Autism Therapy Services in Bridgeville, PA

Welcome to Stepping Stones Psychiatric Care! Our team of professionals, including board-certified psychiatrist Muhammad Shaikh, specializes in providing comprehensive therapy services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Located in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, we strive to provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where our patients can develop social-emotional skills and acquire practical knowledge that can be applied within their everyday lives.

We recognize the unique needs of each individual on the autism spectrum and are dedicated to tailoring our techniques and therapies to best suit the individual's growth. Our experienced clinicians offer a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to address the specific needs of your child or yourself. We also offer a hybrid telemedicine and in person service model to keep care accessible.

If you or your child are in need of therapy services from the top psychiatrists Bridgeville, PA has to offer, please reach out and contact us to learn more about our individualized treatment plan. We look forward to helping you or your child lead a happy and healthy life!

Request Appointment

Autism Specialist & Psychiatrist in Pittsburgh

Autistic individuals often experience mental health struggles, including:

Difficulty understanding social cues and interpreting behavior
Trouble communicating needs and emotions
A tendency to have repetitive behaviors or movements
Sensory processing issues that can cause disturbances or difficulty with daily activities

Fortunately, there are a number of therapies that can help autistic people better manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. These include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is designed to help individuals recognize and change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. It teaches strategies to identify triggers, thoughts, feelings and reactions associated with certain situations.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): ABA focuses on breaking down important skills into smaller steps that can be more easily mastered. Through reinforcement practice, individuals learn to understand the consequences of their behavior.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps autistic individuals develop the skills needed for everyday functioning such as school tasks or completing household chores. Therapists may use sensory integration techniques to reduce anxiety or stress related to sensations in the environment.
Social Skills Groups: These groups create a safe space for autistic individuals to practice communication techniques and social interactions with peers in similar age ranges. Group members can also learn from each other’s successes as well as mistakes in different scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does therapy help autistic individuals?

Through various therapeutic interventions from an autism behavior specialist, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Groups, autistic individuals can learn how to recognize triggers in different situations, how to better communicate their needs and emotions, gain social-emotional skills applicable to everyday life, practice communication techniques and develop skills needed for daily functioning.

Can someone be autistic and have other mental health struggles?

Yes, autistic individuals may be at increased risk for other mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is important to get a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified mental health professional if you are concerned about any of these issues.

I’m a parent and I think my child may be autistic. What should I do?

If you suspect your child might have autism, it is important to speak to your doctor or a qualified mental health professional to get an accurate diagnosis. They may be able to provide more information about the telltale signs of autism as well as resources for further evaluation and treatment.

How can I get started with the best autism doctors near me?

At Stepping Stones, we make it easy to get started on the road to feeling better and living well. Just request an appointment with us using our simple online form.

Autism