Types of Therapy for Autism: A Parent's Guide to the Main Options
Types of therapy for autism: how ABA, speech, OT and other therapies differ, what the evidence says and how to choose for your child.
The main types of therapy for autism are behavioral therapies like ABA, developmental therapies like speech, occupational and physical therapy, educational and social-relational approaches, psychological therapy such as CBT, and complementary options like music or art therapy. No single therapy is best for every child. The right mix depends on your child's needs and goals.
After a diagnosis, the list of options can feel endless: ABA, speech, OT, PT, play therapy, Floortime, CBT, music therapy, special diets. Some are well researched, some are promising, and a few are worth avoiding. Most families end up with a combination.
This guide walks through the different types of therapy for autism, what each one focuses on, what the evidence says and how to choose. In the interest of transparency: Apex ABA Therapy provides applied behavior analysis. We'll explain the benefits of ABA therapy where it's relevant, but we want you to see the whole picture.
Is There a "Best" Therapy for Autism?
There isn't one best therapy for autism that works for every child. What there is, is better and weaker evidence.
The CDC notes that behavioral approaches have the most evidence for treating autism symptoms. The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP), in its 2020 evidence review, looked at 972 studies of autistic children and young people from birth to age 22 and identified 28 categories of evidence-based practices, including discrete trial training, visual supports, video modeling, social narratives and parent-implemented intervention.
So the better question is: which approaches, delivered by which professionals, fit my child's needs right now?
The Main Types of Therapy for Autism
The CDC groups autism treatments into several categories. Here's what each one involves.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral approaches look at what happens before and after a behavior to teach new skills and reduce barriers to learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the best-known example. Discrete trial training and pivotal response training are teaching methods used within it. ABA is usually designed and supervised by a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Families often ask when to start; our article on when ABA is most effective covers timing.
Developmental Therapies
These build specific skills, such as language or movement.
- Speech and language therapy helps children communicate through speech, signs, pictures or devices. See our guide to speech therapy for autism.
- Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on everyday skills such as dressing, eating, handwriting and managing sensory input. Read more in occupational therapy for autism.
- Physical therapy (PT) works on strength, balance and coordination. See physical therapy for autism.
- Sensory integration therapy aims to help children respond to sensory input. The evidence is still mixed; our article on sensory integration therapy explains more.
- The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a play-based approach designed for children 12 to 48 months old, according to the CDC.
Educational Approaches
These are delivered in the classroom. TEACCH, for example, uses routines, visual supports and set learning areas to help children learn.
Social-Relational Therapies
These focus on social skills and emotional bonds, often involving parents or peers. Examples include DIR/Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Social Stories and social skills groups. Play-based approaches often fall here too; see our guide to play therapy.
Psychological Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people understand the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The CDC describes psychological approaches as helping autistic people cope with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns, rather than treating autism itself.
Medication
The CDC is clear that medication does not treat the core features of autism. A doctor may prescribe medication for co-occurring concerns, such as attention, anxiety, sleep or seizures. Always work with a doctor experienced in autism, and watch for side effects.
Complementary Therapies
These are used alongside other therapies, not instead of them. Examples include music therapy, art therapy, animal-assisted therapy and mindfulness. Some have a growing evidence base; others have very little. Our guides to music therapy and autism, art therapy and animal-assisted therapy explain what each offers. The CDC advises talking to your doctor before starting any complementary or alternative treatment, including special diets and supplements.
Types of Therapy at a Glance
Therapy | Main focus | Usually delivered by |
ABA | Learning, daily living skills, communication, reducing barriers to learning | BCBA, with registered behavior technicians |
Speech therapy | Communication and language, including AAC | Speech-language pathologist |
Occupational therapy | Daily living skills, fine motor skills, sensory needs | Occupational therapist |
Physical therapy | Strength, balance, coordination | Physical therapist |
Social-relational (Floortime, RDI, social groups) | Relationships, social engagement | Varies by approach; often trained therapists with parents |
CBT | Anxiety, depression, coping | Licensed mental health professional |
Music, art or animal-assisted therapy | Engagement, expression, regulation | Credentialed therapist for the specific approach |
Treatments to Be Cautious About
Some treatments are marketed to families with big promises and little evidence. Be especially careful with stem cell products. The FDA states that regenerative medicine therapies have not been approved to treat autism, and warns that unapproved products can carry serious risks, including blindness, tumor formation and life-threatening infections.
As a rule, be wary of any treatment that:
- Promises a cure or fast, dramatic results
- Requires large payments up front
- Discourages you from talking to your child's doctor
- Can't explain how progress will be measured
How to Choose the Right Therapy for Your Child
Choosing the right therapy for autism usually comes down to a few questions:
- What are our goals? Start with what matters most right now, such as communicating needs, sleeping better, staying safe or making friends.
- What does the evidence say? Favor approaches with research behind them, and ask providers what evidence they rely on.
- Who will provide it? Check credentials: a BCBA for ABA, a licensed SLP for speech therapy, a licensed OT or PT.
- How will progress be measured? Good providers set clear goals and show you data.
- Does it fit our family? Consider schedule, location, in-home versus clinic options and your child's comfort.
- What will insurance cover? Coverage varies by plan and state, so call your insurer about each service.
Your pediatrician and the professionals who diagnosed your child can help you prioritize. And you can adjust as your child grows.
Combining Therapies
Many children see more than one provider, such as a BCBA and an SLP, or an OT and a PT. When providers share goals and use the same strategies, children get more consistent practice. Our guide to ABA and speech therapy shows what that coordination looks like.
Apex provides in-home ABA therapy and parent training, and our teams are glad to coordinate with your child's other providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can medication treat autism?
A: No. According to the CDC, medication doesn't treat the core features of autism. It may help with co-occurring concerns, such as anxiety, attention, sleep or seizures, under the care of a doctor experienced with autism.
Q: Is ABA the only evidence-based therapy for autism?
A: No. Behavioral approaches have the most evidence, but the NCAEP review identified 28 categories of evidence-based practices, and speech, occupational and other therapies address different needs. Many children benefit from more than one.
Q: When should my child start therapy?
A: As soon as you have concerns, it's worth talking to your pediatrician. You don't need to wait for a diagnosis to ask about early intervention or a speech or developmental evaluation.
Q: How many therapies should my child do at once?
A: There's no set number. Too many appointments can overwhelm a child and a family. Start with your top priorities, and add or change therapies as your child's needs change.
Ready to Talk About ABA Therapy?
If you're exploring ABA for your child in North Carolina, Georgia or Maryland, contact our team or call 888-690-0663 to talk through your child's needs and insurance options. You can also get a free consultation.
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