Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Management

With just over 2% of US adults and over 3% of children under 8-years-old now estimated to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you’re not alone if you or other family members are experiencing symptoms. Of course, autism symptoms vary greatly—from struggling with social communication to sensory input issues—meaning that it can be hard to know what is or isn’t an autistic trait.

For many adults, children and adolescents with signs of ASD, professional autism diagnosis and management is the key to improving social skills, reducing repetitive behaviors, and mitigating intense emotions.

Family Psychological Services is here to help, providing complementary and alternative treatments backed by PHD-trained clinicians. Read on to learn how we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and other techniques, as well as medication management for corresponding mental disorders like anxiety and depression, to help adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder manage daily life.

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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

According to the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), bipolar is a unique mood disorder characterized by a fluctuation between episodes of depression and manic or hypomanic episodes. Essentially, people with bipolar disorder experience intense mood swings that impact daily life. The most common diagnosis include Bipolar I and Bipolar II.

In fact, while many are diagnosed with ASD as very young children, a large portion of people also go undiagnosed into adulthood. This is because autistic people often learn how to “mask” in public at the cost of mental and physical exhaustion. Over time, masking and a lack of coping skills can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and OCD.

Ultimately, when sensory and behavioral symptoms become too difficult to manage on your own, therapy can teach life skills that promote functional communication and reduce daily stress. At FPSCA, we create personalized treatment plans to address all co-occurring needs. From routines and accommodations to the best therapeutic tools, we help autistic individuals learn to navigate the world with greater confidence and comfort.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Common Autism Symptoms

If you experience the following symptoms, it may be time to reach out for professional ASD treatment:

$Difficulty with social interactions, such as initiating communication or interpreting social cues
$Sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or crowded environments
$Rigid or repetitive behaviors, routines, or interests
$Sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing
$Challenges with transitions or unexpected changes
$Intense focus on specific topics or hobbies

$Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact
$Disruptive behaviors caused by emotional overwhelm, shutdowns, or meltdowns
$Trouble with executive functioning (planning, organization, etc.)
$Strong need for structure, predictability, and clear expectations
$Other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD.

If your child struggles with skills that involve fine motor movements or nonverbal communication, early diagnosis plays a key role in helping them interact with adults and other children. Many child psychiatrists will recommend speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy to help improve gross motor skills and verbal communication. These treatments are combined with our therapeutic techniques to develop invaluable life skills.

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ADHD Vs. Autism Diagnosis: What’s The Difference?

As developmental disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and ASD share some similarities, and can often occur simultaneously. However, they impact the brain in different ways.

ADHD primarily focuses on distractibility and hyperactivity, while autism affects communication and behavior patterns. Treatment options and approaches differ for the two, so it’s important to seek professional support. FPSCA provides advanced psychological testing to diagnose and develop behavioral intervention plans for ADHD, ASD, and various mental health disorders.

Autism Management: Maximizing Functional Independence

Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy)

Our licensed therapists develop evidence-based treatment plans that are as unique as each person’s autism profile. We can integrate ABA techniques, CBT, and more to support emotional regulation, social communication, and daily functioning.

Medication Management

Autism often exacerbates mental health issues like depression or OCD, but effective intervention with certain medications can help. We understand the nuances of how anti-depressants, stimulant medications, and other prescriptions interact with each other and your autism, allowing us to prescribe safely and responsibly.

Apollo TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

Apollo TMS is showing promise in helping people with ASD manage co-occurring depression, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that targets brain regions associated with mood regulation and cognitive processing.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback provides real-time insights into brainwave patterns and helps strengthen healthier neural pathways through neuroplasticity. For people with autism, this supports improved self-regulation, attention, and stress management, especially when combined with ABA-based approaches like pivotal response training (PRT).

Vielight Photobiomodulation (PBM)

Support your ASD treatment plan with light-based technology. The non-ionizing light sources are associated with enhanced cognitive clarity, improve mental energy, and overall systemic wellness. All of which can help autistic individuals focus in and out of therapy.

BrainTap

BrainTap combines light frequencies, auriculotherapy, guided visualization, rhythmic tones, and holographic music to support autistic individuals. The relaxation, sensory regulation, and emotional balance provided helps many participate more fully in social-skills training, PRT, or other ABA-based interventions.

Why Choose FPSCA?

We use reliable testing tools backed by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), to analyze your symptoms and medical history. This then allows us to properly diagnose ASD and craft your personal autism profile.

Psychological Testing

Our licensed bipolar specialists use a combination of evaluations, medical history reviews, and coordination with your current primary care doctor to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Autism Profile

Treatment plans built around your exact struggles, whether they’re more social, organizational, or anything in-between. We account for everything, including current medical and mental health conditions, and your treatment goals.

Holistic Treatment

We help you manage autism with holistic treatments. Our personalized plans can include a combination of talk therapy, medication management, and innovative solutions backed by research studies, clinical trials, and decades of experience.

Compassionate Approach

We understand ASD is a developmental disorder, not a character flaw. We’ll help you develop strategies that reduce interfering or disruptive behaviors while improving quality of life—all without judgment.

Flexible Services

Both in-person and online therapy options, including telehealth, so you can get the care you need with any schedule.

Family & Social Support

We engage family members and encourage social support to promote communication and resilience.

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Service Areas

We proudly serve clients locally in Agoura Hills, Ventura, and the surrounding areas. In addition to our in-person services, we offer convenient telehealth and telemedicine options, ensuring you have access to the care you need, no matter where you are. Whether you are near or far, our team is ready to provide the comprehensive behavioral health services you deserve, remotely or in person.

Agoura Hills

Westlake Village

Calabasas

Thousand Oaks

Simi Valley

Encino

Camarillo

Malibu

Ventura

Santa Barbara

Santa Paula

Northridge

West Hills

Santa Clarita

Los Angeles

Glendale

Burbank

Pasadena

Chatsworth

Tarzana

Studio City

Canoga Park

Moorpark

Newbury Park

Port Hueneme

Ojai

Woodland Hills

Get Started Today!

If you suspect that ASD is making relationships, work, or other aspects of daily life more challenging, you need a holistic approach to management. At FPSCA, our team uses the latest evidence-based treatments and techniques, from talk therapy to BrainTap, to help children, teens, and adults manage ASD. Reach out today to learn how you can improve daily functioning, one step at a time.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Management