Know that you are not alone! Most of us at the ASNLA have been there, and we are ALL here for you! Hopefully, the facility that completed the evaluation recommended therapies tailored to your child’s needs if applicable. Unfortunately, referral for additional services doesn’t always take place. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to Autism interventions. Not every therapy/intervention is appropriate for every child or adult with Autism. Each child with Autism will benefit from a therapy program tailored to their unique needs; therefore, the ASNLA can not recommend any particular therapy or endorse any specific service providers. *While this is not an all-inclusive list of any and all potential intervention services for Autism, these services (or evaluation of need for these services) are often recommended following a diagnosis of Autism and are available in North Louisiana. Please see the additional links for more possible interventions*
Please see additional pages under this tab for services providers we have in our area for these therapies/interventions.
ABA is defined as using the principles and science of behavior theory to meaningfully improve skills with communication, social skills, adaptive living skills, etc. There are various ABA clinics throughout North Louisiana.
The Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based – DIR – intervention model, also known as Floor Time™, is centered around improving connections with parents/caregivers or play partners as a basis to improve language skills, social skills and to reduce repetitive behaviors. To our knowledge, this is not as widely available in our area as ABA is. There was one provider listed in Shreveport, which is listed on the Therapy Resources page.
Social skills are targeted through the above listed therapies; Speech-Language Therapists also specialize in improving social skills. Additionally, many ABA clinics in North Louisiana, also offer social skills groups. The Speech-Language Pathology Department at the University of Louisiana at Monroe also offers social skills groups.
A Speech-Language Pathologist, or Speech Therapist, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of articulation (speech sounds), language (including social language), feeding/swallowing issues, and voice/resonance. Speech Therapist often work with children with Autism to improve pragmatic (social language skills), as well as any co-occurring issues with others areas of communication.
Occupational Therapists specialize in assisting individuals in improving their ability to interact with their environment throughout daily activities. Occupational Therapists work with such a wide range of skills. These areas include, but are not limited to: self care (such as ability to dress self, toileting), sensory processing issues, fine-motor skills (such as grasping, writing, ability to use fasteners, etc), visual integration/processing, emotional regulation skills, etc.
Physical Therapists specialize in how the body moves in order to complete daily tasks effectively. Like Occupational Therapists, they diagnose and treat a variety of issues. Physical Therapists specialize in improving stamina, balance, gross motor skills, motor imitation, coordination, and more. Since children with Autism sometimes also have co-occurring difficulties in these areas, Physical Therapists are often a part of the multi-disciplinary team that serves a child with Autism.
Children with Autism at times also have co-occurring difficulty within the areas that Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists treat. Therefore, those therapists are often a part of the multi-disciplinary team that serve a child with Autism. There are various multi-disciplinary therapy clinics throughout North Louisiana, most of which having all 3 of those therapies within one facility.