How to Choose the Right Therapy for Your Autistic Child

Child holds a sign reading "AUTISTIC KIDS, PICK THE RIGHT THERAPY." A man in blue scrubs ponders, with arrows on each side, against a grey background.

Choosing the right therapy for your autistic child can feel overwhelming. With options like Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy (OT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Physical Therapy (PT), it's crucial to understand which approach aligns best with your child's unique needs.

As an Occupational Therapist running a private practice alongside my wife, a Speech Therapist, we engage in these discussions with parents daily. Our goal is to simplify this process for you.

Two smiling therapists sitting in front of a bookshelf filled with toys and books, including therapy toys for speech and occupational therapy.

Reflect on Your Child's Challenges

Before exploring therapy options, take a moment to reflect.

Key Question for Choosing the Right Therapy for your autistic child:

What’s one situation your child faced this week that you wish you could resolve instantly? Identifying specific challenges helps in tailoring the most effective therapeutic approach.

A speech therapist and child sit on colorful mats in a room with a green wall. Toys and shelves in the background. The mood is calm and engaging.

Aligning Challenges with Therapy Options

Let's examine common scenarios and the therapies that address them:

1. Communication Difficulties

If your child struggles with verbal expression or comprehension

Speech Therapy: Enhances language skills and may introduce tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.

Combining Speech Therapy with ABA therapy can reinforce these communication skills in various settings.

2. Fine Motor Skill Challenges

If tasks like writing or using utensils are problematic:

Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on improving fine motor skills, coordination, and daily living activities.

Integrating OT with ABA therapy can help generalize these skills across different environments.

3. Emotional Regulation Issues

For frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty coping with change:

OT: Teaches strategies for emotional regulation.
ABA therapy: Reinforces the application of these strategies in real-life situations.

4. Gross Motor Skill Delays

If your child experiences challenges with balance or coordination:

Physical Therapy (PT): Aims to enhance strength, balance, and overall motor skills, facilitating confident participation in physical activities.

Combining PT with OT can provide comprehensive support for both gross and fine motor development.

an occupational therapist with a happy kid engaged in therapy increasing gross motor skills

Combining Therapies for Holistic Support

Often, a multidisciplinary approach yields the best outcomes. For instance, pairing Speech Therapy with ABA therapy can address both communication and behavioral aspects simultaneously.

A child in a Spider-Man shirt plays with a toy track on a wooden floor, while an adult holds a an AAC device used with non speaking autistic kids.

Prioritize Your Family's Goals

Consider what outcomes are most important for your family:

Reducing meltdowns at school?
Enhancing social interactions?
Fostering independence at home?

Clarifying your priorities will guide you toward the most suitable therapy options.

Implement, Observe, and Adjust

Begin with a chosen therapy, monitor your child's progress, and remain flexible to adjustments. Therapies should evolve in response to your child's development and changing needs.