Your Child Just Received an Autism Diagnosis — Now What?
An autism diagnosis can often feel overwhelming, but it is an important step in understanding your child's unique needs. An early diagnosis allows for timely interventions, which can significantly impact their development and ability to navigate the world around them. Having an Autism diagnosis opens additional doors for resources and support systems that can help your child thrive. Remember that you are your child’s best advocate. Every child has strengths and weaknesses, and with the right supports in place, they will flourish.
What to Look for in Autism Therapy and Support Services
Many autistic children benefit from a combination of specialized therapies that address different aspects of their development, independence, and communication skills. Here are some key autism therapy services to consider:
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (Non-Traditional ABA)
✅ This strength-based method focuses on developing functional communication skills, social pragmatic skills, self-regulation, self-advocacy, and independence.
✅ The best programs are the ones that are child-led, neuroaffirming, and use the child’s strengths and interests to build skills.
👉 Ensure that the provider generates an individualized treatment plan that addresses all of your child’s needs.
Speech Therapy for Autism
✅ Helps with developing expressive and receptive language skills
✅ Supports functional communication through various modes of communication (e.g. signs, gestures, pictures, vocalizations, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices
✅ Implement PROMPT therapy to aid in developing speech sound productions
✅ Address Oral Motor needs to increase strength and mobility of the oral structures, aid in developing feeding skills, and decrease sensitivity to oral inputs such as a toothbrush
👉 Look for providers who are certified and trained to provide specialized therapeutic interventions such as PROMPT, SOS Approach to Feeding, and AAC support
Occupational Therapy for Autism (OT)
✅ Help develop the sensory systems through integration, processing, and regulation
✅ Assists in motor coordination, gross motor, and fine motor skills
✅ Aid in developing daily living skills such as dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, feeding skills
✅ Uses play-based therapy to build skills that will help your child navigate various environments and social situations
👉 A quality pediatric occupational therapist will focus on individualizing your child’s treatment plan so that it aligns with your child’s sensory preferences and motor development.
Feeding Therapy for Picky Eaters and Sensory Sensitivities
✅ Feeding therapists support children with limited diets by developing therapeutic meals that expose and desensitize them to their sensory sensitivities and/or oral motor deficits
✅ Feeding therapy focuses on the exploration and manipulation of new food textures, tastes, and temperatures of foods in a non-stressful way
✅ Feeding therapists assist children in transitioning between food textures in a safe and nutritive way
👉 Feeding specialists should be certified in a sensory and motor-based feeding approach such as the SOS Approach to Feeding, AEIOU, and/or GOMAP so that they follow a systematic approach to food selectivity.
Parent Training and Support
Remember that you are not alone in this journey! Many organizations offer training to help you understand autism, provide you with insight into various therapeutic options, and share effective strategies to help you support your child’s development.
Finding the Best Autism Therapy Center Near You
When choosing a therapeutic center, look for:
✔️ Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach – Centers that respect and embrace autism, rather than trying to "cure" it.
✔️ Comprehensive Collaborative Services – Having multiple therapies in one location ensures seamless collaboration and fosters a holistic approach to treating autistic children.
✔️ Sensory-Friendly Environment – Designates environmentally designed spaces for those with sensory sensitivities such as small quiet areas, dim-lit areas, as well as gyms that contain state of the art equipment.
✔️ Inclusive Experiences – Programs that offer sensory-friendly events that allow the child to experience activities that otherwise they couldn’t such as visiting an airport, climbing up a fire truck, visiting a pumpkin patch, ordering ice cream from an ice cream truck, sitting on Santa’s lap, and so many more.
Why Choose Brave Wings Therapy?
If you’re looking for a collaborative center that provides autism therapy in North New Jersey, Brave Wings Therapy is here for you!
🏫 Brave Wings Academy – A full-day preschool program for autistic children offering structured learning, play, and therapeutic supports in ONE integrated location.
🌱 Holistic and Collaborative Approach – ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and feeding therapy provided in one setting for a seamless experience.
🎉 Sensory-Friendly Events – We bring the community to us! Your child will practice their skills within various community activities all while in the familiar and sensory-friendly environment of our center. We offer various activities that promote communication, exploration, confidence, and independence.
If you’re looking for a compassionate, highly trained, individualized, and neuro-affirming autism therapy center, Brave Wings Therapy is here to support your family every step of the way.
