Resource Article

Therapeutic interventions can help your child learn and develop skills that lead to independence. The most common therapeutic interventions for autism are occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Additionally, many complementary therapeutic options target specific challenges and learning styles. This article briefly describes traditional and complementary therapies as well as information about providers and possible funding sources.

Choosing Therapies and Therapists

When researching and selecting therapies, keep in mind that play and therapy are the work of a child with autism. Therefore, please be sure to include plenty of free time in your child’s schedule so they can relax and participate in activities of their choice. After all, a life with balance includes rest.

The following chart provides examples of therapeutic interventions that address specific challenges.

To help you determine which therapies and therapists are a good fit for your child, we offer the following suggestions:

Choosing Therapies:

• Make a prioritized list of your child’s needs.
  • For example, does your child have a way to communicate their needs, feelings, and knowledge effectively?  If not, make communication a priority.
• Identify your child’s learning style and search for therapies that are compatible with it.
• Consider your family’s finances, values, and time.

Choosing Therapists:

• Keep in mind that not every therapist will be a good fit for your child.
• Get recommendations from other families.
• Interview therapists and request to observe sessions.
• Above all, remember that there are good and bad professionals in every field.
  • Therefore, watch your child for warning signs of abuse or neglect!  If you feel apprehensive, stop the therapy and re-evaluate.
  • Read TACA’s article on Risk Reduction Strategies for Physical and Sexual Abuse to learn more.

Traditional Therapeutic Interventions

Below, you will find a brief description of the most common therapeutic interventions for autism and information about providers and possible funding sources.

Speech Therapy

Speech Therapy focuses on improving communication and feeding skills, including oral motor development, verbal language skills, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), social communication, and feeding therapy.

During the initial evaluation process, a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will assess your child’s understanding of language and their ability to communicate through non-verbal and verbal gestures. Additionally, SLPs can evaluate your child’s ability to chew and swallow food and liquids to develop a treatment plan.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational Therapy (OT) assists your child in performing activities of daily living (ADL) such as manipulating toys in play, handwriting, dressing, feeding, bathing, and working. 

During the initial evaluation process, an Occupational Therapist will evaluate your child’s trunk and upper body strength, joint range of motion, muscle tone, fine motor milestones, hand-eye coordination, manipulation of objects within their hands, sensory (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste) awareness, and activities of daily living. Afterward, the therapist, along with your input, will develop goals for your child and a plan of how to achieve these goals.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on gross motor development, including coordination, movement, balance, gait, motor imitation, and play skills. In addition, physical therapists work with adaptive equipment like braces, seating devices, wheelchairs, and specialized car seats.

Behavior Therapies

Several different behavioral therapies are available, which can leave parents feeling confused about which approach to take. Below, you will find a brief overview of the most common behavior intervention programs for use as a starting point in determining whether or not behavior therapy is a good fit for your child and, if so, which approach best meets their unique learning style and needs.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Based on B.F. Skinner’s theory of Behaviorism, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy aims to improve adaptive learning skills, communication, and behavior through breaking down tasks into small steps, repetition, and reinforcement. ABA therapists train Register Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to implement your child’s treatment plan. Research-based evidence shows benefit from therapy when a child receives 20-40 hours of ABA therapy per week. ABA is the only therapeutic treatment for autism approved by the FDA.

DIR/Floortime

Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship based model (DIR/Floortime) is a child-centered, play-based therapeutic model that focuses on reaching functional emotional developmental milestones to create a foundation for learning and development.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a behavior therapy where parents are trained by RDI Consultants to implement a cognitive-development program based on positive relationships, family connectedness, shared experiences, flexible problem solving, and resilience.

Complimentary Therapeutic Options

Below is a brief description of some other types of therapeutic interventions available and possible funding sources.

(Options are listed in alphabetical order for convenience)

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy is physical therapy that takes place in a pool. Additional benefits to physical therapy performed in water include:

• Sensory stimulation from hydrostatic pressure.
• Water resistance for strength training.
• Body awareness. 

Chiropractic Therapy

In Chiropractic therapy, misalignments of the spine, called subluxations, are manually corrected. This alleviates pressure on nerves and improves nervous system functioning. In addition, specially trained chiropractors can evaluate for primitive reflex integration and provide nutritional guidance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specially trained therapists work with individuals and families to strengthen mental health, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation. Common issues addressed are anxiety, depression, anger, eating disorders, and difficulty handling stress.

Feeding Therapy

In Feeding Therapy, a speech therapist, occupational therapist, or both will evaluate and implement a treatment plan for feeding issues, including sucking, chewing, swallowing, gagging, and sensory defensiveness with food textures. In some circumstances, feeding therapists consult nutritionists or dieticians for nutritional advice.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy utilizes horses as a therapy tool for improved sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive development.

Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI)

In Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI),, specially trained professionals assess and create a treatment plan for primary motor reflex patterns and integration.

Music Therapy

In Music Therapy, therapists use music as a tool to address behavior, communication, sensory, motor, self-regulation, and cognitive functioning.

Neurofeedback

Also referred to as EEG biofeedback, Neurofeedback utilizes computer-based brain training to analyze and retrain the client’s brainwave activity to a more controlled pattern.

Primitive Reflex Integration

Primitive reflexes are naturally present in infancy and disappear through normal development. However, reflexes that do not integrate may contribute to developmental delay and sensory issues. Therefore, in Primitive Reflex Integration therapy, professionals assess and develop treatment plans for retained primitive reflexes.

Sensory Integration Therapy

In Sensory Integration therapy, specially trained occupational therapists expose people with sensory processing issues to various sensory stimuli and play-based activities in a structured, thoughtful way.

Social Skills Programs

Social Skills programs  use direct instruction and repetition to teach social skills. Examples of the various techniques therapists use to help develop social skills include role-playing, Social Stories, social scripts, typical peers, or standardized curriculums.

Verbal Behavior (VB)

Based on the principles of ABA, Verbal Behavior (VB) teaches communication through connecting words to their function or purpose. Specifically, VB therapists divide words into four types: echoics (repeated words), mands (requests), tacts (labels), and intraverbals (responses/answers).