Finding the Right Autism Treatment Provider

There are six core elements to look for when finding the right autism treatment provider for your child.

1. Individualized Supports – Your child’s program should be individualized to their specific and current learning needs.  For example, if your child has poor or little social skills, doing a home program with no other social models is not in your child’s best interest.  Instead, an in-clinic program or a school program that incorporates other socially appropriate children throughout your child’s learning is necessary for the most growth for your child.
2. Systematic Instruction – What to teach is just as important as how to teach!  First and foremost, the things that your child should be learning should be super important, helpful, and meaningful to YOUR child.  Once established, a good autism treatment provider will use evidence-based treatment with systematic data to make program changes and support your child.  It is vital to have your child start with support or prompts when first learning something motivating to them; however, those supports should be systematically decreased to promote fast learning and independent learning. 
3. Specialized Curriculum – Your child’s curriculum should focus on the significant symptoms of autism.  This should include; joint attention skills, functional/pretend play, reciprocal interaction, and verbal, nonverbal, and functional communication. 
4. Family Involvement – Parent education and participation are essential to an excellent treatment program for your child.  You should receive weekly parent training/coaching and monthly parent meetings.  The more you know, the better you can help your child!
5. Environment – From the minute your child is awake until they go to sleep, there are learning opportunities.  This means more than just a structured therapy environment.  An environment that is clear to your child, where they know what to expect helps them feel safe, decrease anxiety and be more open to learning.  A good autism therapy program will help you provide structure to your child’s entire day. 
6. How to Handle Problematic Behaviors – Problematic behaviors such as hitting, tantrums, throwing things, etc., is a form of communication – it isn’t bad – it is just your child’s way of communicating with you right now.  Just know, if they had an easier way of expressing their wants and needs, they would!  A good autism therapy provider will support you and your child on how your child can communicate with you in a way that meets their needs/wants in a more prosocial way. 

Take the time to find an autism treatment provider who meets all of these criteria, and you will be on your way to getting the best possible care for your loved one.

Kim Hoehne, MA, BCBA who has been working with children with autism and their families for 30 years, shares what she has found to be critical factors to help you achieve the best outcome for your child with autism.  To watch her video, click here.