Q

Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

There are many therapy options available to support improving the quality of life of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD treatment is usually multifaceted and includes a variety of treatments from a range of professional disciplines. It is important to consider that while an ASD diagnosis does call for treatment, autism treatment does not seek to change the individual from who they are foundationally or hinder them from expressing themselves in their own way – rather, autism treatments and therapies seek to improve the individual’s overall quality of life by remediating behaviors that are harmful, dangerous, or interfere with learning and by teaching meaningful skills that promote communication, social, and independence skills.

A

Answered by

Encore Support Staff

Types of Therapy for Autism

Autism therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—there are many approaches designed to meet individual needs, whether the focus is on improving communication, enhancing social skills, or building independence. Let’s explore the most common types of therapy for autism.

Behavioral Therapies (Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA)

Learning-based therapy that focuses on communication, social, and adaptive skills through structured activities or natural play. ABA also focuses on reducing dangerous/harmful or interfering behaviors. ABA therapy is more time-consuming as compared to other available therapies; however, it is shown to vastly improve autism symptoms and is the gold-standard autism treatment. 

Speech Therapy

Communication-based therapy that focuses on improving verbal skills, such as spoken language, sign language, or use of augmentative communication devices. Speech therapy also focuses on improving social communication skills, such as understanding social expressions, phrases, and norms. 

Occupational therapy

Focuses on improving strength and coordination needed to complete a variety of daily living tasks, such as fine or gross motor skills involved in dressing, tooth brushing, or cooking. 

Physical therapy 

Similar to occupational therapy, physical therapy also works to improve coordination and strength. Different from occupational therapy, physical therapy may focus more on addressing delayed milestones such as crawling or walking, 

Social Skills Groups

Focused on facilitating social interactions and creating opportunities to practice social skills in social groups with peers. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Talk-based therapy that focuses on supporting individuals who experience difficulty managing stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, or problem-solving. 

Sensory Integration Therapy

Specifically addresses sensory processing. Sensory integration therapy utilizes a variety of techniques, including vestibular (swinging or spinning), tactile (playing with textured materials), and auditory/visual (music/sounds, visual patterns) techniques. 

Pharmacological Intervention

May include prescription medication to manage more intense autism symptoms. May also include over the counter medication to manage autism-related disturbances such as gastrointestinal issues or problems sleeping. 

Autism Therapies for Adults 

Autistic adults often face increased difficulty accessing therapies, as many health insurance funders have age-caps on autism therapies and treatments. As autistic individuals enter adulthood, priority commonly becomes residential placement (such as living independently or in a group home); vocational preparation (such as job coaching or internship); and overall independence. The same therapies listed above may be appropriate for adults with autism, depending on their overall needs. 

Overall, the earlier autism treatments and therapies are accessed, the greater progress is likely to be achieved. Participating in therapies early on in life supports preparing the individual for adulthood, however each individual is unique. And while some individuals may benefit from short-term participation in therapy, others may benefit from longer-term participation.

Similarly, not all autistic individuals will respond the same to the various therapy options. For example, some may benefit greatly from medication and ABA while others may benefit from speech and occupational therapies. Deciding which therapies and treatments are most appropriate requires individualized consideration of the person’s unique needs. Consulting with primary care providers and educators can be helpful in identifying the most appropriate autism treatments for the unique individual.  

How Do We Stand Out? 

At Encore, we’re committed to providing a compassionate and meaningful ABA therapy experience. Our expert team creates a personalized therapeutic environment focused on achieving real, positive outcomes for your child. We blend our deep expertise with a caring approach, ensuring each session is both effective and engaging. By working closely with you, we create a supportive partnership that extends beyond the therapy room, driving meaningful progress in your child’s development. With Encore, you can feel confident that your child is receiving high-quality care tailored to their unique needs. 

Have more questions or want to learn more about how Encore can unleash your child’s potential through ABA therapy? Schedule a complimentary consultation today.