Autism (ASD) Therapy

What is Autism, autistic spectrum disorder or ASD?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects communication and social interaction. It is known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. Individuals with autism can be highly functional and lead a “normal” life, but they show varying degrees of difficulty in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted activities and interests. Others may experience significant challenges in communication and require substantial support to move forward. This range is what defines the autism spectrum, which is classified into three levels:

Level 1: “Requires minimal support” Level 2: “Requires substantial support” Level 3: “Requires very substantial support”

Until a few years ago, the term Asperger syndrome was used for individuals at Level 1 of ASD. However, since 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) updated the categorization in the DSM‑5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) and discontinued the term in favor of including it within Autism Spectrum Disorders.

People with autism often have difficulties with cognitive flexibility, and in the deeper levels of ASD, their ability to communicate may be very limited. Those with Level 1 autism typically have fluent communication and intellectual abilities ranging from average to even above average. They also tend to show restricted interests or unusual preoccupations with a particular object or activity, although the degree of restriction varies from person to person. Sometimes it simply appears as a tendency to focus more intensely than usual on specific interests. In Levels 2 and 3, this hyperfocus is often much more severe and limiting.

People with Level 1 Autism often present the following characteristics, in varying degrees of severity:

• Restricted or limited interests
• Self‑imposed routines / Difficulty coping with change
• Feelings of misunderstanding and loneliness
• Difficulty with cognitive flexibility, often leading to academic challenges, adapting to schedules, changes in teachers, etc.
• Difficulty working in teams and maintaining friendships or romantic relationships
• Difficulty understanding others’ feelings and expressing their own
• Anxiety and depression
• Emotional immaturity
• Perfectionism
• Discomfort with physical contact (especially hugs)
• Difficulty making decisions; tendency to be indecisive
• Tendency to be very direct and say what they think without considering the impact on others
• Difficulty understanding jokes, metaphors, and irony

In our psychological practice, the first step is a pre‑diagnosis, which involves a series of psychological interviews to determine the possibility of autism and differentiate it from ADHD (Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). If the person shows symptoms, we proceed with a deeper diagnostic process to guide treatment appropriately. Individuals who arrive with a Level 1 ASD diagnosis undergo diagnostic validation before beginning treatment for their current concerns (anxiety, depression, or a specific issue).

Autism Treatment

Treatment for Level 1 Autism in adolescents and adults is primarily psychotherapeutic and, in some cases, pharmacological. Because it is a neurodevelopmental disorder, treatment aims to improve quality of life and reduce the degree of interference in daily functioning. Much of the work involves helping individuals understand what may not make sense to them, develop clearer communication strategies, and learn to “read” social environments.

Psychological treatment through therapy aims to reduce the level of impairment, improve functioning and adaptation, and strengthen personal abilities. Individual therapy is considered highly effective, and group therapy is also recommended. Psychotherapy focuses on the following goals:

• Improve emotional expression
• Promote personal autonomy
• Reduce anxiety and help the person develop stress‑management techniques
• Alleviate depressive symptoms and, when possible, eliminate them
• Improve communication and social skills
• Increase adaptability and cognitive flexibility
• Improve understanding and navigation of social relationships
• Support academic and professional success