Looking for tips for Autism therapies you can do at home?
When most people think of autism, they imagine a child in a wheelchair, unable to speak or interact with others. And while that is one form of autism, it’s only one tiny sliver of the spectrum. Autism can present itself in many ways, from mild social awkwardness to debilitating mental illness.
What all forms of autism have in common is difficulty with communication and social interaction. For some people on the spectrum, this means they find it hard to make friends or understand what other people are saying. It might mean others have obsessive interests or severe anxiety and panic attacks.
The good news is that the therapies available can help autistic people overcome these difficulties and lead happy, productive lives. The bad news is that most of these therapies require expensive professional care, which not everyone can afford. But what if you could provide some of those same therapies at home? This guide will show you how.
8 Autism Therapies You Can Do At Home
1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the most popular and effective autism therapies you can do at home. It involves breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps, and then teaching the autistic person to complete those steps using positive reinforcement.
ABA is particularly effective in helping autistic children learn new skills, such as potty training, dressing themselves, or brushing their teeth. But it can also help adults with autism improve their job performance or social skills.
If you’re interested in providing ABA therapy at home, there are a few things you’ll need to do first. You’ll need thorough research on ABA therapy and find a reputable program to follow. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to find a quiet place in your home where you can work with your autistic family member without distractions.
You’ll also need to be prepared to put in the time and effort required to make ABA therapy successful. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a long-term commitment. But if you’re willing to do the work, you could see amazing results.
2. Social Skills Training
People with autism often have difficulty understanding and interacting with other people. This can make it hard for them to make friends, keep a job, or even go to the grocery store.
Social skills training is a therapy that can help people with autism learn how to interact with others. It usually involves role-playing and practicing different social scenarios. For example, you might role-play going on a job interview or asking someone out on a date.
You can find social skills training programs online or in some community centers. Or, you could create your program at home. Start by making a list of social scenarios you want to practice. Then, find a friend or family member willing to help you role-play.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that helps people change their thoughts and behaviors. It can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and OCD.
CBT has also been shown to be effective in treating autism. It can help people with autism learn to manage their anxiety, cope with social situations, and develop better communication skills.
If you’re interested in providing CBT at home, you’ll need to find a therapist who’s certified in CBT. You can search for certified CBT therapists on the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies website.
4. Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with autism deal with sensory overload. People with autism often have difficulty processing all the information they’re taking in through their senses. This can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns when they’re overloaded.
Sensory integration therapy can help people with autism learn to manage their sensory input. It usually involves exposure to different sensory experiences, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. The goal is to help the person tolerate more sensory input without getting overwhelmed.
If you’re interested in providing sensory integration therapy at home, there are a few things you’ll need to do first. First, you’ll need to find an occupational therapist (OT). You can find a list of OTs on the American Occupational Therapy Association website.
5. Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with speech and language disorders. It can also help people with autism improve their communication skills. Speech therapy usually involves working with a certified speech therapist. The therapist will teach you how to produce sounds, form words correctly, and compose sentences. They’ll also work on improving your child’s understanding of language.
You’ll need to find a certified speech therapist if you’re interested in providing speech therapy at home. You can search for certified therapists on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website.
6. Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities learn new skills. It can also help people with autism improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care skills.
If you’re interested in providing occupational therapy at home, you’ll need to find a certified occupational therapist (OT). You can search for accredited therapists on the American Occupational Therapy Association website.
7. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with physical disabilities regain their strength and mobility. It can also help people with autism improve their gross motor skills. Physical therapy usually involves working with a certified physical therapist. The therapist will teach you exercises and stretches that can help improve your child’s strength and coordination.
You’ll need to find a certified physical therapist if you’re interested in providing physical therapy at home. You can search for accredited therapists on the American Physical Therapy Association website.
8. Communication Therapy
Communication therapy is a type of therapy that helps people with autism improve their communication skills. It usually involves working with a certified speech therapist. The therapist will teach you how to produce sounds, form words correctly, and compose sentences. They’ll also work on improving your child’s understanding of language.
You’ll need to find a certified speech therapist if you’re interested in providing communication therapy at home. You can search for certified therapists on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website.
There are many different types of autism therapies you can do at home. These therapies can help your child improve their communication skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and self-care skills. You’ll need to find a certified therapist if you’re interested in providing any of these therapies at home.
