Complimentary Therapies Overview
Auditory Integration Therapy
Who & Where: Audiologist – In school or in private practice.
Auditory Processing disorder or Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) are common secondary diagnoses for some children with autism. As with any treatment or therapy for autism – it may not always work for every child. Testing requires a dedicated and educated audiologist who understands autism and hearing disorders.
Who Pays: Insurance, Private Pay, School
More info: The Efficacy of Auditory Integration Training
Aquatic Therapy
Who & Where: PT or OT; Pool at school, therapist office, community center or home
Treatments and exercises are performed while floating, partially submerged, or fully submerged in water. Many aquatic therapy procedures require constant attendance by a trained therapist, and are performed in a specialized temperature-controlled pool. Rehabilitation commonly focuses on improving the physical function associated with illness, injury, or disability.
Aquatic therapy encompasses a broad set of approaches and techniques, including aquatic exercise, physical therapy, aquatic bodywork, and other movement-based therapy in water (hydrokinesiotherapy). Can help tactile sensitivity, and the water pressure input can help produce/increase speech production and socialization.
Who Pays: Insurance (when using a PT or OT), Medicaid, Private Pay
More info: Why Should You Use Aquatic Therapy For Children With Autism and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917923/ and Aquatic Therapy for Children with Special Needs
Craniosacral Therapy
Who & Where: Physical therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and osteopaths; Private clinic
Craniosacral therapy (CST), is reported to be a helpful therapy for some children with autism. The therapist gently massages the spine and the skull to treat mental stress, neck and back pain. Parents report the therapy can promote relaxation and can be beneficial when performed in conjunction with other traditional therapies (speech, OT, PT, etc.)
Who Pays: Insurance, Private Pay, Medwaiver (some states), school therapists
More info: Effective Light-Touch Training
Hippotherapy and Therapeutic (Horse) Riding
Who & Where: Hippotherapy requires a PT, OT or ST, Therapeutic Riding requires a riding instructor; Horseback Facility
Hippotherapy is often confused with therapeutic horseback riding. While both offer tremendous opportunities for our kids with ASD, they are not the same. Hippotherapy is done under the supervision of a certified OT, PT, or SLP; therapeutic riding is not. Helps with socialization, speech/communication, motor issues like hypotonia and posture.
Who Pays: Insurance (when using a PT/OT/ST), DD Funds, Grants, Private Pay
More info: American Hippotherapy Association and Therapeutic Riding
Music Therapy
Who & Where: Certified Music Therapists work with the child in the home or at school, or a private center.
Music therapy interventions focus on enhancing social, communicative, motor/sensory, emotional, and academic/cognitive functioning, or music skills in individuals with ASD. Music therapy
services are based on each client’s individual abilities, noting preferences, needs, the family’s values, beliefs, and priorities.
Who Pays: Insurance (where available), School, Private Pay
More info: http://www.musictherapy.org/
Vision Therapy
Who & Where: Developmental Optometrist, Optometric Physician (OD), doctor's office
Some children with autism benefit from vision therapy offered by an OD specializing in developmental vision care. Strategies can include ongoing treatment using daily visual exercises or Irlen lenses. These services may be paid by insurance if you have a qualified clinician in your plan. To find a practitioner go to www.covd.org
Who Pays: Insurance, Private Pay
More info: To find a practitioner go to www.covd.org
