Early intervention refers to the specialized support and therapies provided to young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as soon as developmental concerns are identified. These services are designed to address key areas of growth, including communication, social skills, and behavior, during a critical window when a child's brain is highly adaptable and responsive to learning. Early intervention can include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and social skills training, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each child. Research shows that starting interventions as early as possible can lead to significant improvements in a child's abilities and overall development, laying a strong foundation for future learning, relationships, and independence. By acting early, families can help maximize their child's potential and open doors to greater opportunities throughout life.

Early Intervention Options:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

What it looks like: 

ABA therapy focus on improving specific behaviors like communication, social skills, academics, and daily living skills. A trained therapist works 1:1 with your child, often breaking skills into small steps and rewarding progress. Sessions can happen at home, in clinics, or in school, and typically involve lots of positive reinforcement like praise, toys, or through activities your child enjoys.  

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

What it looks like:

ESDM is a play based, relationship focused, therapy for toddlers and preschoolers. Therapists use games, toys, songs, and everyday routines to teach communication, social interaction, and thinking skills. The therapy feels like "playtime" but is carefully designed to build important skills.  

Speech Language Therapy

What it looks like:

Speech therapists help children improve their communication. Whether thats spoken language, sign language, or alternative communication devices (like picture boards). Parent soften join sessions to practice helping their child understand and use language naturally at home, during meals, playtime, or outings. 

Occupational therapy (OT)

What it looks like:

OT helps children gain independence in daily activities like eating, getting dressed, writing, and playing. Therapists work on fine motor skills (small hand movements), sensory integration (handling sounds, textures, movements), and routines. Parents learn techniques to practice at home, like sensory "breaks" or adaptive tools. 

Social Skills Training

What it looks like:

Children learn how to interact with others like making eye contact, taking turns, sharing, and having conversations. Therapy might happen in small groups or 1:1, often using role playing games, and real life practice. Parents sometimes receive homework activities to build social skills outside of therapy. 

Parent Mediated Interventions (P-ESDM, Hanen Program)

What it looks like:

Instead of only therapists working with the child, parents are trained to be their child's best teacher during everyday moments. Through coaching sessions, you learn strategies to increase your child's communication, social, and play skills at home during meals, playtime, etc. Its empowering and helps build skills faster. 

If you're interested in finding a therapist for any of these therapy styles, head to the "Find a Clinician" tab at the top of page!