Resources
Supporting your family with expert guidance and helpful resources at every step of your child's unique journey.
Occupational Therapy
A specialized treatment designed to help children improve independence, motor skills, sensory processing skills, and social interaction skills in daily activities. The therapy sessions are led by a licensed registered occupational therapist (OTR/L) and/or a licensed certified occupational therapist (COTA).
Types of Therapy Services
Comprehensive care programs including therapy, educational support, and community engagement tailored for autistic children and their families.
Speech Therapy
A specialized treatment designed to focus on helping children improve their language skills, expressive abilities, social engagement, and articulation in everyday life. These therapy sessions are facilitated by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) dedicated to supporting your child’s voice and connection with others.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps children see how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. With a trained therapist, kids learn simple tools to challenge unhelpful thoughts, manage big feelings, and practice new coping skills in everyday life.
Feeding Therapy
A gentle, supportive approach designed to encourage the exploration of new foods at a natural pace. By focusing on sensory comfort and positive behavioral shifts, this method helps overcome specific mealtime challenges, ensuring children feel safe, nourished, and physically supported.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is a structured approach that helps children learn new skills by breaking goals into small steps and using positive reinforcement. It often focuses on communication, daily living, and social skills to support the child’s quality of life.
Hippo Therapy
Hippotherapy uses the natural, rhythmic motion of a horse to help children with autism grow. This gentle movement improves balance and core strength while calming the nervous system. In a peaceful outdoor setting, your child builds social confidence and reaches new physical milestones through a unique bond with their horse.
Explore different types of non-traditional therapy services to find options that best support families, build confidence, and fit each child’s unique sensory and emotional needs.
Non-Traditional Therapy Services
Play therapy is a type of therapy that uses toys, games, and pretend play to help children express feelings, work through worries, and practice new skills in a safe, fun space. For autistic children, it can support communication, social interaction, and flexibility in a way that feels natural and low‑pressure.
Play Therapy
Music Therapy
Music therapy is type of therapy that incorporates music and musical tools to help children develop social and communication skills. A board-certified music therapist leads each session and uses rhythm, melody, and movement to help with skills like paying attention, sharing feelings, and interacting with others.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses drawing, painting, and other creative activities to help children express their feelings, process experiences, and build coping skills. It can be especially helpful for autistic children who find it easier to communicate through pictures than words. In art therapy, a trained therapist gently guides the child through fun, low‑pressure activities so they can feel safe, understood, and proud of what they create.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is a type of therpay that provides a warm, soothing environment where water helps your child move with ease. Through guided play, this therapy builds physical strength and coordination while the water's gentle pressure naturally calms the sensory system. It is a wonderful way for autistic children to gain confidence and improve focus, turning every therapeutic milestone into a fun and splashy success.
Floortime Therapy
Floortime therapy is a warm, heart-centered approach that focuses on building strong relationships. By following the child's lead during play, therapists meet them right where they are on the floor, encouraging natural growth. This gentle method helps autistic children strengthen their social-emotional bonds, expand their communication, and develop meaningful play skills through joyful, shared interactions.
School Resources
These educational guides offer clear explanations of IEPs, 504 plans, special education, and school-based therapies for autistic students.
What is Special Education?
Special education is a set of services and supports designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities. It provides individualized instruction, accommodations, and related services so students can access the curriculum, make progress in school, and develop important life skills.
What are School-Related Services?
School-related services are special supports that help students with disabilities fully engage in their education and feel part of the classroom family. These services can include specialized speech, occupational or physical therapies, professional counseling, and safe transportation. By providing these extra tools, schools ensure every child can overcome obstacles, actively participate in lessons, and enjoy a meaningful learning experience alongside their peers.
What is an Inclusive Class?
An inclusive classroom is a general education classroom where students with and without disabilities learn together. All students are valued, supported, and given what they need to participate, learn, and belong. Teachers use different strategies, tools, and supports so each child can work at their own level while still being part of the same class community.
What is a Self-Contained Class?
A self-contained classroom is a smaller, specialized classroom where students with similar learning or support needs learn together for most or all of the school day. It offers a quieter setting, more individual attention, and extra support, while still working toward the same big learning goals as other students in the school.
Resources for Adolescence
These expert resources help autistic teens navigate puberty, build autonomy, and gain the necessary tools for mastery over daily life.
Period Education Guide
by Noelle Vidak, OTR/L
The Period Education Guide developed by occupational therapist Noelle Vidak is a simple, easy‑to‑read resource that helps young people understand what a period is and how to take care of themselves. It uses clear social stories, visual tools, and step‑by‑step strategies to make learning about periods calm, predictable, and easier to practice.
Resources for Young Adults
Access essential tools and guides designed to assist with higher education, employment, independent living, and active community participation.
Night To Shine
Tim Tebow Foundation
Night to Shine is a worldwide prom‑style celebration for people with special needs, created by the Tim Tebow Foundation. It brings together churches, volunteers, families, and communities to honor guests ages 14+ with an evening designed to make every participant feel valued, loved, and celebrated. It takes place on the Friday before Valentine’s Day every year.
Nationwide Event
Inclusive Summer Camps
Inclusive summer camps are programs that welcome children of all abilities to play, learn, and build friendships together. Staff are trained to support kids with different sensory, social, and learning needs so everyone can join in safely. These camps often offer adapted activities, flexible routines, and extra support to help autistic children feel included, confident, and part of the fun.
Fun Activities
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics is a global movement that provides year‑round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities for physical fitness, confidence, friendship, and inclusion. It has grown to support over 5 million athletes across more than 30 Olympic‑style sports.
Nationwide Event
Nationwide Event
Adaptive Sports
Adaptive sports are sports and physical activities that are modified so people with disabilities can take part safely and successfully. Rules, equipment, or playing spaces may be changed to match each person’s needs. For autistic children, adaptive sports can offer clear routines, extra support, and sensory‑friendly options so they can build skills, confidence, and friendships while having fun.