A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Therapies for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for your child can be a life-changing moment. For many parents, it brings a mix of emotions relief, confusion, concern, and a strong desire to take immediate action. One of the first and most important steps is exploring the best therapies for autism in children. But with so many options available, how do you know what’s right for your child?

This guide is designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about your child’s therapeutic journey. Whether you're just beginning to seek help or looking to refine your current therapy plan, you'll find the support and knowledge you need right here.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts with others, and processes the world around them. Because it's a "spectrum," the symptoms and their intensity vary widely among children. Some children may be verbal and highly functional, while others might be nonverbal with significant support needs.

Common characteristics include:

• Difficulty with social interactions

• Repetitive behaviors or restricted interests

• Delays in speech or language development

• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., sounds, textures)

Understanding these core symptoms will help you identify the therapies that can best address your child’s needs.

Why Early Intervention Is So Important

One of the most critical elements of autism therapy is early intervention. The earlier your child begins receiving therapeutic support, the better the outcomes especially in areas like communication, behavior, and cognitive skills.

According to the CDC, children who receive autism treatment before the age of 3 often show improvements in:

• Social engagement

• Emotional regulation

• Functional daily skills

So don’t wait for school programs or future signs start building a therapy plan as soon as a diagnosis is suspected or confirmed.

Top Evidence-Based Therapies for Children with Autism

When it comes to choosing autism therapies, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to understand each option and evaluate how it aligns with your child’s unique strengths and challenges.

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is one of the most researched and widely used therapies for autism. It uses a system of rewards and consequences to teach specific behaviors and reduce problematic ones.

      Benefits:

• Highly structured and measurable

• Personalized goals based on assessment

• Helps with everything from self-care to academics

2. Speech and Language Therapy

Many children with autism struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication. Speech therapy focuses on improving expressive language, understanding, and social communication.

      Ideal for:

• Nonverbal or minimally verbal children

• Children who speak but struggle with social cues

• Improving articulation and comprehension

3. Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT helps children become more independent in daily life. It focuses on motor skills, coordination, self-care routines, and sensory processing.

     OT can help with:

• Dressing, eating, and hygiene

• Sensory integration issues

• Fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning)

4. Social Skills Training

Children with autism often find it challenging to understand social rules or make friends. Social skills groups use structured lessons and real-life practice to teach interaction, empathy, and conflict resolution.

       Activities may include:

• Role-playing conversations

• Learning to take turns

• Understanding facial expressions and tone of voice

5. Play Therapy and DIR/Floortime

These therapies are less structured and more relationship-focused. Rather than directing a child to perform tasks, therapists follow the child’s lead to engage them emotionally and socially.

      Best for:

• Younger children

• Enhancing emotional bonding

• Developing communication in a natural setting

6. Complementary Therapies

Some families find value in music therapy, art therapy, or equine-assisted therapy. While not replacements for core therapies, these approaches can help children express themselves, build self-confidence, and enjoy therapeutic play.

What to Consider When Choosing a Therapy

Before selecting a therapy, ask yourself:

• What are my child’s most urgent needs? (Communication? Behavior? Motor skills?)

• What is the evidence behind this therapy?

• How qualified is the therapist?

• Is this therapy affordable and accessible to us?

• Can we commit to the frequency and duration it requires?

Keep in mind: parent involvement in therapy significantly improves outcomes. You don’t have to be an expert but staying involved, asking questions, and practicing techniques at home can accelerate progress.

Where to Find Qualified Therapy Providers

Finding trustworthy professionals can be a challenge. Start by:

• Asking your pediatrician for a referral

• Reaching out to local autism centers or early intervention programs

• Searching online through directories like Autism Speaks, Psychology Today, or the American Occupational Therapy Association

• Connecting with other parents in local or online autism support groups
  
  

When interviewing a provider, ask:

• What methods do you use?

• What outcomes should I expect?

• How do you involve parents or caregivers in therapy?

• How is progress measured?

Creating a Custom Therapy Plan

Every child is different, and often, a combination of therapies yields the best results. For example, many families use a blend of ABA, OT, and speech therapy to address multiple areas at once.

Set goals and track progress over time. Reevaluate every 6–12 months and adjust the plan based on your child’s growth, changing needs, and new interests.

Advocating for Your Child

Being a parent of a child with autism means becoming their biggest advocate. You’ll need to:

• Learn about your rights under IDEA and IEP laws (if your child is in school)

• Attend meetings and speak up about your child’s needs

• Educate family members, teachers, and caregivers about what works

• Celebrate progress, no matter how small

Don’t be afraid to seek second opinions or change providers if something isn’t working. Your voice matters.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Choosing the right therapies for your child is not always a linear path. There will be trial and error, but each step brings you closer to understanding what your child needs to succeed.

Remember, progress in autism therapy is often gradual but incredibly meaningful. Celebrate every milestone no matter how small and trust that your involvement is making a profound difference.

At the Therapy Center of New York, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. That’s why we offer compassionate, evidence-based support for children with autism and their families. Our licensed professionals provide a range of services including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and parent coaching to create a custom therapy plan that evolves with your child’s needs. With over 30 years of experience, multiple locations in Manhattan and Westchester, and a family-centered approach, we’re here to help your child thrive every step of the way.