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SearchA PARENT'S GUIDE: TOP QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEEKING TREATMENT FOR YOUR ADULT CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
As a parent of an adult child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), navigating the world of treatment options can feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay informed and empowered as you evaluate the various therapies and interventions available. Perhaps more importantly, it’s essential to ask the right questions when considering autism treatment facilities for your child.
This guide aims to provide you with the most important questions you should ask when considering an autism treatment center, why those questions are important, and how The Stables Autism Program would answer each question.
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QUESTION 1: How does your treatment program address the unique challenges of living with autism spectrum disorder as an adult?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK: This question helps you gauge a facility’s commitment to providing specific interventions, therapies and support for adult people with ASD. This can give you insight on the treatment center’s ability to address your adult child’s unique needs and help them thrive into adulthood.
At The Stables, we understand the unique challenges that adults with autism face. Our treatment program focuses on providing individualized support and interventions tailored to their specific needs, including social skills, vocational skills, executive functioning, and skills for independent living. Within our modalities, we use animal-assisted therapy to promote their overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.
QUESTION 2: Can you describe the composition of your treatment and clinical team?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK: This question is essential in helping you determine the expertise of each facility’s clinical team. Comparing the team members available at one facility with those available at another is equally important in helping you determine which treatment center is best suited to addressing your loved one’s needs. Generally, this clinical and treatment team includes therapists and psychiatrists, each contributing their skills and knowledge to holistically address your adult’s child specific challenges and treatment goals.
At The Stables, our treatment team consists of a program director, two qualified therapists, a psychiatrist, and additional support staff, including behavioral technicians and nursing. Our residents have 24/7 support from recovery care specialists who will work diligently with each client during their time in treatment.
QUESTION 3: What specific evidence-based interventions do you use, and what research supports their effectiveness?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK: As a parent seeking treatment for an adult child with autism, it is crucial to ask each treatment facility about the array of evidence-based interventions they practice. This question can help reassure you that the treatment modalities provided are based on scientific research and are designed to support individuals with autism. It also helps you make informed decisions about the available treatment options and understand the rationale behind the program’s interventions.
At The Stables, we utilize evidence-based interventions that are scientifically proven to be effective in supporting individuals with autism. Our program incorporates several interventions, such as the TEACCH model, Social Skills Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and interventions to advance executive functioning. These interventions have been extensively researched and shown to improve various areas of functioning in individuals with autism, including communication, social interaction, behavior management, and independent living skills.
QUESTION 4: How do you develop individualized treatment plans for adults with autism?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK: Effective autism treatment recognizes the importance of individualized approaches. Each person with autism has unique strengths, areas for growth, and goals, and they need personalized treatment plans that consider their specific needs. By asking about the treatment center’s approach, you can determine how they align interventions with the identified needs and goals of the individual, ensuring a more effective and targeted treatment approach.
At The Stables, each client receives an individualized treatment plan. This treatment plan is developed with the client, parent, or loved one (if applicable) and each member of the client’s treatment team. This treatment plan considers the client’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs and involves particular and realistic goals that are individualized to the client.
QUESTION 5: How does your program address social skills training and help my adult child develop meaningful social connections?
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ASK: This question acknowledges the importance of socialization for individuals with autism and their overall well-being. Building social skills and establishing relationships can lead to improved self-esteem, increased opportunities for community integration, and a better quality of life. By understanding how the program addresses social skills training, you can ensure that your loved one receives comprehensive support for personal growth and social success.
At The Stables, we prioritize social skills training to help your adult child with autism develop meaningful social connections. Our program utilizes evidence-based interventions such as social skills groups, role-playing activities, and structured social interactions to teach and practice essential social skills. We follow a social integration model to promote the generalization of skills and ensure success after treatment. We aim to enhance their social communication, interaction, and understanding, empowering them to form and maintain meaningful and fulfilling relationships.
Who We Are
The Stables Autism Program, part of the Pasadena Villa Network, helps individuals gain self-awareness, acceptance, inner strength, and life strategies to live a more independent life. Our evidence-based clinical therapies focus on skill-building in four primary categories:
- Goal setting
- Executive functioning skills
- Emotion regulation skills
- Social skills
As one of the top residential autism treatment centers in the U.S., The Stables can help you or your loved one find the path to a better life. Looking for Treatment?
