Newly Diagnosed with Autism - Choosing Therapies
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Approximately 6 minutes to listen.
Welcome back to part 2 of our series on navigating a new Autism diagnosis. If you haven’t read last week’s post on finding your humans and being skeptical of what you read about Autism on the internet, check it out here.
This week we’re talking about therapies. There are many therapy options for children with Autism. Some children may need a variety of intensive therapies and others may need very limited therapy. Have I said it yet that each child is unique?! I know, that’s part of what makes navigating this so hard. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!
Remember: Do what feels best for YOU and YOUR FAMILY!
Therapy Options for Kids with Autism:
Therapy options for kids with Autism, in no specific order: (Let’s be real, if they were in specific order, as an SLP, I’d put speech therapy first!)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Your neurologist or diagnostician will likely point you in the direction of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a methodology for supporting individuals in learning. We can use the principles of ABA for all sorts of things. Typically, ABA programs are intensive treatment programs, meaning your child could receive greater than 20+ hours (sometimes up to 40 hours!) of therapy services a week. There are pros and cons to ABA, and I’d be happy to provide more insight into some of those as a former ABA clinic director. Schedule a consultation to chat here. I also have a parent-friendly handout on choosing an ABA clinic that you can find here.
Speech Therapy (SLP)
If your child is experiencing challenges with communication, they may benefit from speech therapy. Even if your child is working on their communication in an behavioral therapy program, I highly encourage you to seek the specialty of a speech therapist to collaborate with their other program. Speech therapists can also support social communication or interactions with peers.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
OT supports a child in regulating their emotions and sensory systems. Many times, kids with Autism may experience sensitivities or be over-responsive to certain sounds, textures, movements, or other sensations. Having the support of an OT can help your child establish healthy, meaningful ways to regulate when they experience these.
Physical Therapy (PT)
PT supports a child in gross motor development, such as jumping, balance, etc. Of the kids with Autism I’ve met, this is a service they’re least likely to receive but may be important for children who are experiencing challenges with gross motor development.
Additional Therapy Options:
You can also find therapists trained in additional methodologies, too:
DIR/Floortime, a methodology that is child-led with lots of additional parent support. You may also find that your SLP, OT, or PT have this additional training.
TEACCH is a methodology that highlights a child’s needs for consistency in their learning and routine. It’s largely based on modifications one can make to the environment or to the way an activity is presented in order to make the most benefit.
One thing to note: children with Autism can receive a variety of therapies through their local school district. I’m not the expert on those services, but know that they exist and an organization like Vela Families or Texas Parent to Parent might be great options for navigating those.
Considerations when choosing therapy:
Things to consider when choosing a therapy, how much therapy, etc.:
What other activities does your child or family participate in that are really important and meaningful for you? (i.e. sports, cultural or religious activities, etc.)
What’s the cost?! (We’ll talk about that next week in navigating your insurance benefits!).
How is your child going to get to these therapies? Who will be responsible for getting them there?
If your child is receiving ABA services, can they receive other services at the ABA clinic? That’s less places you have to transport your child and an opportunity for your other practitioners to collaborate.
What skills are MOST important for you and your family right now?
Waitlist: some services might have a waitlist, therefore, if you think you’re going to pursue a service like ABA, you might consider getting on a waitlist early!
Everything should be negotiable - if a therapist recommends 5x week services, but your family can do 3x/week services, that might be where you start. This is something that should be communicated with your child’s care team.
What level of training or experience working with individuals with Autism does the therapist(s) have?
If you try a therapist and they aren’t gelling with your child, consider a different therapist.
Okay, like I said, that can be so overwhelming! Hang in there.
If you want more information about any of these therapy options, schedule a (FREE!) consult call with me here. Again, no obligation for you to utilize Where Language Blooms for speech therapy. Allow me to be a resource or a sounding board for you as you navigate your options.
Next week, I’m sharing information about the financial aspects of navigating therapy. Make sure to come back and check that out. Follow us on Instagram so you know when it’s live.
