DISCLAIMER: Please note that we are not medical professionals, nor is any of our advice official medical advice. This is simply a summary of what we found to be the most helpful on our own individual journeys. No matter what you read online, always verify with recommendations from certified medical professionals!
There is a wide variety of service providers available, and while some specialize exclusively in Autism support, others offer services that can benefit a broader range of needs. The main types of providers you might encounter include, but are not limited to:
A wide range of services is designed to support the unique needs and strengths of Autistic individuals, their families, and their caregivers. These services fall into several key categories outlined below (in alphabetical order, to ensure clarity and accessibility):
As always, it's vital to remember that you know your family member best. Make sure to do your research, book the necessary appointments, and pay attention to your child as much as possible, because your doctor can only recommend therapy based on what you know.
- CDC's Guide on Autism Services: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2017). BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST - Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. https://www.bacb.com/bcba/
- Finlan, T. (2014). Occupational Therapy (for Parents) - KidsHealth. Kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/occupational-therapy.html
- About S-LPs, Aud and CHA. (n.d.). SAC. https://www.sac-oac.ca/joining-the-profession/about-s-lps-aud-and-cha/
- TVO Today | Current Affairs Journalism, Documentaries and Podcasts. (n.d.). Www.tvo.org. https://www.tvo.org/article/understanding-the-difference-between-aba-and-ibi-autism-treatments
- CDC. (2024). Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html
- Association for Play Therapy. (2015). Play therapy makes a difference. A4pt.org. https://www.a4pt.org/page/PTMakesADifference/Play-Therapy-Makes-a-Difference.htm
- Nutritional Therapy for Autism. (2017, January 31). Https://Www.nichd.nih.gov/. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/conditioninfo/treatments/nutritional-therapy