Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy, traditionally used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, involves gradually and systematically exposing an individual to feared objects, activities, or situations in a controlled manner to reduce anxiety and improve coping mechanisms. While not a common standalone treatment for autism , exposure therapy can be adapted and integrated into broader therapeutic approaches to help individuals with autism manage anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and other related challenges. Althought exposure therapy has proven very effective in anxiety disorders and obsesive compulsive disorders, it effectivenes is questioned in the treatment of nuclear symptoms of autism, sensory sensitivities and other conditions. Caution is needed, as exposure therapy can be very aversive if not conducted properly and gradually.