{"id":18697,"date":"2019-11-29T21:09:37","date_gmt":"2019-11-30T02:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=18697"},"modified":"2021-12-14T19:58:31","modified_gmt":"2021-12-15T00:58:31","slug":"7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Helpful Tips For Teaching Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#What_Is_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder\" title=\"What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder\">What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#How_To_Teach_Teens_with_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder\" title=\"How To Teach Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder\">How To Teach Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_1_Use_Visual_Methods\" title=\"Tip #1: Use Visual Methods\">Tip #1: Use Visual Methods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_2_Avoid_Complicated_Instructions\" title=\"Tip #2: Avoid Complicated Instructions\">Tip #2: Avoid Complicated Instructions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_3_Encourage_Self-Expression_and_Creativity\" title=\"Tip #3: Encourage Self-Expression and Creativity\">Tip #3: Encourage Self-Expression and Creativity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_4_Alternative_Ways_To_Communicate\" title=\"Tip #4: Alternative Ways To Communicate\">Tip #4: Alternative Ways To Communicate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_5_Keep_the_Classroom_Structured\" title=\"Tip #5: Keep the Classroom Structured\">Tip #5: Keep the Classroom Structured<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_6_Role_Play\" title=\"Tip #6 : Role Play\">Tip #6 : Role Play<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Tip_7_Self-Management_Tips\" title=\"Tip #7: Self-Management Tips\">Tip #7: Self-Management Tips<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#Final_Thoughts_About_Teens_with_Autism\" title=\"Final Thoughts About Teens with Autism\">Final Thoughts About Teens with Autism<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-tips-for-teaching-teens-with-autism\/#References\" title=\"References:\">References:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Ask any teacher and they will tell you &#8211; teaching teenagers is tough work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When working with children with special needs such as adolescents with behavioral issues or teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it&#8217;s not just hard work. It requires special training and a willingness to be creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, we&#8217;ll focus the discussion on teaching teens with autism, and give you 7 tips to up your classroom game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"7 Awesome Tips For Teaching Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder\" class=\"wp-image-22594 lazyload\" width=\"368\" height=\"551\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"7 Awesome Tips For Teaching Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder\" class=\"wp-image-22594 lazyload\" width=\"368\" height=\"551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1-133x200.jpg 133w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-Awesome-Tips-For-Teaching-Teens-With-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-1-1-100x150.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 368px) 100vw, 368px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>7 Awesome Tips For Teaching Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder\"><\/span>What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Autism Spectrum Disorder is a&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/developmentaldisabilities\/facts.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">developmental disability<\/a>&nbsp;that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. It affects a wide number of children, teens, and adults in the United States. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2018, The <a aria-label=\"Centers for Disease Control (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/autism-facts-and-figures\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"ek-link\">Centers for Disease Control<\/a> (CDC) estimated that 1 out of every 59 children born in America was diagnosed with the disorder, a number three times what it was in 2000. While it is four times more likely to present in boys, it affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups equally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As it is designated a \u201cspectrum\u201d disorder, it covers a wide range of conditions, behaviors, and disorders that vary in severity and symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a aria-label=\"Mayo Clinic (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/autism-spectrum-disorder\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20352928\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Mayo Clinic<\/a> defines it as a \u201ccondition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication,\u201d which can also include \u201climited and repetitive patterns of behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it impacts the development of a child\u2019s brain, innovative and adaptive teaching methods are necessary. Unfortunately, with such a wide range of symptoms and presentations, a \u201cone size fits all\u201d solution for teaching teens with autism doesn&#8217;t exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Teach_Teens_with_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder\"><\/span>How To Teach Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iidc.indiana.edu\/pages\/Teaching-Tips-for-Children-and-Adults-with-Autism\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Dr. Temple Grandin<\/a>, PhD., who is also on the spectrum, states, \u201c<strong>Good teachers helped me to achieve success. I was able to overcome autism because I had good teachers.<\/strong>\u201d Teaching can be vital for those with autism no matter their age. And teaching teens with autism can be especially important as they reach the age traditionally viewed as the beginning of independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_1_Use_Visual_Methods\"><\/span>Tip #1: Use Visual Methods<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More and more children are being identified as visual learners. For teens with autism, visual aids such as pictures are more likely to be understood and retained. Line drawings may be more difficult to identify. Simple photographs, autism support logo designs, or illustrations, with an easy to find focus and limited colors, work best for communicating information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When possible, use physical, three-dimensional aids to help with teaching. If the student can physically handle an object it will be easier for them to understand and remember its function than if the student only reads a description of the object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_2_Avoid_Complicated_Instructions\"><\/span>Tip #2: Avoid Complicated Instructions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s hard enough for kids to follow a string of overly complex or detailed instructions. For teens with autism, it becomes nearly impossible. Keep the instructions simple. And whenever possible, allow them to follow the steps as the instructions are given. \u201cHearing and doing\u201d simultaneously allows for better understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep your sentences simple, and don\u2019t allow abstract thoughts or comments that are beside the point to distract from what you\u2019re trying to get across.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"ss-ctt-wrapper ss-ctt-style-1\" data-ss-post-id=\"18697\" data-nonce=\"275ab5239b\">\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=The+CDC+reported+in+2018+that+1+out+of+every+59+children+born+in+America+was+diagnosed+with+Autism%2C+a+number+three+times+what+it+was+in+2000%21&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blunt-therapy.com%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F18697%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dwebsite%26utm_campaign%3DSocialSnap&#038;via=counselorinsite&#038;related=counselorinsite\" class=\"ss-ctt-tweet\" data-title=\"Click to Tweet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-size: 17px\">The CDC<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 17px\"> reported in 2018 that 1 out of every 59 children born in America was diagnosed with Autism, a number three times what it was in 2000!<\/span><\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=The+CDC+reported+in+2018+that+1+out+of+every+59+children+born+in+America+was+diagnosed+with+Autism%2C+a+number+three+times+what+it+was+in+2000%21&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blunt-therapy.com%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F18697%3Futm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dwebsite%26utm_campaign%3DSocialSnap&#038;via=counselorinsite&#038;related=counselorinsite\" class=\"ss-ctt-link\" data-title=\"Click to Tweet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t<span>Click to Tweet<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"ss-svg-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M18.244 2.25h3.308l-7.227 8.26 8.502 11.24H16.17l-5.214-6.817L4.99 21.75H1.68l7.73-8.835L1.254 2.25H8.08l4.713 6.231zm-1.161 17.52h1.833L7.084 4.126H5.117z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t<\/div><!-- END .ss-ctt-wrapper -->\n\n\t\t\n\n\n<p>If the student is able to read, it helps to write down the instructions so they can refer to them when needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_3_Encourage_Self-Expression_and_Creativity\"><\/span>Tip #3: Encourage Self-Expression and Creativity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Teens with autism are often visual learners and thinkers, and creativity goes hand in hand with their learning style. When possible, encourage their abilities and interests. Not only does this boost their self-esteem, but it also contributes to a positive learning environment. This in turn helps ensure the future success of the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Grandin states: \u201cI think there needs to be much more emphasis on developing the child&#8217;s talents. Talents can be turned into skills that can be used for future employment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding ways to include the student\u2019s interest or talent within any given task can also help to get them more enthused and involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Autism-Facts-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Autism Facts for Teaching Teens with Autism\" class=\"wp-image-18961 lazyload\" width=\"512\" height=\"768\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Autism-Facts-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Autism Facts for Teaching Teens with Autism\" class=\"wp-image-18961 lazyload\" width=\"512\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Autism-Facts-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Autism-Facts-120x180.png 120w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Autism-Facts.png 735w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Facts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_4_Alternative_Ways_To_Communicate\"><\/span>Tip #4: Alternative Ways To Communicate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the wide range covered by the autism spectrum, some teens may be more able to communicate verbally than others. <a aria-label=\"Volumes have been written (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"http:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2011-21296-000\" target=\"_blank\">Volumes have been written<\/a> on effective communication for autistic children and adults, and many researchers reached the conclusion that \u201ctraditional\u201d verbal communication may not be the easiest for children on the spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drawing, writing, sign language, and even singing may make communication easier for teens with autism. Typing and using applications on computers and other devices may also make them more comfortable when conveying their thoughts, emotions, and even completing their homework as well as other projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_5_Keep_the_Classroom_Structured\"><\/span>Tip #5: Keep the Classroom Structured<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All teenagers can benefit from a well-defined schedule, as it teaches self-discipline and how to follow instructions. For teens with autism, structure and schedule can make the difference between a positive and a negative learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to allow enough space for creativity, enough time to cover tasks or instructions multiple times and at the student\u2019s own pace, and recess periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_6_Role_Play\"><\/span>Tip #6 : Role Play<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty in social situations. It&#8217;s hard for them to identify unspoken rules of communication, read body language, process expressions, and understand what is and is not acceptable to say in polite company. One way to address this problem is through role-playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Role-playing exercises provide a safe and supportive way for teens to practice social skills. Develop a scenario (such as waiting at the bus stop) and match it with a learning objective (such as making small-talk with strangers.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, discuss the do&#8217;s and don&#8217;ts of <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/active-listening-skills\/\">effective communication<\/a> and social niceties. Teach them about neutral conversation topics and health boundary-setting. Take turns switching roles and practice the scenario until your teen masters the learning objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tip_7_Self-Management_Tips\"><\/span>Tip #7: Self-Management Tips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can teach teens with autism ways to regulate their behavior with the help of &#8220;tick sheets&#8221;. By recoding the frequency of a particular behavior in tick sheets and wrist counters, they can learn to develop their social skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if a teen wants to maintain eye contact while talking to people, they can note it down in their tick sheet or count it on their wrist counter. This will encourage them to practice that social skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Helping Parents and Therapists Cope with Autism Spectrum Disorder | Susan Sherkow | TEDxYouth@LFNY\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JYPeOm5A8XQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption> Helping Parents and Therapists Cope with Autism Spectrum Disorder | Susan Sherkow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts_About_Teens_with_Autism\"><\/span>Final Thoughts About Teens with Autism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Teens with autism face their own set of special challenges, especially at an age where most societies value independence and autonomy. With underdeveloped social skills it&#8217;s hard for them to make friends or to even interact with everyday people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But with regular practice, teens with autism can develop the necessary social skills to flourish. The tips mentioned above will help them navigate social situations and develop the self-confidence and resiliency necessary to succeed in school and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iidc.indiana.edu\/pages\/Teaching-Tips-for-Children-and-Adults-with-Autism\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autism.org.uk\/professionals\/teachers\/teaching-young-children.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Teaching young children on the autism spectrum<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.readingrockets.org\/article\/supporting-students-autism-10-ideas-inclusive-classrooms\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Supporting Students with Autism<\/a><\/li><li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/online.sju.edu\/graduate\/masters-special-education\/resources\/articles\/techniques-for-teaching-students-with-autism-spectrum-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Techniques for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"Autism Facts and Figures (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autismspeaks.org\/autism-facts-and-figures\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Autism Facts and Figures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismparentingmagazine.com\/autism-teaching-strategies\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Autism Teaching Strategies to Use at Home and in the Classroom (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Autism Teaching Strategies to Use at Home and in the Classroom<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":31175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[920,27,36,62],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",1600,900,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84-1536x864.jpg",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",1600,900,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/84.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18697"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18697"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18697\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}