Autism Therapist

Set personalized goals and reach them. Our Columbia-trained autism experts provide patient-focused, compassionate care that supports you in every stage of your mental health journey.

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Mental Health is a Journey

At Integrative Psych, our autism specialists understand the complexity and unique presentations of neurodivergence. By utilizing both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we are ready to help individuals and families navigate life with Autism.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition caused by different brain chemistry from environmental, biological, and genetic factors. It can present in the first year of life and affect behavior, social skills, communication, emotion regulation, and learning. As the name suggests, Autism varies significantly across a spectrum, requiring different levels of support. An autism spectrum test can be used to help determine where an individual falls on the continuum.

- What is level 1 autism? Level 1 autism is characterized by struggling to understand social rules and rigid behavior patterns. It requires the least intervention out of the three levels of autism.

- What is level 2 autism? Level 2 autism is characterized by hyper-fixation and distress surrounding change. It requires notable support.

- What is level 3 autism? Level 3 autism requires the most support and is characterized by the patient being nonverbal and rocking constantly.
1:31
1 in 31 US children
are diagnosed with Autism
1:45
1 in 45 US adults
are diagnosed with Autism
Rate of Comoboridity:
ADHD,
Anxiety Disorders,
Depression,
Sleep Disorders,
Gastrointestinal Disorders
4X
rate of Autism diagnoses
in males compared to females
Signs of Autism in Newborns
Signs of Autism in Teens
Signs of High-Functioning Autism
Autism and Neurodivergence FAQs
Q: Is there a cure to Autism?
A: No, it is not a disease. It is a condition that impacts people, but it can be managed and supported through therapy.

Q: Is there a single cause to Autism?
A: No, but genetics and environmental factors both impact the overall risk.

Q: Does Autism get worse with age?
A: No, but new obstacles may arise with age.

Q: Is Autism a learning disability?
A: No, although it is often comorbid with learning issues.

Q: Is Autism an intellectual disability?
A: Not always. While it is characteristic to have a lower IQ if you are Autistic, not all people with Autism have intellectual disabilities. Some may have average of above-average IQs.

Q: Can you get Autism later in life?
A: No, Autism begins in early developmental phases. With that said, it is sometimes not identified until later in life.

Q: What are the Autism rates by country?
A: They vary based on diagnostic practices and Autism awareness.

Q: What is Asperger’s?
A: Asperger’s is a level 1 form of Autism, characterized by an above-average IQ. Where this is no Asperger’s test, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) can be used to identify Asperger’s.

Q: Neurodivergent vs. Autism?
A: Neurodivergent is an umbrella term of various disorders, while Autism is one of the forms of neurodivergence.

Q: Am I neurodivergent?
A:
- List of neurodivergent disorders: Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s, OCD, etc.
- Neurodivergent tests do not exist, but there are screening tools that can be used to identify neurodivergence. - Neurodivergent symptoms ex., social difficulties, attention problems, learning differences, sensory sensitivity, etc.
- Neurodivergent vs Neurotypical: Neurodivergent individuals experience atypical neurodevelopment, while neurotypical people do not have neurodevelopmental differences.

Q: Autism vs. ADHD?
A: ADHD and Autism can co-occur, but are separate from one another. ADHD involves focus and impulsivity, but Autism impacts social interactions, overall behavior, and communication skills.

Treatment Process

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The journey begins with a comprehensive mental health assessment focused on Autism, led by our expert team, including Dr. Ryan Sultan. This initial assessment ensures we understand each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. With this, we develop a tailored, evidence-based care plan to address the complexities of your Autism.

Personalized Treatment Plan Development

Based on the initial Autism evaluation, our team collaborates to design a personalized treatment plan targeting the individual’s needs. Whether someone is navigating Autism Level 1, 2, or 3, our team collaborates to select the most appropriate plan of action.

Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches

Patients are introduced to evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are proven to be effective in treating autism. This often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), depending on the particular disorder. Our team provides detailed explanations and sets expectations, ensuring that patients feel informed and supported.

Implementation of Therapy Sessions

Regular therapy sessions begin following the individualized Autism management plan. Our therapists, who are experienced in treating Autism, work closely with patients to address their experiences and struggles. Sessions are scheduled consistently to ensure progression and effectiveness.

Medication Management

For patients whose Autism care includes medication, Dr. Ryan Sultan and our team provide careful prescription management. This includes selected choosing the appropriate medication, monitoring their effectiveness, and adjusting dosages as needed to optimize therapeutic outcomes and support long-term management.

Patient Education and Empowerment

We emphasize the importance of educating patients about their ASD. Patients are powered them with knowledge about their disorder, along with its impact. This step includes providing resources, coping strategies, and self-care techniques to further support wellbeing.

Ongoing Evaluation and Support

Our commitment to our patients extends beyond the initial stages of Autism treatment. We conduct ongoing evaluations to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Ongoing appointments and follow-ups ensure that the patient feels continuous support throughout their journey to recovery and a healthier, more fulfilled life.

Benefits to Autism Therapeutic Services Following Autism Evaluation

Support Independence

Reinforcing executive functioning promotes autonomy in everyday life.

Increased Coping Skills

Strengthen your tool box to better manage Autism and thrive.

Improved Emotion Regulation

Limit potential meltdowns or self-injurious behaviors through emotion regulation development.

Social Skills Development

Build social skills such as understanding social cues and empathy.

Family Therapy

Understand awareness and skills to parent and live with someone who has Autism. Neurodivergent parenting books may be suggested.

Resources

- Autism Awareness Month (April)
- Autism Awareness symbol
- Sensory toys for autism
- Autism spectrum disorder checklist:
   M-CHAT-R/F (toddlers),
   CAST (children),
   AQ,
   SCQ,
   GARS-3
- Autism spectrum disorder genetic testing:
   CMA,
   Fragile X testing,
   WES,
   WGS
- Autism spectrum speech therapy
Dr. Ryan Sultan, MD Senior Psychiatrist at Integrative Psych

Meet The Founder

Dr. Sultan, son of psychiatrist, is a dual board certified mental health physician who has made it his life’s mission to explore, learn and practice the many treatments for the mind and its troubles.

Dr. Sultan’s path has led him to extensive training in therapies ranging from meditation and mindfulness to practical cognitive behavioral therapy and deep psychodynamic therapy. As a physician, he has explored how classical and innovative medical treatments can foster healing of the mind as well as personal growth.

These extensive ranges of therapies can be effective for many individuals, however they often take years to get results and many individuals hit walls in their treatment—getting only limited benefits.

Dr. Sultan founded Integrative Psych to push past the barriers of traditional mental health treatment by using naturally derived compounds in conjunction with conventional treatments such as medications, lifestyle interventions and psychotherapy to heal the pain and struggles in our minds beyond what traditional mental health treatments can accomplish.


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