Parents of children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder frequently find themselves on a path of navigating a variety of services and treatments. They are tasked with the difficult job of coordinating multiple therapies for their children. When all of the experts are telling you that your kid needs their particular form of therapy, how do you make time for them all?

Stick With the Research

It is recommended that you stick with tried-and-true, research-based treatments versus fad treatments. Research based treatments include applied behavior analysis (ABA), speech, occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT). These therapies have years of scientific research and have been proven to be effective.

Research shows that early, intensive intervention leads to the best long-term outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. While it may seem overwhelming to coordinate so many different therapies, it is critically important to make time for them if prescribed for your child. A key component that your service providers should be focused on is achieving the goals identified and working to get your child to a point where they no longer need those services.

Coordination of Care

Your providers should attempt to coordinate care and discuss treatment progress or needs in order to support the ultimate goals for your child.

• Speech therapy focuses on speech production and quality of speech.
• OT focuses on motor delays and sensory sensitivities.
• PT addresses daily activities that require muscle movement and motor skills.
• ABA focuses on the practical application of all skills (i.e., functional communication, attending skills, social skills, safety & compliance, toileting and self-help) and reduction of problematic behaviors.

Prioritizing When Time is Limited

If you find yourself having to pick and choose which therapy your child is going to do because of time constraints, narrow your primary goals down to one to three. This will allow your provider to develop a focused treatment plan versus a comprehensive one. Consider what would have the biggest impact on your child’s quality of life and your family’s positive interactions with your child.

Discuss the time commitment for the level of care that is being prescribed with your provider. For example, is this the treatment recommendation for the next 3 months, 6, months, year, etc.. Knowing the time frame for the treatment plan may make it easier to commit because ethical providers will consider reducing the treatment hours as progress is made.

Remember, open communication with your provider and commitment to the treatment recommendation will lead to the best outcomes for your child.

For help managing your multidisciplinary autism therapy approach in Imperial County, San Bernadino County, or Riverside County, reach out to us today for help.