Autism Therapist Near Me: Our review of the best autism specialist online

Written By

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Updated:

Fact Checked

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Since you are searching for ‘autism therapist near me’, we’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you find the best autism therapist near you.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States.

This number has increased from the 1 in 59 prevalence reported in previous estimates.

Unfortunately, traditional therapies for ASD can be extremely expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to access.

When selecting a good autism therapist nearby, it is vital to know that the most effective strategy for ASD is a comprehensive, individualized approach created by licensed specialists that addresses the unique needs of each person with ASD.

As a result, many parents and caregivers realized they needed on-demand assistance and have turned to online autism therapy at BetterHelp as a more convenient and affordable option for specialized treatment.

Online autism therapy at home: Is it effective?

Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, has become an increasingly popular method of treating individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

There are several benefits to teletherapy for individuals with ASD. First and foremost, it offers a more convenient and accessible way to receive therapy. Many individuals with ASD may struggle with social interaction, making in-person therapy difficult and stressful.

Online autism therapy via a local BetterHelp autism specialist can be done from the comfort of one’s home, allowing for a more relaxed and familiar environment.

Additionally, this type of treatment can be scheduled more flexibly, making it easier for individuals with ASD and their families to fit therapy into their busy schedules. ✅

Furthermore, online therapy provides greater comfort for individuals who may feel self-conscious about receiving in-person treatment.

Get matched with the best autism therapist near me

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4.5 (7,108+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.

✓ Over 33K licensed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Note: While BetterHelp does not accept insurance or prescribe medication, if you have insurance or require help with medication, we recommend matching with a local autism therapist on Talkspace.com (currently offering $80 off).


Comparing the cost of in-person vs. online autism therapy

If you opt for traditional in-person therapy, each session lasting 45-60 minutes typically comes with a price tag of $140 to $180.

For couples seeking therapy, the costs increase further, usually from $190 to $310 for sessions lasting 75-90 minutes.

Fact: There’s a more economical alternative. With BetterHelp, you can pay as little as $65 to $90 per session, depending on your selected plan. This is around $260-$360 per month for four weeks of therapy, including the ability to message your therapist anytime.

This option provides a significant cost-saving opportunity without compromising the quality of therapy.

Hence, if you’re seeking an affordable solution that maintains high-quality therapy, BetterHelp online therapy is certainly worth considering.

How to find the right autism therapist near me on BetterHelp?

To get matched with a vetted local specialist, visit the BetterHelp website and complete a brief survey. This involves answering some uncomplicated questions about yourself and/or your family member, be sure to fill out the questionnaire entirely.

For instance, you may be asked what objectives you want to achieve from the therapy sessions. You have the freedom to select multiple objectives that you wish to work on!

Once you have completed the questionnaire in full, BetterHelp will match you in as little as 48 hours with a reputable therapist who matches your goals, preferences, and location.

What happens after I get matched?

You can then have a conversation with them to schedule a therapy session. Don’t worry about payment details at this point, as you can enter them later when you’re ready to begin counseling.

In the event that you’re dissatisfied with your therapist, you can easily switch to another one at any time.

Ad, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
review

4.5 (7,108+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.

✓ Over 33K licensed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Note: While BetterHelp does not accept insurance or prescribe medication, if you have insurance or require help with medication, we recommend matching with a local autism therapist on Talkspace.com ( currently offering $80 off).


Benefits and methods of in-home therapy for autism

The benefit of online therapy for Autism is the plethora of options to customize treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs for each online session.

Traditional in-person evaluation often involves a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be as effective for some individuals with Autism.

With this method, clinicians can tailor plans to each patient’s unique needs and strengths, considering factors such as communication, abilities, sensory sensitivities, and personal interests. This personalized approach can lead to more effective outcomes and a better patient experience.

Another advantage of treating Autism via teleconferencing is the convenience and accessibility it provides. For individuals with Autism and their families, getting to and from therapy appointments can be a significant challenge, mainly if they live in rural areas or have limited transportation options.

  • It eliminates the need for travel, allowing patients to participate in therapy from the comfort of their own homes.

This can also be helpful for individuals who struggle with changes in routine or new environments, as it allows them to receive healing in a familiar and comfortable setting.

parent and child going for a walk outside with parent holding kids hand

In fact, evidence has shown that online autism therapy, also known as telemedicine, can be really helpful for individuals with ASD.

Symptoms of ASD

Common symptoms of ASD may include difficulty with social interaction, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors or interests, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty with transitions or changes in routine.

While there is no cure for ASD, early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with this condition. 

In addition, there are effective treatments that can help individuals with ASD lead fulfilling and independent lives.

ABA therapy online

One of the most widely used techniques for ASD is behavioral therapy, which helps individuals with ASD develop new skills and improve their social and communication abilities.

  • Behavioral treatment can take many forms, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and Social Skills Training (SST).
  • ABA is a structured therapy that uses positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors.

PRT focuses on building motivation and responsiveness to natural cues and can target various behaviors, such as language, play, and socialization. Finally, SST helps individuals with ASD develop the social skills to interact with others and form relationships.

Another potentially effective method for ASD is medication. Although medication is not a cure for ASD, it can be used to manage specific symptoms associated with the condition, such as anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity.

The most commonly prescribed medications for ASD are antipsychotics, antidepressants, and stimulants. Antipsychotics can help reduce aggression and self-injurious behavior, while antidepressants can be used to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • Stimulants can help individuals with ASD focus and improve their attention span.
  • However, medication should be used only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, and the benefits and risks should be carefully considered before starting any medication regimen.
a young couple walking outside barefoot together with their child

There have been several studies that have investigated the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One notable study is:

“Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention: Outcomes for Children With Autism and Their Parents After Two Years” by Svein Eikeseth, Tristram Smith, O. Ivar Lovaas, and Catherine M. Bucher in Behavior Modification (2002).

  • In this study, 19 children with ASD received ABA therapy for two years, and their progress was assessed using various standardized measures.
  • The study found that the children who received ABA therapy significantly improved their language and adaptive behavior skills compared to a control group.
  • The study also found that parents of the children who received ABA therapy reported lower levels of stress and improved quality of life compared to parents of the control group.

It is important to note that the success of ABA therapy can depend on various factors, including the intensity and duration of treatment, the qualifications and experience of the therapist, and the individual needs and characteristics of the child. Therefore, the effectiveness of ABA therapy may vary from individual to individual.

Occupational Therapy

Another type of therapy that can be beneficial for children with ASD is Occupational Therapy (OT). This method helps children develop the necessary skills to perform daily tasks such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

OT can also help children with sensory processing issues, which are common in children with ASD, that can make it challenging for them to engage in daily tasks such as eating, dressing, and bathing. This highly individualized technique can be tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.

The therapy may include activities that help children improve their sensory processing skills, such as playing with different textures, colors, and materials.

  • The ultimate goal of OT is to help children with ASD become more independent and improve their overall quality of life.
  • By providing children with the necessary tools and skills to function in daily life, OT can help them reach their full potential.
  • Through OT, children with ASD can achieve their full potential by developing the necessary skills to perform daily tasks with greater ease and confidence.

The success rate of occupational therapy (OT) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the severity of symptoms and the child’s age and developmental level. However, studies have shown that OT can be an effective therapy for children with ASD.

According to a 2020 review of studies, OT interventions for children with ASD improved overall adaptive behavior, sensory processing, and social communication skills.

Another study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that OT effectively improved sensory processing, socialization, and self-regulation skills in children with ASD.

However, it is essential to note that the success of OT for children with ASD also depends on factors such as the quality and consistency of therapy, parental involvement, and the child’s motivation and engagement in treatment.

Therefore, it is difficult to provide a specific success rate for OT in children with ASD. Still, research suggests that it can be a beneficial therapy to improve their overall quality of life and functional skills.

Ad, keeps our community free. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
stars

4.5 (7,108+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 48 hours.

✓ Over 33K licensed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Is there a cure for autism?

Currently, there is no known cure for ASD. However, early intervention and therapy can help improve symptoms and increase the individual’s ability to function in everyday life. It is important to note that every person with ASD is unique and may require different types of therapy and support.

Research on the causes and potential treatments for ASD is ongoing. While there is no cure at the moment, new therapies and interventions are being developed that show promise in improving the quality of life for those with ASD.

Detecting autism in young children can be a difficult task, as it presents unique challenges. Nonetheless, studies have demonstrated that prompt diagnosis and intervention can enhance the overall prognosis for individuals with autism.

Consequently, the scientific community is making efforts to develop new and innovative diagnostic techniques that can facilitate early detection of this neurodevelopmental condition.

Verdict

In conclusion, telehealth has become increasingly popular for treating Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and for a good reason.

One of the primary benefits of online therapy is the convenience factor, providing access to treatment from anywhere with an internet connection, which can be especially beneficial for families who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling to in-person appointments.

Additionally, it allows for greater scheduling flexibility and affordability, which can be helpful for families with busy schedules or those who need to accommodate school or work commitments.

Another advantage of online therapy for autism spectrum disorder is that it can be less intimidating for children who struggle with social interaction or sensory overload.

  • Online therapy can provide children with a comfortable and familiar environment, making them feel more at ease and willing to engage in therapy sessions.

This can ultimately lead to better outcomes and progress in treatment because it allows for more customization in treatment approaches and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child with ASD.

References

1. Autism Prevalence Rises in Communities Monitored by CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0326-autism-prevalence-rises.html

2. Telehealth and Autism: A Systematic and Critical Review of the Last Decade. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8191715/

3. Telehealth Services for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715059/

4. Home-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Chronic, Refractory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Can Be Effective. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145445502026002005

5. A survey of caregivers of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Delaware. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8328931/

6. Virtual Reality Job Interview Training in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-014-2113-y

7. Early Intervention for Autism. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/early-intervention#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20early%20diagnosis,on%20symptoms%20and%20later%20skills


YouTube video
Autism Therapist Near Me: Autism is a difference, not a disorder | Katie Forbes | TEDxAberdeen

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About the author

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Helen Kaminski, MSc

Mindful living for a happier, healthier you. I’m a writer and mental health advocate in Warsaw, Poland, with five years working as a therapist. I hold a psychology degree from the University of Warsaw. I specialize in writing about mental health, using my experiences and academic background to educate and inspire others. In my free time, I volunteer at a Disability Learning Center and go for nature walks. My writing aims to break down mental health stigma and help others feel understood. Social

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