Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Various problems can play a role in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Often, it is associated with AD(H)D and psychological problems. We are available 24/7 for young people.

Register for an intake

Do you have a question for us?

Don't hesitate to call us at +31 (0)85 02 01 222 or fill out our contact form.

What is ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASS) is the umbrella term for what used to be called Autistic Disorder or Classic Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified). It concerns a 'range' of symptoms, in which the characteristics are manifested in various degrees in each individual.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience the world differently. Processing information in the brain plays a role in this. They have difficulty organising and processing data into a large, coherent whole. This makes it extremely difficult for them to understand what is happening around them and creates all kinds of problems in everyday life.   

Autism Spectrum Disorder and young people

Usually, problems on the autism spectrum are discovered before a child enters puberty. The signs often become apparent once children start school.

Children and young people with ASD sometimes feel so overloaded by everything that happens on a (school) day that they become overstimulated and out of balance. They do not oversee the day and find dealing with all the information and events complex.

At Yes We Can Clinics, we have a lot of experience with ASD and other problems that can accompany it, such as ADD, ADHD, addictions and/or behavioural issues. We offer these youngsters warm and expert guidance so they can confidently face a positive future.

Signs and symptoms of ASD

Young people diagnosed with an autistic trait suffer more or less from:

  • Social interaction: often internalised, find it hard to communicate with others. It is also possible they claim or hijack conversations.
  • (Non)-verbal communication: difficulties in recognising their emotions or those of others, like anger, happiness or sadness. Some hardly talk, and some talk a lot, unaware if the other party is interested in listening.
  • Dealing with stimuli: they feel overwhelmed quickly by what is happening around them.

In addition, young people with ASD may have limited interests and may be wholly absorbed in a particular activity so that almost nothing else is paid attention to. This can be associated with repetitive behaviour patterns. Young people also often have difficulty with sudden changes.

Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

We specialise in dealing with multiple problems (co-morbidity) at Yes We Can Youth Clinics. Our intensive treatment programme helps young people cope with ASD and the other issues they face so that they can look forward to a bright, new future. Warmth, sincere attention and involvement are central to our approach.

At Yes We Can Youth Clinics, we are available 24/7 to provide warm and professional guidance. We help young people, whom we call 'fellows', to deal with their problems and become empowered to function well in society again. We do not look at the 'labels' they have received in the past but rather at their talents, qualities and possibilities. The clinical treatment programme lasts ten weeks. Our follow-up care programme continues to help and guide these young people in their recovery and further development. For example, finding a fulfilling way of life plays an important role.

Fellow Ben talks about his treatment at Yes We Can Youth Clinics

Recognition

An essential part of the treatment takes place in groups. During group sessions led by an expert-by-experience counsellor, the fellows share their stories, give each other feedback and set personal goals. These sessions have a lot of recognition since the fellows have the same problems the counsellors have overcome. This recognition gives the fellows confidence and the will to continue.

Types of treatment

During the treatment, a lot of attention is focused on the fellow's family (systemic therapy). Parents follow our family coaching and counselling programme. The clinic has daily sports and outdoor activities where fellows work together, push boundaries and put their goals into practice. Behavioural therapy and skills training are also used in the treatment of ASD. The fellows have several weekly one-on-one sessions with their regular therapist, who works closely with our other (care) professionals. This way, we always know how the fellows are doing and what they need. 

ASD and medication 

Fellows may already be taking medication before they come to our clinic. For example, methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine may have been previously prescribed. However, we opt for treatment without medication at Yes We Can Youth Clinics. The idea behind this is that we want to treat 'the real fellow' instead of the fellow who is under the influence of drugs.

Responsible phasing out

We strive to reduce any medication the fellows are already on to zero or as little as possible during treatment. We do this carefully and accurately, under the watchful eye of our psychiatrists. 

The safe treatment climate at Yes We Can Youth Clinics, the positive environment and the entire treatment team that is present 24/7 to motivate, support and confront the fellows, where necessary, all ensure that medication withdrawal is usually successful. Even once the fellow has left the clinic and continues to work on recovery, medication is often hardly necessary anymore, if at all.

Contact us

Yes We Can Youth Clinics can effectively treat teenagers and young adults who are suffering from a wide variety of mental health issues. If you have any questions at all, you can always contact us. We cannot stress enough that we are always there for you, whether you sign up for treatment in our clinic or not. You can reach us by phone from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (GMT +1) via phone number: +31 (0)85 02 01 222. Your call will be forwarded after business hours, on weekdays after 6:00 p.m. and on weekends. Please note that it might take longer than usual to answer your call. If we cannot reply to the call right away, please leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as possible. You can also fill out our contact form.

Why it works

For young people aged 13-25, Yes We Can Youth Clinics offers ten weeks of intensive residential treatment. During the treatment, there are also four days of family coaching & counselling for parents/carers. Upon completion, an extensive tailor-made aftercare programme will be devised in collaboration with our partners worldwide.

Our unique approach