Agreed.

I was formerly employed at a center for treatment of autism (mild to severe) in St. Louis, and having had some experience I would STILL not feel comfortable doing Cognitive Behavior Management with someone with severe autism. I agree with Dr. Pretzer that you would do better to seek someone with a lot of experience treating autistic individuals. (Severe) Autism is one of those disorders that is most likely best left to specialists.

I only worked there for 4 months, so you can guess I wasn't cut out for it. I lasted over 4 years doing groups with primarily Borderline Personality Disorder-diagnosed individuals. What that says about me is up to you. ;]

The training I received very closely resembled strict Behavior Therapy (the therapist wrote treatment plans that specified learning objectives - very specific - and positive and negative reinforcers {never "punishments"} that would be used). There was a cognitive element, as cognitive reframing would be used as a motivator or reinforcer often ("See, that wasn't so awful, was it?").

Good luck. I hope you find an appropriate specialist.

Willie.

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