What We Treat

Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism spectrum disorder refers to a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by challenges with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

Autism spectrum disorder treatment at Pasadena Villa

At Pasadena Villa’s dedicated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) treatment center, The Stables Autism Program, we offer autism-specific care in a comfortable, home-like setting with a low client-to-staff ratio.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, our program helps individuals develop self-awareness, acceptance, inner strength, and life skills. Our evidence-based treatment focuses on skill-building in four key areas: goal setting, executive functioning, emotion regulation, and social skills.

We utilize various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), animal-assisted therapy (AAT), and experiential therapy, to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and strengths. Our ultimate goal is to empower clients to embrace their brain’s natural wiring, helping them live fulfilling, independent lives.

Our ASD treatment focuses on developing skills in four  essential areas:

Understanding ASD

ASD is a condition that affects the development of key skills, including socialization, communication, and independent living abilities. It’s characterized by two main types of behaviors — restricted / repetitive behaviors and social communication / interaction challenges. However, not everyone diagnosed with ASD displays all the symptoms associated with the condition. The term “neurodivergent” has also become more widely used, referring to individuals who may not have an ASD diagnosis but recognize that their brain processes and functions differently from typical patterns.

There are two main types of behaviors associated with ASD — restricted / repetitive behaviors and social communication / interaction behaviors. While not all people diagnosed with ASD show all the autism spectrum disorder symptoms, it is common for them to show several.

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

FAQs

Questions about autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of developmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. These difficulties can vary widely in severity and often delay the development of essential skills like socializing, communicating, and independent living. 
 

ASD is typically diagnosed in children aged 2 to 6 through comprehensive physical, neurological, and psychiatric evaluations. In adults, diagnosis is more complex, as symptoms may overlap with other mental health conditions like ADHD or schizophrenia. There are no medical tests for autism, as diagnosis relies on careful assessment of behavioral symptoms.

ASD symptoms typically fall into two categories: restrictive/repetitive behaviors and social communication/interaction challenges. Common signs of ASD include: 

  • Repeating specific actions or displaying unusual behaviors 
  • Intense focus on certain objects or parts of objects 
  • Obsessive interest in specific topics 
  • Becoming upset by minor changes in routines or new, overstimulating environments 
  • Limited or inconsistent eye contact 
  • Less frequent engagement with others, both in looking and listening 
  • Unusual responses to others’ emotions, such as anger, distress, or affection 
  • Talking excessively about favorite subjects without recognizing others’ lack of interest 
  • Difficulty understanding others’ perspectives or actions 

While the exact cause of ASD is still unknown, research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Boys are more frequently diagnosed, though studies suggest girls may be underdiagnosed due to higher rule compliance and masking behaviors.  

Residential Autism Treatment

The Stables Autism Program

At The Stables, we provide high-quality personalized programming. We collaborate with clients and their families to create customized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Pasadena Villa

Our Levels of Care

From residential treatment to partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, our continuum of care is designed to meet individuals at every stage of their recovery journey.

Take the first step toward recovery.

Our admissions experts are here to answer your questions and help you begin the process.

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