Autism is a developmental disease that affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. today. It impacts their development and ability to communicate and socialize with others and can sometimes create inappropriate behavior that requires intervention. An autistic teen behavioral intervention can stop bad behavior that is getting in the way of their education and development. If your teen’s behavior is becoming a problem, a behavioral intervention program in Fort Worth, Texas, can help.
At Camp Worth, we provide behavioral therapies and treatment programs to give teen boys and girls ages 11-17 the best chances of a happy and independent life. Certified therapists work with your child to understand where their destructive behaviors are coming from and work to replace them with healthy thoughts and actions. They also help parents better communicate with their child and manage their symptoms more effectively. For more information on our behavioral intervention program in Fort Worth, Texas, call 855.915.2545 or fill out our online form today.
What Is Autistic Teen Behavioral Intervention?
Behavioral intervention is necessary when a child’s behavior is so problematic that it causes significant problems at home, school, and in social settings. For teens with autism, behavioral therapy programs can help them better understand their feelings and emotions and how to express them appropriately.
The most effective program for autistic teen behavioral intervention is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is an effective therapy program that addresses problematic behavior in teens living with autism and works to decrease the behaviors that are interfering with their development. There are two styles of ABA that work to replace bad behavior:
- Discrete trial training (DTT) – This step-by-step clinical process teaches teens with autism appropriate behaviors and responses. They work with teens directly to address their bad behavior and replace them with more positive actions and responses. They use a reward system to help solidify these behaviors.
- Pivotal response training (PTT) – PTT is done outside a normal therapy setting and gives teens a chance to put their skills to use in real-life situations. As they practice these skills, they gain confidence and an eagerness to behave better and learn more beneficial skills.
At Camp Worth, we offer safe and effective behavioral intervention for autistic teens. Our residential program gives teens a safe space to work on the behavioral issues that are impeding their development.
Knowing When it’s Time for Behavioral Intervention for Autistic Teens
There are certain red flags that you can look for that indicate your child is acting out too much and causing problems at home and in school. They may begin to withdraw from friends and family, lose interest in things they enjoy doing, and act out more aggressively.
Here are some additional signs to know when it’s time for an autistic adolescent behavioral intervention:
- Signs of self-injury – If teens don’t know how to express anger, fear, or other troubling emotions, they may try cutting themselves as a coping mechanism.
- Frequent bouts of aggression – Your teen may begin to show more hostility and experience more severe meltdowns with hitting, kicking, biting, and sudden violent actions.
- Changes in their sleep patterns – Teens can experience a disruption to their sleep schedule and may not be able to fall asleep and become upset at bedtime. Some teens will have the opposite effect: sleep too much, be tired, and be easily aggravated all day.
Camp Worth Can Support Your Teen Through Autistic Adolescent Behavioral Intervention
At Camp Worth, we support teen boys and girls who feel frustrated and need help managing their bad behaviors. Our behavioral therapists have experience using ABA therapy during autistic teen behavioral interventions to give your teen the skills they need to replace negative behaviors. If you need help with your teen’s autism symptoms, call 855.915.2545 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling your teen in our autism treatment center.