Autism is known as a ‘spectrum’ condition because it presents differently in its various presentations and according to the severity through which it manifests.
With autism presenting in multiple, varied ways, then it is this diversity that makes individualised treatment imperative for autistic adults.
Individualisation of treatment has to be the way forward because each person has distinct and unique needs, which require appropriate input.
This article analyses the importance of individualised therapy for autistic adults, by assessing the effectiveness of different treatments including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Social Skills Training and Sensory Integration Therapy, and also providing reasons for individualising therapy programmes.
Autism is referred to as a ‘spectrum’ because it is expressed or presented in many varied ways. The most glaring causation is the linkage between the way autism is presented and the possibility (or otherwise) to realise potential.
Tailored Treatment for Adults with Autism
A personalised approach can also be better positioned to support and meet the needs of these varying disparate needs for autistic adults. In this way, it seems quite likely that a personalised approach, however delivered (ie, by a psychologist or psychiatrist) would be better suited to deal with the specific challenges that we might each be experiencing. Additionally, and importantly, personalised interventions are more likely to be engaging and – hopefully – enjoyed by the individual involved.
Enhancing the knowledge of an individual’s personal history, treating therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists will also have more insight into their preferences and strengths, making treatment more likely to succeed.
Personalised therapy for autistic adults should be guided by each patient’s individual needs, keeping in mind personal history, preferences and symptoms. It is rare indeed to find a person on the autism spectrum who is exactly like anyone else, and it goes without saying that in the case of autistic adults, a one-size solution won’t work for all.
A personalised approach should, and eventually will be able to, address all the needs of autistic adults, including social communication, sensory sensitivities, inflexibility and challenging behaviours.
Scientific studies have also shown that incorporating the patients’ existing strengths and personal factors play a critical role in enhancing the outcomes of most or perhaps all evidence-based treatments for individuals with autism.
The Effectiveness of Applied Behaviour Analysis for Adults with Autism
Autistic adults have already benefitted from one widely accepted therapeutic technique, applied behavioural analysis, or ABA.
ABA functions by using the principles of behaviour to change behaviour.
In adults, this might involve improved social skills, communication, and coping skills to meet the challenges of daily life.
Put another way, ABA is an individually tailored goal-directed programme based on a person’s beginning or baseline skills and designed to assist that individual to maintain steady, lasting improvement.
Exploring the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Autistic Adults
The therapy that has been most commonly used with autistic adults where CBT has been an adjunct to target a hard-to-treat symptom of their primary diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression, is CBT – changing the detrimental thinking that impacts their social and emotional function.
CBT is solutions-focused, encouraging the individual to tackle current discrete problems and find solutions to them. In contrast to therapies such as psychoanalysis, it’s far less interested in either the past or how to reckon with it. Instead, it’s far more interested in how to solve problems in the here and now.
Because of the tenets of CBT, which make it individualised, focusing on adjusting how a person thinks about their difficulties, it translates well into cognitive processes and sensory experiences that are neurodiverse.
So as a therapist, it can allow for better understanding of an individual patient and the challenges they face that relate to mental health, and how to bring them to greater emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Social Skills Training: A Key Component of Therapy for Autistic Adults
Social skills can be a major area of difficulty for many autistic adults, and Social Skills Training (SST) is a psychological intervention that seeks to teach the requisite skills necessary for effective social interaction.
This might involve things like: awareness of non-verbal cues, the ability to maintain and sustain eye contact, or a skill at facilitating reciprocal give-and-take conversation.
Depending upon the particular nature of a person’s social needs and abilities, training that’s tailored to and calibrated for their actual social requirements can lead to better social integration and consequently less subjective feelings of social isolation.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory Integration Therapy is geared toward improving how the individual perceives, organises and utilises input they receive through their senses.
Due to a heightened sensitivity or diminished sensitivity to sensory input such as visual, auditory and tactile stimulation, sensory integration is designed to specifically target the unique sensory needs of the individual as they complete activities that help their body better regulate, respond to and minimise sensory input that they experience in their daily lives.
Individualising Therapy for Autistic Adults: Strategies and Considerations
The ability to make the therapy plan cohesive and prioritised is important: with thorough assessments, reasonable goals set, and a plan constantly monitored and adjusted to the specific needs of the individual.
With a multidisciplinary team approach and evidence-based treatments to be utilised, with input from the person on their preferences and feedback constantly welcome.
A therapy plan must allow for flexibility: circumstances may change, and a therapy plan must be constantly adjusted.
An initial impression, thorough assessment, realistic goal-setting and a focus on the individual as the centre of the plan are mandatory towards successful and effective treatment with motivating and formulated therapy plans. To summarise, a holistic and person-centred approach is needed to develop an effective therapy plan for autistic adults.
Conclusion
Customized treatments and therapy for autistic adults are not just helpful, but essential. Utilizing ABA for predictability, CBT for emotional insight, SST for pragmatism, and Sensory Integration Therapy for sensory relief, individualised therapy is the key to success.
By understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual, a more purposeful and transformative level of support can be offered, resulting in a more fulfilling life for autistic adults.