Therapy Options For Autistic Children
There are many options for therapies to help your autistic child communicate and function within their daily environment. The choices you make at this point will be important. Combining therapies is an option if you have the means and time to do so.
The following is a list of potential therapy options. There are also other options not included in this list.
Speech Therapy
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) assess and treat individuals who have various communication disorders. SLPs can help you to find a communication modality that works for your child. Some SLPs also work on feeding, swallowing and food selectivity. Speech therapy is generally covered by health insurance. Most patients on average receive 1-2 sessions per week.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists (OTs) can help individuals participate in life activities that are meaningful to them and help them to function in various areas of life. OTs commonly address activities of daily living, play, social interaction, executive functioning, sensory processing, safety awareness, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and feeding. Most patients receive 1-2 sessions per week.
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an intervention that aims to target the deficits/barriers associated with autism spectrum disorder using the principles of behavior. ABA can be used to target communication, social skills, daily living skills, behavioral excesses, and various other skill areas. ABA is generally covered by insurance with hours ranging from 10 to 40 per week.
DIRFloortime / Floortime
The Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based model (DIR) is a developmental model for assessing and understanding an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. DIRFLoortime is the application of the DIR framework where in the adult gets on the child’s level to interact with them. DIR can promote development in areas such as sensory development, motor skills, emotional/cognitive development, and communication. DIR is sometimes covered by insurance depending on who is providing the intervention and the individual’s insurance plan.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists (PTs) work with individuals on activities and exercises that improve motor skills, strength, posture, coordination and balance. PTs can work with individuals on motor planning, which is a skill that allows one to remember and perform steps to make a particular movement happen. This typically covered by insurance 1-2 sessions per week, sometimes for only a set period of time.
TEACCH
Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) is a program developed at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. TEACCH is utilized with both children and adults. It can promote learning of communication, social skills, independence, skills for daily life, and coping skills. Often this intervention is provided in an early intervention center. TEACCH has centers throughout North Carolina. There are some TEACCH certified practitioners in other states as well. Within NC, it is possible for this to be covered by insurance.
RDI
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a family-based intervention that works with parents on methods to help their children development motivation for reciprocal relationships. RDI can address issues such as motivation, communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and more. This program heavily emphasizes parent training and parent involvement. This is not typically covered by insurance, but could be depending on the practioner and your insurance plan.
Pharmacological Therapy
Some medications are used to reduce behaviors and lower anxiety so that the individual can more effectively focus on learning and communication with others. Medications used for children with autism include antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, mood stabilizers, and more. It is important to find a psychiatrist that is experienced with autism if you choose this as a part of your child’s treatment. This should be covered by your insurance plan.
Psychological Therapy
Some forms of traditional or third wave psychotherapy are used to help autistic individuals.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy delivered by registered dietitians is considered by some to alleviate certain symptoms of autism. Nutritional therapy may include diet changes such as a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Sessions with a registered dietician can be covered by insurance.
Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training involves interventions that target skills such as responding to initiations of others, initiating interactions, reading body language, and perspective taking. Social skills programs and groups use a wide variety of teaching strategies. Sometimes social skills groups are covered by insurance depending on who is delivering the group, the therapy modalities, and your insurance plan.
Developmental Therapy
Developmental therapy is an intervention that targets all areas of develop, including language, cognitive, social-emotional, self-help, and motor skills. It typically begins when the child is between ages zero and three. Children that meet certain criteria may be eligible for services through state programs.
ESDM
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a form of behavioral therapy for children diagnosed with autism between the ages of 12-48 months. ESDM blends ABA learning principles with the science of child development. ESDM is a play-based therapy and learning opportunities are embedded into play activities. ESDM has similarities and differences when compared to traditional ABA.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy involves including animals in therapy sessions that address skills such as social behaviors. The most common animals involved in therapy are dogs and horses. Potential benefits of this type of therapy include increases in positive social behaviors.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is often delivered by occupational therapists and involves working with the child on their sensory issues by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured way. Techniques used can include brushing, swinging, deep pressure, weighted vests, sensory bin play, and more.
Contact us if you need decision support with navigating therapy options. Schedule a free discovery call today!
