Rehabilitation Psychologist Perspective on Autism
Every parent wonders, “Who can guide my child to connect, communicate, and thrive?” At Cadabams CDC, our rehabilitation psychologists see autism through a lens of possibility—focusing on strengths, social learning, and real-world independence.
What a Rehabilitation Psychologist Does for Autism
Role vs. Clinical, Educational & Neuropsychologists
- Rehabilitation Psychologist: Targets functional recovery—teaching social rules, flexible thinking, and daily-life skills.
- Clinical Psychologist: Primarily diagnoses and treats mental-health conditions.
- Educational Psychologist: Optimises classroom learning strategies.
- Neuropsychologist: Maps brain-based cognitive profiles.
Core Focus Areas: Social, Language & Theory of Mind Deficits
We zero-in on the three pillars most parents worry about:
- Social reciprocity—initiating and maintaining friendships.
- Pragmatic language—knowing when and how to speak.
- Theory of Mind—understanding that others have different thoughts and feelings.
Evidence-Based Methods We Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Adapted for Autism
- Visual schedules, comic-strip conversations, and role-play help children recognise anxiety triggers and replace meltdowns with coping scripts.
Theory of Mind & Social Cognition Training
- Games like “Emotion Charades” and computerised facial-expression modules build empathy step-by-step.
Behavioral Activation for Co-occurring Anxiety/Depression
- Simple, enjoyable activities (e.g., 10-minute LEGO builds or playground circuits) are systematically re-introduced to lift mood and reduce avoidance.
Parent-Mediated Intervention Programs
- Weekly 30-minute coaching sessions empower parents to become 24/7 “therapists” at home—turning grocery trips into social-skills classrooms.
Who Benefits Most from Rehabilitation Psychology?
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Early Signs & Early Intervention)
- Red flags: limited eye contact, delayed gestures, lining-up toys.
- Early play-based therapy boosts language and shared attention before kindergarten.
School-Age Children Navigating Social Deficits
- We run lunch-bunch groups to practise turn-taking and conflict resolution on the playground.
Adolescents Transitioning to Adulthood
- Focus shifts to self-advocacy, interview skills, and managing sensory overload in college dorms.
Adults Seeking Independence & Employment Support
- Mock job interviews and travel-training modules prepare adults for workplaces where subtle social rules matter.
Our 4-Step Therapy Process
1. Comprehensive Psychological Assessment
- 90-minute parent interview + standardised tools (ADI-R, SRS-2).
- Sensory profile identifies triggers (fluorescent lights, cafeteria smells).
2. Individualised Goal Setting & Treatment Plan
- SMART goals: “Initiate two back-and-forth conversations per recess within 8 weeks.”
3. Weekly or Intensive Sessions with Progress Metrics
- Data sheets track frequency of spontaneous greetings or emotion-labels.
- Graphs shared with parents every fortnight.
4. Ongoing Family Training & Community Integration
- Home visit to practise grocery-checkout conversations.
- Collaboration with teachers for sensory-friendly seating plans.
Results Parents Can Expect
- Improved Social & Communication Skills: Child invites classmates for playdates independently.
- Reduced Problem Behaviors & Sensory Overload: Meltdowns drop from daily to once a fortnight.
- Better Emotional Regulation & Theory of Mind: Uses phrases like, “I think my friend is sad because he dropped his ice-cream.”
- Higher Independence in Daily Living: Prepares simple meals and follows multi-step morning routines without prompts.
Meet Our Rehabilitation Psychologists
Credentials & Clinical Experience
- M.Phil or Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology + RCI licence.
- Minimum 5 years working exclusively with autism spectrum.
Multilingual Team & Cultural Sensitivity
- Sessions available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil.
- Festivals and family values woven into therapy goals.
Collaboration with Speech, OT & Special Educators
- Weekly case-conference ensures every professional is on the same page—eliminating conflicting advice for parents.