The essential therapies for children with autism

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, you’ve probably heard about therapy—maybe from doctors, teachers, or other parents navigating the same journey. You know it’s important. You know it can help. But if you’ve ever tried to access it, you also know how complicated, expensive, and frustrating the process can be.

It’s overwhelming. There are so many types of therapy out there—ABA, OT, speech therapy, play therapy… the list goes on. Which ones actually help? Why are they necessary? And most importantly, why is it so hard to get these services when they make such a difference?

Let’s break it down—what these therapies do, why they matter, and why so many families struggle to access them.

Therapies That Help Autistic Kids Thrive

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA gets a lot of attention (and sometimes controversy). It’s a structured approach that helps kids develop important life skills, communication, and social behaviors. It works through positive reinforcement—rewarding good behaviors to encourage them.

Studies show that early, intensive ABA therapy can really help kids develop communication and self-regulation skills (source).

That said, ABA isn’t for everyone. Some autistic advocates argue it can be too rigid. The key? Finding an approach that’s supportive, respectful, and focused on helping the child rather than just changing their behavior.

2. Occupational Therapy (OT) and Sensory Therapy (Including Food Therapy!)

Many autistic kids have sensory sensitivities—loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, even the feeling of socks on their feet can be overwhelming. That’s where OT comes in.

Occupational therapists help kids with:

• Fine motor skills (holding a pencil, using utensils)
• Daily living skills (getting dressed, brushing teeth)
• Sensory processing (managing sensitivity to textures, sounds, and movement)

Food therapy is a big part of this too! If your child is a super picky eater (which is common in autism), it’s not just about being “fussy.” Certain textures or smells might be overwhelming. OT-based food therapy gradually introduces new foods in a way that’s safe and stress-free.

3. Speech-Language Therapy (SLT)

Not all autistic kids are verbal, and even those who are might struggle with communication—expressing their needs, understanding social cues, or holding conversations.

Speech therapy helps with:

• Verbal skills (learning new words, forming sentences)
• Non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions)
• Alternative communication methods (AAC devices, sign language)

4. Play Therapy

Kids learn through play, so why not use it to help them with social and emotional skills? Play therapy helps autistic children interact with others, express emotions, and develop imagination in a way that feels natural to them.

Studies show that play therapy can improve social interaction and emotional regulation (source).

5. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parents—you play a HUGE role in your child’s development. PCIT helps you:

• Improve communication with your child
• Reduce tantrums and meltdowns
• Build a stronger parent-child connection

Research shows that PCIT helps reduce challenging behaviors and improve family relationships (source).

Why These Therapies Matter

Early intervention is life-changing. Therapy doesn’t just teach skills—it helps autistic kids gain confidence, communicate better, and become more independent.

Research shows that early therapy can significantly improve long-term outcomes for autistic children (source).

But… and here’s the frustrating part… getting access to these therapies? It’s not easy.

Why Is It So Hard to Get Therapy?

1. Therapy Costs a Fortune

Many families can’t afford therapy. Some programs cost thousands of dollars per month, and not all provinces in Canada provide full funding. Insurance coverage is often limited, leaving parents to pay out of pocket.

2. The Waitlists Are Ridiculous

Imagine knowing your child NEEDS speech therapy—but you’re told to wait a year, maybe two. That’s a reality for many families in Canada.

3. Living in a Rural Area? It is Going to be Tough.

If you don’t live in a big city, finding an autism specialist can be nearly impossible. Some families drive hours just to see a therapist. Others have no choice but to rely on virtual sessions, which don’t always work for every child.

4. Parents Don’t Always Know Where to Start

The world of autism therapies is confusing. Parents aren’t handed a roadmap when their child is diagnosed. They’re left to figure it out on their own, often feeling lost in a maze of medical jargon and paperwork.

Final Thoughts

Therapy can make an incredible difference in an autistic child’s life—but the sad reality is, many kids don’t get the help they need because of cost, wait times, and lack of access.

We need to push for change so that every autistic child gets the support they deserve.

And parents—if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. Keep advocating, keep asking questions, and keep pushing for the services your child needs.