Low Functioning to High Functioning Autism: A Prescriptive Model for Counselors Working With Children Across the Spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a profound diagnosis that affects 1% of the world’s population (Centers for Disease Control [CDC]; 2014). The CDC (2015b) has recognized ASD as an important public health concern and must be addressed by the counseling profession. With the diagnosis on the rise (CDC, 2015a), many professional counselors will be faced with the joys and challenges of working with children diagnosed with ASD and their families. Thus, information about the treatment of ASD is needed within the field to promote effective practice. To address this, the article will provide an overview of: (a) challenges facing those with ASD, as well as their families; (b) individual treatment interventions that have been successfully utilized; (c) a conceptual model of individual treatment interventions for addressing the child diagnosed with ASD; and (d) ethical obligations and considerations for professional counselors.