Therapies and support for autistic students

Understanding and supporting children with autism means knowing that every person is different, with their own unique needs and ways of reacting to things. 

As children grow and develop, it's important to find the right types of therapy and learning methods to help them learn and live their best lives. In this section, we will discuss the various types of support and therapy options available for school-aged children.

Educational settings can be considered therapeutic environments for autistic children, as they provide opportunities for academic learning and social and emotional development. However, managing the sensory and social demands that schools impose is essential. While schools offer routine and learning opportunities, they can sometimes be overwhelming, leading to exhaustion and anxiety. It is crucial to ensure autistic children and teens have the right support and therapy in place to help them build skills and confidence. 

The choice of therapies should work with the child’s personal goals, often outlined in their school IEP and/or NDIS plan. These therapies will occur outside of school hours and require accommodations to a child’s schedule. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common therapies that can help autistic children and teens thrive

Continuing early intervention

Many families find it beneficial to continue the types of early intervention programs they started before their child began school. Whether it’s behavioural therapies like ABA or Positive Behaviour Support,  developmental therapies such as DRI/Floortime or Responsive Teaching, or combined therapies like TEACCH and SCERTS, these programs are often adapted to be less intensive but still supportive. These programs help maintain consistency in a child’s routine, which is important for their ongoing development and comfort with new environments.

Speech therapy

Speech pathologists are highly trained professionals who address various communication and speech challenges associated with autism. Their work covers more than just talking, they can assist wth:

• Developing communication skills:  This involves improving speech clarity, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, and using alternative communication methods like picture exchange communication systems. 
• Swallowing and eating concerns: They also support the safety and independence of eating and drinking.
• Family and school support: Training family members and educators on how to better understand and support the communicative needs of autistic individuals.

Speech therapy can have a significant impact on the ability of autistic children to express themselves and engage with others. It encourages better social interaction and boosts confidence.

Social skills programs

Social skills programs are essential for helping autistic children understand and manage the complex world of social relationships. These programs focus on important aspects such as initiating and maintaining conversations, understanding non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions, and participating effectively in group activities. They use engaging methods like role-playing to simulate real-life situations, helping children practice and master necessary social skills.

By breaking down these interactions into understandable components, social skills programs aim to simplify everyday interactions and reduce stress. They help children gain confidence, build friendships, and feel more included in their communities.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a practical therapy that aims to improve the lives of autistic children by encouraging positive behaviour and reducing challenging behaviour. This therapy focuses on understanding why children behave a certain way and uses this insight to encourage better behaviour. For example, if a child finds loud noises unsettling, PBS might involve finding quieter spaces for them or teaching them ways to cope with noise. If a child responds well to praise, then positive feedback is used to encourage good behaviour.

PBS is individualised to fit each child’s specific situation, including their likes, dislikes, and family environment. It's about more than just managing difficult behaviour; it’s also about teaching skills like communication and social interaction. Using PBS, parents and teachers can create a supportive environment that helps children feel understood and encourages them to learn and grow.

Psychological therapy

Psychologists play a key role in supporting autistic children by using their expertise to understand and address behavioural and developmental issues. They are involved in more than just therapy; they also work on research and create resources to help improve mental health.

Psychologists work with families to develop personalised plans that address a child’s specific needs. This might include helping a child adjust to new situations, teaching them new skills, or improving how they cope with stress and emotional regulation. Sometimes, psychologists might observe a child in different settings, like at school, to better understand their challenges and strengths. They use various therapy methods, sometimes including talk therapies or other activities designed for specific needs.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) helps autistic children develop the skills they need for daily activities through fun, engaging exercises. They can help build gross and fine motor skills, manage sensory sensitivities and improve coordination. OTs work with children to help them master skills that can make everyday tasks—from schoolwork to play—easier and more enjoyable. This might involve using special tools or games that encourage children to practice movements or tasks they find difficult.

The importance of an individual approach

Autism affects children in many different ways, so support must be specifically designed to meet each child’s needs. This individualised approach helps ensure that strategies are not only manageable for families but also truly effective for the child’s development. A good therapist will ensure the strategies and programs work with a child’s strengths and help them develop the skills they need to become more independent and thrive.