Understanding Your Child’s Needs Beyond Therapy
Identifying signs that your child might benefit from psychological counseling or therapy is crucial. Some of these warning signals include persistent and pervasive sadness or feelings of hopelessness, disproportionate reactive behavior including extreme anger, behavioral challenges at home and school, irrational worries, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and struggles in everyday tasks. Consulting a psychologist helps determine the best treatment. Maintaining open communication with the psychologist to assess progress and align therapeutic goals is vital.
During this time, the psychologist and family may agree that a higher intensity of intervention and support is required, which leads to the question of alternative treatment. When consulting with your support team it is important to be aware of all the treatments available that may assist in managing symptoms and challenging behavior. The following is a list of examples and explanations of intensive treatments that are available beyond individual therapy.
When More Intensive Support Is Needed
Exploring alternative treatments becomes essential when interventions require higher intensity as previously mentioned. Here are some intensive treatments beyond individual therapy:
In-Home Parenting Support
Parent management Training (PMT) encompasses psychoeducation regarding behavior and behavioral functions, as well as targeted work on the development and maintenance of Parenting skills. At times, there is a disconnect between pairing work done in the office and skill implementation at home. When this happens, a more intensive approach to parenting support may be indicated.
This includes the psychologist or behavior analyst coming to your home during challenging moments and providing coaching based on skills learned in the session. Sessions initially occur multiple times per week to establish routines and expectations. For example, if the evening routine (including homework, bath, and bed) is consistently difficult the therapist will come to your home to provide support during these hours. This intervention is designed for parents to feel supported and empowered in the home environment.
Specialized School or School Shadow
At times some children need daily intensive intervention beyond mainstream schools. Depending on the specific need, a psychologist may recommend a more supportive school environment or the introduction of a school shadow. A specialized school might offer increased therapeutic and behavioral support, smaller classes, tailored learning, and social skills groups.
In other cases, a child may need some additional support in their school to meet expectations. During these times, the support team may recommend either a part-time or full-time shadow. A behavioral shadow works under the supervision of a psychologist or behavior analyst and implements the behavior plan that has been developed. This individual has training in behavioral support and communicates daily with the supervising clinician as well as the family. The psychologist will meet regularly with the school as well as parents to track progress and make changes as needed.
Some families also consider the possibility of residential support programs. These schools encompass all areas of psychological and behavioral treatment, while also fostering independent living skills. At times, there is also a focus on vocational skill development. The duration of these supports varies from child to child. If you are considering a specialized school placement for your child, a complete neuropsychological evaluation as well as a meeting with an educational consultant is recommended.
Medication Management
While evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are effective, medication might complement treatment. Specifically, medication may help support your child in better accessing therapeutic support and increase motivation to engage in sessions. Consultation with a psychiatrist may be recommended if symptoms persist despite therapy. Furthermore, if your child presents with severe symptoms during an intake appointment, the psychologist may immediately recommend consultation with a psychiatrist to jump-start progress. Psychiatrists and psychologists often work in conjunction to best support the psychological well-being of their patients.
ABA or Intensified Behavioral Support
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an intensive treatment addressing challenging behaviors, not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder. ABA therapists develop and maintain treatment plans, working across various settings and collaborating with other disciplines. The ABA therapist will work with you as well as any caregivers in developing a treatment plan as well as maintaining integrity and consistency in the intervention. Depending on individual needs, ABA therapists can also provide support during playdates, after-school activities, as well as during summer camp programs. ABA is data-driven, meaning all therapists working with your family will be specifically tracking the frequency, intensity, and duration of all targeted behaviors. As specific treatment goals are met the intensity of the therapy may start to decrease. ABA therapists often work in conjunction with other disciplines as well to ensure consistency across environments. ABA is indicated if behavioral concerns span settings (home, school, etc.) as well as caregivers.
When considering all available options, it is always best to maintain open and consistent communication with your child’s therapist, as well as any other members of the treatment team (school-based professionals, speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychiatrist, etc.) to determine if an alternative treatment is the appropriate next step for your child. All of the supports listed in this article are designed to be complementary, meaning they are indicated alongside individual therapy as well as other therapeutic supports. They are also founded on evidence-based principles, meaning there is significant research to support each treatment. If you are unsure where to start, an initial consultation with a psychologist is a great first step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Recognize If My Child Needs Psychological Counseling?
Signs such as persistent sadness, extreme anger, behavioral challenges at home/school, irrational worry, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and difficulty with routine tasks can indicate the need for psychological counseling.
How Does In-Home Parenting Support Work?
Parent Management Training (PMT) involves home-based sessions, where therapists coach parents during challenging moments. It aims to implement learned skills in real-time situations, fostering a supportive and empowered home environment.
What are Specialized Schools or School Shadows?
Specialized schools provide increased therapeutic and behavioral support, smaller ratios, differentiated learning, and social skills groups. School shadows, supervised by psychologists, aid children in implementing behavior plans and provide necessary support within mainstream schools.
How Does ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Work Beyond Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
ABA, though commonly associated with ASD< benefits children with various behavioral challenges. It is a data-driven intervention focusing on behavior modification and skill development, implemented at home, school, and community settings.
Are Intensive Treatments Customized for Each Child’s Needs?
Yes, treatments like in-home support, specialized schools, medication, and ABA are tailored to address individual needs. These interventions are designed based on a child’s unique challenges and developmental requirements.
