When my son was first diagnosed with autism, we were recommended Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Like many families, we saw improvements and valued the structure it brought into our lives. However, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for all.
Secondly observing my son, I noticed that while he made progress, we needed to address more than just behavior to support his overall growth and happiness
This realization led us to explore a more holistic approach that would complement the gains made with ABA. In this blog, I’ll share our journey through some of these ABA alternatives, aiming to provide other parents with insights and options that consider the whole child.
The Limitations of ABA Therapy
ABA therapy has been the cornerstone of autism treatment for many including my son, however, it’s not without controversies. The structured and sometimes rigid nature of ABA has been debated, with some critics arguing that it focuses too heavily on compliance and not enough on emotional and cognitive development.
The ongoing debates about the method’s application can make parents consider alternative approaches that could offer a more individualized and flexible support system.
Our Experience with ABA Alternatives
In our journey to provide a holistic therapeutic environment for my son, we embraced several ABA alternatives that addressed different aspects of his development:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
We utilized CBT to help my son manage his emotions and behaviors more effectively. It was particularly helpful in teaching him coping strategies for anxiety and providing him with tools to better understand his feelings and reactions.
Floortime Therapy
Floortime was a natural fit for us, as it involved engaging my son in activities he loved. Whether it was rolling a ball back and forth, completing a puzzle together, or engaging in pretend play with his favorite toys, this therapy allowed us to meet him right where he was interested. This not only supported his emotional and cognitive growth but also strengthened our parent-child bond.
Music Therapy
Conducted by a specialist, music therapy as an ABA alternative was a transformative experience for my son. It gave him a creative outlet to express himself and connect with others without the need for words. The therapy sessions included activities like listening to soothing music, playing simple instruments, and moving to music, all of which helped improve his communication skills and emotional well-being.
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
RDI has been an integral part of our journey, focusing on building social communication skills and emotional connections. This therapy emphasized guiding rather than directing, which helped my son become more flexible and thoughtful in his interactions. By working on dynamic intelligence, RDI has enabled him to navigate social situations more effectively, enhancing his ability to participate in meaningful relationships.
Social Skills Groups
Participating in social skills groups provided a structured setting for my son to practice interacting with peers. These groups facilitated by therapists helped him learn how to initiate conversations, understand social cues, and build friendships. The real-time feedback and positive reinforcement he received were crucial in boosting his confidence and social competence.
Exploring a Broad Spectrum of Therapeutic Options
While we found significant benefits in therapies like CBT, Floortime, Music Therapy, RDI, and Social Skills Groups, there are others that have proved to be quite good. We run into parents at therapy centers and group sessions all the time, and they swear by the below-mentioned options.
Why haven’t we personally explored these APA alternatives, well, we haven’t yet needed to. But, you should know they are options in case your chil’s needs and responses are not met with the above.
Play Therapy
Utilizing the natural medium of play, Play Therapy helps children express their feelings, experiences, and thoughts in a non-directive, engaging way. This therapy is particularly beneficial for younger children who may not yet have the vocabulary to express themselves.
Dietary Adjustments
Changes in diet can sometimes lead to noticeable improvements in behavior and overall well-being. Some parents report reduced symptoms of anxiety and hyperactivity when specific allergens or irritants are removed from their child’s diet.
Medication
Medication is of course not therapy, but it can be critical for managing specific symptoms that accompany autism, such as ADHD or anxiety, thus supporting children to benefit more fully from other types of therapies.
We are personally not for medication. But, we’ve also seen cases of autism where without medication, they would be a risk to themselves and others around them. So, depending on the type of autism you’re dealing with – medication could be the right call.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments
These can include a wide range of practices like acupuncture, herbal supplements, or mindfulness techniques, which some families find helpful in managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall emotional regulation.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Engaging with animals can provide a soothing and motivating way for children to learn communication, social skills, and responsibility, often leading to significant emotional and social benefits.
Holistic Therapy
This approach considers the entire spectrum of a child’s being—physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors—and integrates various practices to support all-around development.
Final Thoughts
While ABA therapy has been a staple in autism treatment, it’s not the only option, and as we’ve seen, it might not fully meet every child’s needs. Our journey through various therapeutic alternatives has taught us the importance of a personalized approach—one that considers the whole child, their strengths, and their specific challenges.
As parents, we are our children’s best advocates. It’s crucial to stay informed, open-minded, and proactive in exploring all available therapies. Remember, the goal is not just to manage behaviors but to support a full and joyful life for our child. Each child with autism is unique, and their therapy should reflect their individuality.