Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more common than you might expect, affecting an estimated 3% of all children in the United States. ASD causes a variety of cognitive and emotional symptoms that range from mild to severe, and kids with ASD often need extra support to ensure they don’t fall behind their peers.

That’s where Riverbend Pediatric Therapy comes in. Our pediatric therapists have extensive experience helping children manage ASD, regardless of their symptoms. We can help your child better navigate daily activities, improve communication and social skills, and develop functional abilities.

Keep reading to learn more about the difficulties caused by autism spectrum disorder and how we can help your child manage them using a blend of different approaches–applied behavior analysis, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

You can also schedule an appointment for more personalized guidance.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASD is a developmental disorder that can manifest in many different ways. Its name also illustrates the complexity of the condition–it’s a spectrum, and kids with ASD can have wildly different needs.

Broadly speaking, ASD causes differences in the brain that can lead to difficulties with communication and social interaction. Kids with ASD might struggle with the following:

• Language: A child with ASD may have delayed language development. Some kids with ASD are nonverbal, meaning they do not communicate via speech.
• Vocal Challenges: Some kids with ASD may have an unusual pattern in their speech. It may sing-song or flat and robotic.
• Social Interaction: Kids with ASD can also struggle in social situations. They might “monologue” about topics that interest them or have trouble maintaining eye contact.
• Repetitive Behaviors: Kids with ASD are often very routine-driven and become upset if something disrupts that routine. They might repeat certain behaviors or words or become hyper-fixated on a particular interest or topic.
• Sensory Issues: Sensory processing disorders are often a symptom of ASD. Kids will get overwhelmed by sensory input and not respond to it properly. They may overreact to certain sounds or foods or seem to underreact to sensory input.

Of course, it’s important to remember that kids with autism often have unique strengths, too. They can often memorize detailed information and retain it for a long time. Many are creative and excel in certain subjects, including math, science, and art.

Pediatric Therapy for ASD: Promoting Strengths, Managing Weaknesses

The goal of pediatric therapy for autism spectrum disorder isn’t to “cure” your child (there’s no cure for autism) but instead to give them the tools they need to thrive in life, school, and beyond.

We recognize that no two children are the same, so we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to help us understand your child’s unique strengths and weaknesses. From there, we can develop a customized care plan that draws on four different approaches.

• Applied Behavior Analysis: ABA therapy uses a reward system to establish and promote socially important behaviors. It can help your child make friends, feel more comfortable in school, and generally promote independence and quality of life.
• Occupational Therapy: OT helps your child find the right strategies for managing day-to-day tasks in a way that works for them, from self-grooming to excelling in school.
• Speech Therapy: Our speech therapists will help your child improve their communication skills, whether finding alternative methods of communication for nonverbal kids or helping them thrive in social situations.
• Physical Therapy: Kids with autism sometimes struggle with motor (movement) skills or bodily awareness. We’ll help improve those skills so your child can live a healthy, active life.

The best way to learn about what Riverbend Pediatric Therapy can do for your child is to schedule a consultation at our Covington clinic to get started with a personalized program. We’ll work to enhance your child’s unique strengths and abilities while addressing any difficulties that might cause issues later in life.

Ready to get started? Request your appointment today!