Healthcare professionals work with a wide range of individuals with different needs, including clients diagnosed with autism. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be twice as likely to experience substance use disorder (SUD). According to Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment, “The high functioning group of patients with ASD will be more likely to engage in social activities and may use alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy or a form of self-medication to reduce social anxiety and increase their social skills.” Driftwood Recovery treats clients with autism using evidence-based and alternative holistic modalities.
Creating Personalized Care Plans for Clients With Autism
Individuals with ASD benefit from personalized care plans and comprehensive support services. Healthcare professionals create a more welcoming and comfortable environment by tailoring care plans to each client’s expectations and needs.
Addiction and mental health experts create individualized treatment plans for clients with autism by doing the following:
- Conducting thorough evaluations and assessments to determine what factors may impact treatment and recovery
- Collaborating with neurodevelopmental specialists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists
- Accommodating sensory sensitivities during treatment
- Providing structured, consistent, and predictable schedules
- Modifying therapeutic modalities to suit each client’s preferred style of communication
- Providing autism-friendly coping skills for managing SUD and co-occurring conditions
- Involving family members in the treatment process
Clinicians benefit from collaborating with professionals, clients, and families to create the most effective treatment plans. Healthcare professionals treating clients with ASD must take into consideration all factors that may affect the client-clinician relationship and the client’s comfort during rehabilitation. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to educate themselves on the needs of specific groups to ensure they provide the best care.
Autism and Support Services
Individuals with autism may require additional support services to address underlying issues, co-occurring conditions, or other health concerns. Clinicians may refer clients to specialists to ensure they receive high-quality care. Clients with ASD also benefit from comprehensive aftercare planning and alumni support services during the transition from structured treatment to aftercare. Healthcare professionals may consult with outside professionals to ensure they provide the most appropriate care to individuals with ASD.
Family Involvement in Treatment and Aftercare
Family involvement provides additional information for the clinical team and ensures clients have more support. According to Pediatric Research, “Most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a complex, life-long developmental disorder—do not have access to the care required to address their diverse health needs.” Healthcare professionals educate families and clients, providing information on additional resources to ensure they receive the best care.
Rehabilitation programs incorporate families into the community and recovery process by doing the following:
- Providing updates to family members with approval from the client
- Offering family therapy and other support services
- Using community events to educate families and introduce them to the sober community
Individuals with autism benefit from having a solid support network. Staff at Driftwood Recovery help clients develop a support system and prepare for long-term sobriety.
Unique Challenges Faced by Clients With Autism
Some of the unique challenges faced by clients with autism include:
- Disruption to daily routines during treatment may cause emotional distress and resistance to change
- Group therapy and support groups may feel intimidating and overwhelming
- Difficulty with traditional talk therapy due to literal interpretations of language
- Clinical setting may cause sensory overload and increased anxiety
- Difficulty identifying and expressing emotions
- Traditional mindfulness-based therapies may not be effective
Healthcare professionals help clients navigate these challenges using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Treat Clients With Autism?
The clinical team and support staff at Driftwood Recovery use tailored care plans to treat clients with ASD. Therapeutic sessions, peer interactions, and program expectations may be adjusted as needed to support clients with specialized needs. Staff ensure clients and their families have the information and resources they need to successfully navigate rehabilitation and aftercare. Each client has unique needs, and every department at the facility works together to ensure those needs are met.
Healthcare Professionals Help Clients Navigate Treatment
Clients with autism may need additional help navigating the treatment process from the initial interview until the transition to aftercare. Healthcare professionals support clients by building trust through person-centered care. Staff at Driftwood Recovery have the training and expertise needed to treat individuals with autism and ensure they feel comfortable maintaining sobriety independently.
Healthcare professionals accommodate clients with autism by doing the following:
- Creating sensory-friendly environments
- Using clear language and avoiding metaphors or abstract concepts to ensure effective communication
- Providing predictable routines
- Teaching individualized coping strategies
- Allowing for gradual social exposure and community integration
- Adapting relapse prevention plans
- Providing autism-friendly, trauma-informed care
- Validating neurodivergent experiences
Individuals with autism benefit from participating in addiction and mental health treatment programs. Healthcare professionals offer essential insights, resources, education, and support to clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism have positive treatment outcomes.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may experience challenges during treatment related to interpersonal connections, communication, and behavior. Healthcare professionals work with clients to determine how best to accommodate their needs and preferences while providing appropriate and effective treatment. Autism exists along a spectrum, and each client has a unique recovery experience. Experts in addiction recovery and mental health have an ethical obligation to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable during the treatment process. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery work closely with clients and their loved ones to ensure individuals with autism receive the level of support they need to heal from SUD and mental health disorders. To learn more about our staff and facility, call us at (512) 759-8330.