3 Most Used Autism Therapies for Young Kids and Teens

In a world with numerous therapy options for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), parents often find themselves overwhelmed by the various treatments and methods to support children and teenagers with ASD.

This article dives deeper into three widely used approaches, explains how they work, and what are the benefits of practicing them. Join us for a closer look at these essential therapeutic choices.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is the most widely accepted and practiced method for supporting individuals with ASD, of all ages, including young children and teenagers. It is a comprehensive and evidence-based therapeutic approach that aims to understand and enhance human behavior. 

The basis of ABA therapy lies in the principles of operant conditioning, which focuses on the idea that behaviors are influenced by their consequences. In ABA therapy, behavior analysts carefully observe the individual’s actions and reactions to different situations, seeking to identify patterns and triggers.

Once the ABA specialists understand the triggers of the child or teen with ASD, they can develop tailored interventions to promote positive behaviors and reduce undesirable ones.

How Does ABA Therapy Work?

ABA therapy is a highly individualized and personalized therapeutic approach. Whether the patient is a child, a teenager, or an adult, ABA allows professional therapists, like those at Abacus Therapies, to tailor interventions to the specific needs and challenges of each individual with ASD. 

When an autistic person first starts with ABA therapy, their behavior is closely observed and evaluated by the therapist. Using assessment tools, ABA therapists can gather the necessary data and identify areas of concern and specific deficits. When the evaluation is done, the therapist sets clear and measurable goals in collaboration with the patient and their family.

One of the core components of ABA therapy is the use of positive reinforcement. Using rewards or positive consequences to strengthen and increase desired behaviors, ABA therapists can motivate children or teens with ASD to continue displaying these behaviors, facilitating their learning and development.

In addition to positive reinforcement, another key aspect of ABA therapy is the consistent collection of data. By continuously monitoring progress and development, therapists can make the necessary adjustments to transition individuals with autism to more advanced and complex skills and ultimately help them achieve greater independence and quality of life.

Benefits of ABA Therapy

While its effectiveness may vary, depending on where individuals are on the spectrum and the severity of their autism, ABA therapy can be very beneficial for some kids and teenagers. Some of the most important benefits of ABA therapy include:

• Improved Communication Skills – ABA therapy helps individuals with ASD develop effective communication skills, enabling them to express their needs, wants, and emotions more clearly.
• Enhanced Social Interaction – Through targeted interventions, ABA supports the development of social skills, making it easier for individuals with autism to connect with peers and build meaningful relationships.
• Behavioral Self-Regulation – ABA equips individuals with the tools to better manage their behaviors and emotional responses, leading to increased self-control and reduced anxiety.
• Daily Living Skills – ABA Therapy assists in teaching essential life skills, such as self-care, hygiene, and routines, promoting independence in daily activities.
• Academic Success – ABA can help children and teenagers with autism succeed academically by improving their focus, attention, and problem-solving abilities.
• Reduction of Challenging Behaviors – ABA is effective in decreasing undesirable behaviors and replacing them with more appropriate alternatives, leading to a calmer and more harmonious daily life.
• Increased Independence – As individuals progress through ABA therapy, they become more self-reliant, which can lead to greater autonomy and improved quality of life.
• Generalization of Skills – ABA ensures that the skills learned during therapy are transferable to various settings, allowing individuals to adapt to different environments and situations.
• Sensory Integration – ABA therapy often includes strategies to help individuals with ASD cope with sensory sensitivities, making the sensory world more manageable for them.
• Empowerment and Self-Advocacy – ABA can empower individuals to advocate for their own needs and preferences, enhancing their ability to make choices and decisions.

The effectiveness of ABA therapy and its success in instilling these benefits into patients is one of the main reasons it is one of the most commonly practiced and accepted approaches to supporting people with ASD worldwide.

Speech and Language Therapy

In addition to ABA, speech and language therapy is another one of the most commonly utilized interventions for children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. It is a therapeutic approach that focuses specifically on addressing challenges related to communication and language development – a common problem for individuals on the spectrum.

The main goal of SLT is to help individuals with ASD learn how to overcome language and communication difficulties. Using a variety of techniques and strategies, speech and language therapists can help autistic kids and teenagers express themselves better, but also understand others, and engage in meaningful interactions.

When effective, SLT can facilitate better communication, which can have a huge impact on the overall quality of life for individuals with ASD.

How Does SLT Work?

Similarly to ABA, SLT therapy also typically begins with a thorough assessment of the child or teenager’s communication skills and challenges. 

Once the assessment is complete, the therapist designs a personalized treatment plan, which often includes a combination of activities, exercises, and techniques aimed at improving various aspects of communication, which may involve:

• Articulation and Pronunciation – Speech therapists work with young individuals with ASD to enhance their ability to articulate sounds and words clearly. They help with proper tongue and lip movement, which is crucial for understandable speech.
• Language Comprehension – Understanding spoken and written language is a significant challenge for many individuals on the autism spectrum. SLT focuses on improving their ability to grasp and interpret language, both in conversation and written text.
• Expressive Language – SLT helps children and teens with ASD develop their expressive language skills. This includes building their vocabulary, sentence structure, and the ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively.
• Pragmatic Skills – These skills involve understanding social cues, non-verbal communication, and the appropriate use of language in different social contexts. SLT can greatly benefit individuals by enhancing their ability to engage in meaningful social interactions.
• Alternative Communication Methods – For those with severe communication challenges, speech and language therapists may introduce alternative communication methods, such as picture exchange systems or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

The progress of the therapy is closely monitored and adjusted over time to address the specific needs and goals of the child or teenager with ASD. 

Benefits of SLT

Even though SLT is a specialized therapy that focuses on communication skills, it can be beneficial for multiple areas of the lives of people with ASD. Here are some of the key benefits SLT can provide:

Improved Social Interactions – SLT helps individuals with ASD develop essential social communication skills like initiating and maintaining conversations, interpreting non-verbal cues, and engaging in reciprocal interactions.

Enhanced Cognitive Development – Communication is closely linked to cognitive development. SLT can stimulate cognitive growth by encouraging individuals to process and comprehend language more effectively, leading to better problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.

Better Emotional Regulation – People with ASD often struggle with emotional expression and regulation. SLT can assist them in identifying and expressing their feelings in a more socially appropriate manner, reducing frustration and enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Increased Independence – Improved communication skills can lead to greater independence in daily life. Individuals with ASD can better express their needs and preferences, which can positively impact their ability to make choices and perform tasks independently.

Academic Success – SLT can support academic achievement by helping individuals with ASD understand and use language effectively. This is essential for tasks such as reading, writing, and following instructions in the classroom.

Strengthened Relationships – Effective communication can lead to stronger and more fulfilling relationships with family members, peers, and caregivers. It fosters a sense of connection and understanding between individuals with ASD and those around them.

Ultimately, the benefits of SLT extend to an improved overall quality of life for individuals with ASD. It empowers them to engage more fully in their communities and lead more fulfilling lives.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a multifaceted intervention that plays a crucial role in supporting children and teenagers with autism. While ABA and SLT focus on specific aspects of development, occupational therapy takes a holistic approach, addressing a wide range of skills necessary for daily life.

These may include fine motor skills, gross motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, social interactions, and other areas of life that autistic individuals commonly struggle with. The goal of occupational therapy is to facilitate the development and enhancement of these essential skills, ultimately promoting greater independence among autistic children and teens.

While teenagers are more likely to practice occupational therapy, it can also be adapted for young children as well, and ensure that all individuals with autism receive early intervention to support their development.

How Does Occupational Therapy Work?

Since occupational therapy adopts a holistic approach, it does not concentrate on just one specific aspect of development. Instead, it recognizes the intricate web of skills and abilities that are interrelated in an individual’s life.

During an occupational therapy session, the therapist works closely with the individual with autism to address their unique needs. Let’s take an example of a young child with autism. In the beginning, the therapist may focus on sensory integration, a crucial aspect for many individuals on the spectrum. 

The therapist might set up a sensory room with various items like textured balls, calming music, and different textured fabrics. The child can explore these items, which helps them regulate their sensory experiences. For instance, they might roll a textured ball to improve their fine motor skills and tactile sensitivity.

As the sessions progress, the therapist might introduce activities related to fine motor skills. They could engage the child in activities like threading beads onto a string. This helps develop their hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity, which are essential for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding a pencil.

For teenagers, occupational therapy sessions may involve life skills training. The therapist might teach them how to prepare a simple meal, encouraging them to follow a recipe, measure ingredients, and cook. This not only enhances their cooking skills but also promotes independence and self-care.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy offers a wide range of benefits for children and teenagers with autism, promoting their overall development and independence. Some of the key advantages of occupational therapy include:

• Improved Fine Motor Skills – Occupational therapy helps children and teenagers with autism enhance their fine motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
• Improved Gross Motor Skills – Occupational therapy also supports the development of gross motor skills, such as balance, coordination, and body awareness, which are crucial for physical activities and daily tasks.
• Self-Care and Daily Living Skills – Occupational therapy teaches essential life skills, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding oneself. These skills promote greater independence in daily activities and foster a sense of self-reliance.
• Social Interaction – Occupational therapists often work on social skills, helping children and teenagers with autism engage in meaningful interactions and build relationships with peers. This is essential for their emotional well-being and social development.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptation – Occupational therapy encourages problem-solving and adaptability, skills that are valuable in everyday life. Individuals with autism learn how to overcome challenges and adapt to different situations and environments.
• Emotional Regulation – Occupational therapists assist individuals with ASD in identifying and managing their emotions in a socially appropriate manner. This leads to reduced frustration and enhanced emotional well-being.
• Independence and Autonomy – As a result of occupational therapy, children and teenagers with autism become more self-reliant, leading to greater autonomy and an improved quality of life.

Overall, occupational therapy contributes to an enhanced quality of life by equipping individuals with autism with the skills they need to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

The Bottom Line

ABA, SLT, and occupational therapy are designed to support people with ASD and offer tailored strategies to address specific needs, whether in enhancing communication skills, fostering independence, or supporting social interaction.

When implemented early and effectively, these therapies can lead to remarkable improvements in the lives of young individuals with autism, empowering them to express themselves, build meaningful connections, and thrive in a world full of possibilities.