Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for children and their families. Engaging in home therapy activities can play a crucial role in supporting your child’s development. Here, we explore eight effective home therapy strategies to aid your child with autism and discuss the importance of coordinating these efforts with professional therapists.
Why Practice Home Therapy?
Home therapy complements professional treatments by providing personalized care in a familiar environment. This consistent interaction helps reinforce skills and behaviors beneficial to children with autism, making therapy part of their daily routine. It not only maximizes the effectiveness of professional therapies but also strengthens the bond between you and your child as you work together towards developmental goals.
Deep Touch Therapy
Touch therapy can be particularly beneficial for children with autism, many of whom may experience sensory sensitivity. This type of therapy involves gentle, comforting forms of physical contact like brushing, hugging, or hand-holding, which can help reduce anxiety and improve their ability to manage sensory overload. It’s important to observe how your child responds to different types of touch and to proceed in a way that they find comforting.
Learn more about touch therapy for autism at Verywell Health.
Play Therapy
Play therapy uses the power of play to communicate with and help children express their feelings. For children with autism, play therapy can be structured to accommodate their needs. It often involves repetitive activities that align with the child’s interests while subtly introducing new ideas to help expand their comfort zone. The safety of a familiar environment makes home an ideal setting for play therapy.
Learn more about in-home play therapy in this helpful article.
Floortime
Floortime is a specific therapeutic technique that involves getting down on the floor with your child to engage in play that interests them. It focuses on meeting children at their current developmental level and building upon their strengths. Tailoring interactions to your child’s needs and interests in this way can promote emotional and intellectual growth.
Learn more about floortime therapy here.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy at home can focus on developing motor skills, balance, and coordination. Simple activities like playing with a ball, walking on textured surfaces, or practicing different ways of moving can be beneficial. These exercises can be integrated into your child’s daily routine, providing regular practice in a comfortable setting without the pressure of a clinical environment.
Learn more from this video.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy can be critical for children with autism, many of whom struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication. At home, you can reinforce skills learned during professional speech therapy sessions by using techniques like picture cards, singing songs, or practicing simple greetings and responses throughout the day. Regular, casual practice helps children feel more comfortable with communication.
Read this article for some speech therapy exercises you can do with your child.
Music Therapy
Music therapy uses music to address various areas of need in children with autism, including social interaction, communication, and motor skills. Simple activities like listening to calm music, playing simple instruments, or moving to music can be very engaging and therapeutic. These activities can be easily incorporated into daily routines, providing structured yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Learn more about music therapy from Autism Parenting Magazine.
ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-known therapy for individuals with autism, focusing on improving specific behaviors. This form of therapy can be practiced at home by reinforcing positive behaviors through reward systems. For example, you might create a chart that rewards your child for completing tasks or mastering new skills with stickers or small treats.
Learn more about home ABA therapy.
Coordinating Home Therapy With Your Child’s Therapist
While engaging in home therapy, it’s vital to maintain open communication with your child’s professional therapists. Sharing insights about your child’s progress and challenges at home can help therapists tailor their sessions more effectively. Moreover, professional therapists can provide guidance and training on how to implement therapeutic techniques at home safely and effectively.
Regularly updating your child’s therapy team about the home activities and progress ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals. They can also offer support and modifications to improve the home therapy program.
Next Steps
Home therapy offers a supportive bridge between clinical sessions and daily life, allowing children with autism to practice and enhance their skills in a comfortable, familiar setting. By incorporating these therapeutic activities into your routine and working closely with professional therapists, you can provide your child with a comprehensive support system that fosters growth and development. Engaging in these efforts at home is not just about therapy—it’s about creating a nurturing environment where your child can thrive.