Children Under 5

Close-up of a child’s hands covered in bright, colorful paint, forming the “I love you” sign against a soft green outdoor background, symbolizing creativity, self-expression, inclusion, and communication.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. While the condition can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms often become apparent in early childhood, typically by the age of 2 or 3. Early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes for children with ASD, making it important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disorder.

Early Signs of Autism Include:

  • Limited or no eye contact
  • Display of facial expressions may be minimal or absent
  • Not responding to their name 
  • Sensitivity to the way things look, taste, smell, sound, or feel
  • Delayed language skills
  • Has limited to no social skills

ASD in children the age of five and under presents a unique and diverse spectrum of challenges and strengths. Your child has to navigate a world where social interactions, communication, and sensory experiences can pose remarkable hurdles. At Insight, our counselling services aim to support your child in developing essential communication and social skills. During these sessions, your child will acquire the ability to effectively express their needs and desires using words and sentences. They will also learn to recognize and utilize various facial expressions, enabling better understanding and interpretation of emotions. Moreover, our program focuses on enhancing their social interactions with others, fostering positive and meaningful connections with peers and adults alike.

Treatment Methods For Children 5 And Under

There are various treatment methods effective for children the age of 5 and under. These include:

  • Play Therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all of which make use of one or more natural benefits of play, using toys, dolls, games, etc. Through play, children with autism can explore, express themselves, and develop essential social, emotional, and communication skills. Play therapy sessions for autism focus on promoting imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and enhancing social interactions.
  • Art Therapy clients use their imagination to approach and explore their emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Especially useful in young people and people with developmental delays, when their motor skills exceed their verbal skills. This therapeutic process provides a non-verbal outlet for communication, allowing children with autism to communicate and process their feelings in a unique and personal way. Art therapy for autism promotes self-expression, enhances sensory integration, stimulates creativity, and improves fine motor skills.

What will your child get out of treatment with Insight Psychological?

At Insight, we are dedicated to assisting you and your child find the most suitable treatment options to address your specific concerns. Our team can help your child develop essential social and communication skills, while equipping you with effective parenting tools to navigate challenging situations. 

Please contact us to learn more about our Autism program.

 

 

Brandi Enns

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Brooke Hendricks

Edmonton South, Online, Sherwood Park

Assessments

Loriann Quinlan

Edmonton South, Edmonton West, Online

Adults, Seniors

Sabrina Brady

Edmonton Central, Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Karla Buchholz

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality

Cody Cobler

Edmonton North, Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), LGBTQ community

Dawn Doucet Banting

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community

Alana Mantai

Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Seniors, LGBTQ community

Ashley Mielke

Corporate Services

Jas Badesha

Calgary, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17)

Diana Wittig

Online, Edmonton North

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, LGBTQ community

Cyndi Millett

Online, Edmonton North

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Families, Couples

Nicole Donovan

Online, Sherwood Park

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17)

Kathryn Maier

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Families, Assessments

Meghan Odsen

Edmonton South, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Emily Couture

Edmonton South, Sherwood Park, Online

Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Assessments

Brittany Zabolotniuk

Spring Perinatal Services, Online, Edmonton South

Adults, Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17), Seniors

Brianna Hominiuk

Edmonton North, Edmonton Central, Edmonton West, Online

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, Assessments

Delaney Kulak

Sherwood Park, Online, Edmonton South

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Assessments

Bonnie Schoonderwoerd

Edmonton North, Online

Adults, Seniors, Couples

Justine Richard

Sherwood Park, Online

Adults

Clayton Poberezny

Online, Calgary

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Hannah Szucs

Edmonton North, Online, Edmonton West

Adults, Adolescents (13-17), Seniors, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality, Assessments

Dr. Hendriatta Wong

Corporate Services

Shirley Leonard

Corporate Services

Tara-Lee Goerlitz

Corporate Services

Trina Wilson Orieux

Corporate Services

Adults

At this time, Insight Psychological does not have therapists who specialize in this specific area, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help you! Please contact us to talk with our Intake Personnel to find a therapist that is a good fit for you and your unique circumstances.