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Where Do I Start?
Here is an overview of different types of therapy and assistive devices.
Autistic children face a very broad range of challenges in a society designed by and for neurotypical people. Their struggles often include social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral restraints, impacting their ability to communicate, regulate emotions, form relationships, and participate in social activities. Children also may have sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, impulsivity, and difficulties with executive functioning.
Thus, selecting the right therapeutic support for your child must take into account many factors, especially their individual strengths and weaknesses. Effective care is always highly personalized.
Listed are some examples of common therapeutic approaches.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is considered a minimally intrusive way for children to naturally express themselves and learn new skills. Play therapists focus on creating a comfortable environment for children to encourage their natural creativity.
OT
Occupational Therapy
OT focuses on a child's ability to participate in day to day activities, or "occupations". OT can span from strengthening fine motor skills to teaching self care skills. It is highly personalized and works directly with the family and child to identify goals.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language therapy spans broadly from articulation to the use of expressive language. Speech and language therapists often use augmented and alternative communication (AAC) to support limited and non speaking children. Social skills training can also be common, usually in the form of roleplay scenarios.
ABA
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Based on the principles of behaviorism, ABA focuses on observed behavior and environmental causes. It is designed to positively reinforce "desired" behaviors and reduce "undesired" behaviors. While still widely employed, ABA is extremely controversial within the autistic community for a potentially harmful focus on conforming to neurotypical standards of behavior rather than improving quality of life. Read more about ABA here.
Relationship-Based Therapy
Also known as Relationship Development Intervention, these programs help teach autistic children how to develop healthy and reciprocated relationships. They seek to address struggles such as self awareness and emotional regulation, among others.
Physical Therapy
Autism is often accompanied by dyspraxia, which is defined by a difficulty in accurately performing some movements. Physical therapy can allow people with autism better motor control. It can specifically help with any coordination and balance problems.
Assistive Technology
Limitedly speaking and nonspeaking autistic children can express themselves with support from Augmented and Alternative Communication (AAC). It is important to recognize the limits of AAC and, if possible, teach your child to type. Learn more about typing here.
AAC in practice
No-Tech
No tech AAC relies on the body instead of any external supports. Some examples of no tech AAC are sign language, gestures, and facial expressions.
Low-Tech
Low tech AAC relies on external devices, but does not require electronics. Some examples of low tech AAC are alphabet boards, pen and paper, and resources with pre-printed phrases on them.
High-Tech
High tech AAC often relies on "speech generating" devices, like text-to-speech. Another common option is a portable tablet with communication apps on it. One example of a widely used communication app is Proloquo2go (P2G), but there is an abundance of options.
Mobility Aids
People with autism have higher rates of chronic physical health issues, the most common of which being gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, and connective tissue disorders. It is important to recognize these difficulties and offer support as early as possible.
Physical Aids
Mobility Aids
Common aids used are canes, strollers, wheelchairs, and rollators. These easily address balance and more general mobility issues.
Braces/Splints
Braces and splints are employed very frequently by people with connective tissue disorders to manage chronic pain.
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