possibility of experiencing a mood disorder and/or an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
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A NICE study (NICE, 2012) found that Autistic people may require adaptations to standard evidence-based psychological treatments to adequately meet their needs: these adaptations include an increased use of written and visual information, emphasising behaviour change over cognitive approaches, having well explained guidance and rules in therapy, involving a friend, family member or carer, having breaks, incorporating special interests and avoiding ambiguous use of language.
We offer specifically adapted psychological therapy for adults on the Autism Spectrum. This may cover a range of issues, including understanding the differences between Autism and neurotypicals, skills development, stress management, depression, self-harm, anxiety, social anxiety, anger management, OCD, PTSD, sexuality and identity issues, relationships, understanding unwritten rules, building on strengths, career development, reasonable adjustments, student welfare, sleep problems, etc.
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We can also offer couples or family therapy where one member of the family (or more) has a diagnosis of ASD.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Evidence based psychological interventions can be effective in the treatment of a range of common mental health problems in autistic people. Clinical interventions based on cognitive behavioural frame work have been the base for successful researches with a focus on anxiety highlighting the clinical effectiveness of adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for common mental health problems in autistic adults.