Depending on your child’s needs, there are a variety of therapy options for autism. Some of the most common therapies include speech and language therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis).
therapy for autism is a great way to help your child develop skills that are important for their development and quality of life. It can also improve social interactions and help your child communicate better with others.
In many cases, your child’s therapist will work with you to develop strategies that can help at home and in the classroom. Having these tools at your fingertips can make all the difference in how effective your child’s treatment sessions are.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective way to help your child learn how to identify the thoughts and emotions that trigger negative behaviors. It can also help them identify ways to cope with their emotions and reduce anxiety.
Sensory integration therapy is a popular form of behavioral therapy that works to help people with autism tolerate and process sensory stimuli, such as sound, light, touch, taste and smell. This is done by increasing the level of stimuli the child is exposed to over time.
Another type of behavioral therapy is called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which helps children with autism modify their behaviors through positive reinforcement. The therapist identifies and sets goals for the child’s desired behaviors and uses rewards to encourage positive behaviors.
This method is often prescribed by doctors, and can be a cost-effective way to treat your child’s autism symptoms. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor and a mental health professional before starting this type of therapy.
A good play therapist will get down on the floor and truly engage your child in a fun, interactive way. They may use toys that squeak, move or vibrate to stimulate the child’s senses and build their interest in the therapy session.
Your therapist will help your child build social skills, which can be very difficult for kids with autism. This can involve taking turns, sharing, and other interpersonal skills that are important for school and social situations.
The therapist will work with your child to learn and practice a wide range of communication techniques, including signing, hand signals, pictures, or other nonverbal communication methods. They may also work with your child to develop their fine motor skills and improve coordination, balance, and muscle control.
Occupational therapy is also an effective approach to helping your child develop their everyday skills, such as feeding, grooming and dressing themselves. Your therapist can teach your child to use assistive devices, such as a speech-to-text app or dry-erase board, that will help them complete their daily tasks more easily and efficiently.
Some therapists will also use massage or touch-based therapy to help your child relieve stress and relax. These types of treatments have not been proven to be effective for improving your child’s autism symptoms, but they can be helpful when used along with other therapies.