DT - Direction Therapy® CMT
Redefining Autism Treatment: The Evolution & Promise of Direction Therapy®
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents one of the most complex challenges in developmental health, affecting approximately 1 in 36 individuals (CDC, 2024). Each case is unique, demanding a tailored approach to treatment. Despite its prevalence surpassing that of juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer, and pediatric AIDS combined, autism remains under-researched. Andrew Rubin, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work in autism treatment, is reshaping the landscape for patients and their families.
Drawing from decades of research and hands-on clinical experience with both children and adults, Dr. Rubin’s innovative treatment approach called Direction Therapy CMT (Coordinated Multi-Disciplinary Treatment) offers new hope for independence in autistic young adults and is slowly being adopted by other treatment centers nationwide.
Historically, autism treatment has evolved significantly since its earliest recognition. Bleuler, as early as 1912, defined autism as a mode of thinking that is directed by affective needs, to a point where contact with objective reality and logic is lost. Leo Kanner (1943) made use of the term “autism” to describe the “syndrome of childhood autism” and his usage has largely displaced Bleuler’s (1912) original meaning in contemporary psychology (See “references” below article). Kanner used the term because autistic children “displayed the type of withdrawal” from the external world and into the self that Bleuler took to be characteristic of “autistic thinking” or an autistic type of thought processes. (See “references” below).
Over the decades, advancements in neurology, psychology, and behavioral sciences have reshaped our understanding of autism as a complex spectrum disorder. This shift towards holistic care has emphasized the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches that address the diverse needs of individuals with ASD across their lifespan.
Direction Therapy®: A Paradigm Shift in Autism Treatment
Direction Therapy®, also known as Direction Therapy CMT (Coordinated Multidisciplinary Treatment), represents a revolutionary approach in autism treatment. Direction Therapy’s innovation was initially conceptualized from B.F. Skinner’s community reinforcement model, and integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, developmental theory, and neuropsychology into an evidenced based model that is executed by a treatment team instead of just one primary clinician; although the model itself is development and run by one “primary clinician” notes Dr. Rubin.
Direction Therapy® also implements unique and community-based behavior plans (based on diagnostic factors) that consider multiple considerations including a client’s diagnostic comorbidities and personal behavioral motivations. At the core of Direction Therapy CMT is its holistic integration of therapeutic services including psychology, psychiatry, vocational training, academic support, financial skills, and life management skills (LMS).
Each client undergoes a comprehensive assessment process, encompassing academic transcripts, psycho-educational reports, vocational assessments, and interviews, to tailor a personalized Direction Therapy® service plan. Recognizing the individuality of autism presentations, Direction Therapy CMT emphasizes personalized interventions that adapt to the evolving needs of each client.
The Direction Therapy® model’s flexibility allows for targeted treatments that address not only core symptoms but also associated challenges such as social skills deficits, anxiety management, and adaptive behavior.
The impact of Direction Therapy® extends beyond clinical settings, empowering individuals with autism to achieve greater independence and social integration. By addressing the multifaceted challenges of autism comprehensively, this model not only improves clinical outcomes but also enhances overall quality of life for clients and their families.
Effective communication among clinicians, professionals, clients, and families is paramount in Direction Therapy®
A structured communication system ensures continuity of care and maximizes treatment efficacy by fostering collaboration and shared decision-making. It is also helpful in addressing the clients’ individual clinical needs and prevents “splitting”, an occasional problem in ASD young adults who are making the transition to independence.
Central to the success of Direction Therapy® is the leadership of Andrew Rubin, Ph.D., and the dedication of his clinical and program team. Dr. Rubin, a clinical and developmental psychologist, is renowned for his transformative contributions to autism treatment. Dr. Rubin earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Institute of Psychology (2001), following his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut and New York University. Dr. Rubin’s journey into autism care took a unique turn during his postdoctoral internship at Tulane University (New Orleans).
As a well-studied poker player, with a clinical skill for “reading” people in session and at the poker table, Dr. Rubin won third place at the 37th Annual World Series of Poker. Dr. Rubin’s winnings served as a spark plug in his implementation of the Direction Therapy® model in 2007 (read IIT Poker Article here).
This success allowed Dr. Rubin to realize his dream of implementing the Direction Therapy® Model and establishing a non-profit organization to further research in autism treatment and to help find and provide well-suited jobs to young adults on the autism spectrum.
Dr. Rubin hopes to one day partner with other organizations to help them implement Direction Therapy® in their own milieu. Currently through a research partnership with Greg Chasson, Ph.D. at the University of Chicago, Dr. Rubin, Ph.D. and Dr. Kellen, Ph.D. hope to identify other variables that will further the understanding of Autism in Adolescents and Young Adults.
Founded by Dr. Andrew Rubin in 2007, New Directions for Young Adults, Inc. (NDFYA.com) still stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to implementing Direction Therapy® in a real-world setting. Dr. Rubin also founded the International Society for Autism in 2010 (ISAresearch.org), a non-profit organization specifically set up to 1) further research innovative treatments for ASD and 2) provide help match and provide vocational placements for young adults on the autism spectrum.
Located at the forefront of autism treatment innovation, New Directions provides a supportive environment where young adults with ASD can thrive. New Directions offers a comprehensive range of services designed to nurture independence and life skills among its clients. From vocational training and academic support to social skills development and financial literacy, every aspect of the New Directions program is geared towards empowering individuals to lead fulfilling independent lives. Dr. Rubin states that there is “no doubt that the success of New Directions can be attributed to its implementation of the Direction Therapy® model.”
Establishing New Directions as an innovative clinical program dedicated to the implementation of Direction Therapy CMT. Dr. Rubin’s approach blends scientific rigor with compassionate care, emphasizing evidence-based practices grounded in the latest research. His leadership at New Directions For Young Adults Inc. has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals and families, but also set a new standard for comprehensive autism care.
A collaborator in the evolution of research related to Direction Therapy® is Gregg Chasson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and associate professor from the University of Chicago. His profound insights into autism treatment, bolstered by extensive research and collaboration with institutions like the Illinois Institute of Technology, have enriched the scientific foundation of Direction Therapy®.
Dr. Chasson, author of Flawed, extends his expertise to understanding the complexities of behavioral interventions, including the nuanced effects of perfectionism on organizational productivity, an area he explores in his influential work. Looking ahead, Direction Therapy® continues to evolve, guided by ongoing research, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. As awareness grows and the demand for effective autism treatment increases, Direction Therapy® stands poised to redefine standards of care, offering hope and tangible solutions to families across the United States and beyond.
Direction Therapy® represents a transformative shift in autism treatment, bridging scientific advancements with compassionate care to meet the complex needs of young adults on the autism spectrum. Under the visionary leadership of Andrew Rubin, Ph.D., this innovative model promises to pave the way for a future where individuals with autism thrive and fulfill their potential as independent functioning adults. Dr. Rubin stated that he hopes to continue to expand the impact of Direction Therapy CMT by “training other professionals and institutions” to utilize the model effectively with their own clients.
Ready to Achieve Independence ?
