Autism-specific developmental and behavioral therapy is an individually tailored psychotherapeutic intervention for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. It takes into account neurodevelopmental differences in perception, communication, emotional processing, and behavior, and integrates developmental, behavioral, and additional psychotherapeutic approaches.

 

The therapy is not oriented toward external adaptation goals, but toward understanding individual developmental trajectories, internal sources of distress, and existing resources. The work is grounded in evidence-based methods, a clear therapeutic structure, and a respectful, transparent collaboration with parents, caregivers, and—when needed—other professionals and services.

 

Therapeutic planning is based on a careful, assessment-based evaluation of the child’s or adolescent’s current developmental and life situation. This includes observation, structured interviews, and standardized instruments. On this basis, individualized therapy goals are defined and the therapeutic process is continuously adapted.

 

The aim of autism-specific therapy is to promote emotional stability, reduce distressing behavioral patterns, and sustainably strengthen everyday functional skills, while taking into account the family, educational, and social context.

 

Parent- and Family-Centered Therapy

 

A core component of autism-specific therapy is the active involvement of parents and caregivers. This includes psychoeducational elements, parent training, and the joint development of concrete, everyday strategies. The goal is to strengthen confidence, orientation, and practical competence in daily family life and to stabilize therapeutic effects in the long term.

 

Possible Topics and Therapeutic Areas of Work

 

• Emotion regulation and coping with overwhelm

• Behavioral challenges (e.g., withdrawal, impulsivity, aggressive or self-injurious behavior)

• Social interaction and social orientation

• Communication (verbal, nonverbal, and augmentative)

• Anxiety, stress, and inner tension

• Sleep difficulties and dysregulated sleep–wake patterns

• Eating disorders, selective eating, and food refusal

• Toileting and the development of body-related independence

• Transitions, changes, and uncertainty in everyday life

• Development of independence and daily living skills

• Self-perception, self-esteem, and identity development

• School-related demands and institutional contexts

• Promotion of learning, play, and exploratory behavior