--- title: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment date: 2023-01-31T22:08:11Z modified: 2026-09-11T17:22:40Z permalink: "https://newdirectionspgh.com/mental-health-disorders-treatment-pennsylvania/autism-spectrum-disorder-treatment-program/" type: page status: publish excerpt: We offer comprehensive autism support to improve quality of life and help you or your loved one thrive. wpid: 220 featured_image: "https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/counselor-consulting-with-patient-in-bright-office-2026-03-25-08-38-34-utc-scaled.jpg" timestamp: 2026-09-11T17:22:40Z tags: [] --- Autism spectrum disorder looks different for everyone. It can impact speech, language development, social relationships, and more, in ways that vary widely from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1% of the population currently has an autism diagnosis, a number that continues to rise, with about one in 31 children now likely to be diagnosed.¹ At New Directions Mental Health, we design treatment plans around each person’s individual needs, offering therapy for children and adults, family support, medication management, and more. Call \[Direct\] or [fill out a quick form](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/schedule-appointment.md) to learn how we support individuals and families in [Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/individual-locations.md). _Please note: While many of our clinicians have strong experience supporting the neurodivergent community, New Directions Mental Health does not provide autism assessments, diagnoses, or ABA therapy. For assessments or specialized care like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, we’re happy to provide referrals and help coordinate care._ ## How New Directions Mental Health Supports Our Autistic Clients Autism isn’t something to “cure,” but therapeutic support can help manage the more challenging aspects and support a fulfilling life. Approaches often include skill-building therapy, play therapy for younger children, and other modalities like family or music therapy, based on individual needs. We’re also here to offer therapeutic support for day-to-day challenges, grief and loss, big life changes, or co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. New Directions Mental Health provides collaborative support through therapy and, when needed, medication, all shaped around your specific circumstances. Many of our clinicians bring specialized training in supporting people on the spectrum. _Specialized services like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration aren’t offered directly at our clinics, but we’re happy to refer you and help coordinate that care._ ### Talk Therapy [Therapy](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/counseling-therapy.md) offers a safe space for people of all neurotypes to process their feelings and learn new coping skills. For autistic people, a neurodivergent-affirming therapist could help you feel seen and understood, while also helping you build skills that might not come easily. They could work with you on figuring out healthy ways to feel and process your emotions, or learn new communication techniques for better understanding between you and your loved ones. A therapist will likely incorporate several modalities depending on your unique concerns. They might use CBT to help you understand connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, or trauma-focused techniques if that applies to you. ### Play Therapy For children, play therapy provides a supportive, structured space to develop social skills, an area that can be especially challenging for kids on the spectrum, along with other tools for daily life. ### Medication Symptoms such as irritability, aggression, or impulsivity, along with co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression, can sometimes benefit from [medication](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/psychiatrist-medication-management.md). A psychiatric provider can help determine whether it’s a good fit for your needs. ### Family Therapy Involving the whole family can strengthen communication, support collaborative problem-solving, and give siblings room to share their own experiences and build coping skills. ### Additional Therapeutic Support Our clinicians can help identify other beneficial therapies and provide referrals as needed, including speech therapy for communication, music or art therapy for expression, and sensory integration therapy for processing challenges. Many of these specific services aren’t provided directly at our clinics, but we’re glad to connect you with specialists. ## Looking for Support for You or a Loved One? Finding care that feels truly individualized and empathetic can be a challenge. Our clinicians across Pennsylvania help people navigate the harder parts of living with autism, building coping tools for a neurotypical world while celebrating personal strengths. [New Client? Start Here](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/schedule-appointment.md) _Note that, while our clinicians are experienced in neurodivergent-affirming care, New Directions Mental Health does not offer autism assessments or diagnoses. For those, or for occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, we’re glad to connect you with trusted providers and coordinate care._ ## Recognizing the Signs of Autism Autism exists on a spectrum, so signs and symptoms can look quite different from one person to the next. Some differences show up as early as infancy, while others aren’t recognized until adulthood. This is more likely for those assigned female at birth, whose symptoms are sometimes mistaken for social or generalized anxiety. Signs of autism in children: - Speech delays or remaining nonverbal - Heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, or textures - Trouble maintaining eye contact - Walking on tiptoes - Rocking - Hand flapping - Difficulty playing with others - A strong preference for routine - Anxiety triggered by changes in plans - Fixation on a particular object or toy Signs of autism in adults: - Intense interest in one or two specific topics - Trouble reading social cues or navigating social interactions - Difficulty regulating emotions - Challenges forming or maintaining relationships - Trouble understanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language - Difficulty adjusting to change - Deep focus on complex or detail-heavy subjects - Sensory sensitivity - Limited outward emotional expression - Strict adherence to self-created routines ## What Contributes to Autism Spectrum Disorder? There’s no single cause of autism. Research suggests it develops through a mix of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. It’s more likely that someone will be autistic if any of these factors apply:² - **Family history:** Having a parent or sibling on the spectrum raises the likelihood of an autism diagnosis. - **Birth complications:** Premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications are associated with a higher risk of developmental differences. - **Early illness:** Newborn jaundice and certain viral infections have been linked to autism spectrum disorder. ## What’s the Outlook for People with Autism? Autism isn’t a condition to cure, but the right support can help people build practical tools for day-to-day challenges while embracing their abilities and interests. A strengths-based approach to care can make a real difference in someone’s ability to thrive. ## Find Autism Support with New Directions Mental Health New Directions Mental Health is committed to helping individuals and families in [Wexford, Pittsburgh, Washington, and across Pennsylvania](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/individual-locations.md) access meaningful, comprehensive mental health care. Our clinics offer individual therapy, family support, and tailored approaches for those on the spectrum. Call \[Direct\] or [fill out a brief form](https://newdirectionspgh.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/schedule-appointment.md) to learn how we can help. _Please note: While our team brings real experience supporting the neurodivergent community, we do not offer autism assessments or diagnoses. For assessments, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or sensory integration, we’re happy to help you find the right referral._ ## FAQs About Autism What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms and strengths vary widely across individuals. I’ve been diagnosed with autism, what’s next? A diagnosis can bring relief, but it can also be a lot to process. It might finally explain long-standing patterns, while also surfacing feelings about support you didn’t have earlier on. Working with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help you process this and build a plan to move forward in ways that feel supportive. How can I deal with autism? Learning how your brain works and finding the rhythms and supports that help you thrive is a good place to start. Many autistic creators share their experiences online, offering useful insight into approaches that have worked for them. How do I best support my autistic child? Affirming mental health care, paired with advocating for the right supports at school, can make a meaningful difference for a child with autism. Caring for your child through this process can be demanding, so building your own mental health support system matters just as much. Can a child with autism live a fulfilling life? Many autistic children go on to live full, meaningful lives, especially with early, appropriate support. Therapy focused on communication and life skills can be highly effective. In more significant cases, ongoing support may be needed long-term, including for children who remain nonverbal. What treatment works best for high-functioning autistic adults? This varies by individual, but CBT is often seen as especially useful, supporting awareness of unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and building new, more supportive ones. What treatment options does New Directions offer for autism? We offer individualized treatment for autism including behavioral therapy, social skills training, family support, and psychiatric care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Do you treat both children and adults with autism?” Yes, we provide services for individuals across the lifespan—from early childhood through adulthood—with treatment plans that evolve based on developmental stages and goals. Is telehealth available for autism-related services? Some autism-related services, such as therapy and family support sessions, may be available via telehealth depending on the needs and comfort level of the client. How can I get started with autism treatment at New Directions? To begin treatment, fill out our intake form or contact our intake coordination team. We’ll guide you through the process and connect you with the right providers. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Symptoms and strengths vary widely across individuals. A diagnosis can bring relief, but it can also be a lot to process. It might finally explain long-standing patterns, while also surfacing feelings about support you didn’t have earlier on. Working with a neurodiversity-affirming therapist can help you process this and build a plan to move forward in ways that feel supportive. Learning how your brain works and finding the rhythms and supports that help you thrive is a good place to start. Many autistic creators share their experiences online, offering useful insight into approaches that have worked for them. Affirming mental health care, paired with advocating for the right supports at school, can make a meaningful difference for a child with autism. Caring for your child through this process can be demanding, so building your own mental health support system matters just as much. Many autistic children go on to live full, meaningful lives, especially with early, appropriate support. Therapy focused on communication and life skills can be highly effective. In more significant cases, ongoing support may be needed long-term, including for children who remain nonverbal. This varies by individual, but CBT is often seen as especially useful, supporting awareness of unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and building new, more supportive ones. We offer individualized treatment for autism including behavioral therapy, social skills training, family support, and psychiatric care tailored to the unique needs of each client. Yes, we provide services for individuals across the lifespan—from early childhood through adulthood—with treatment plans that evolve based on developmental stages and goals. Some autism-related services, such as therapy and family support sessions, may be available via telehealth depending on the needs and comfort level of the client. To begin treatment, fill out our intake form or contact our intake coordination team. We’ll guide you through the process and connect you with the right providers. ## Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Insights To learn more about autism spectrum disorder and treatment options, check out these blogs. **Sources:** 1. Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC. [https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html](https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html) 2. Source: Autism spectrum disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928)