How Therapy Works for Children with Autism

Autism is a condition that affects how people communicate and interact with others. It is estimated that about 1 in 44 children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2018. While the exact prevalence rate in Singapore is unknown, at least 400 cases of autism are diagnosed annually. With more children being identified with ASD, there is a growing need for speech, occupational, behavioural and educational therapy to help mitigate the adverse symptoms of ASD.

Speech therapy is an important form of autism therapy that helps individuals with autism to improve their non-verbal, verbal, and social communication skills. At Olive Tree Development Center (OTDC), speech therapists teach children different forms of communication, ensuring that each individual can express their needs and wants verbally or through the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). After undergoing sessions of speech therapy, clients with autism can improve their spoken language and can use more nonverbal methods of communication to better interact with one another.

Occupational therapy for clients with autism focuses on fine motor, gross motor, and daily living skills to level the playing field for clients in terms of education. It also helps in managing sensory processing issues that individuals with autism tend to present that affect their self-care, regulation, and behaviours. This form of autism therapy is crucial in their development. Occupational therapy also incorporates the use of sensory circuits, which helps clients to be more regulated, decrease anxiety, and provide a platform for clients to prosper and excel in the community in the long run by allowing them to better regulate their emotions.

Behavioural therapy is another form of autism therapy that focuses on behaviour modification by understanding the precedent and antecedent of the behaviour. One that is commonly utilised is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which aims to augment desirable behaviours and diminish undesirable behaviours. ABA therapy incorporates teaching practices such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). DTT imparts new skills or behaviours to clients, while PRT aims to equip clients with the necessary social skills they require to interact with the people around them. The use of behavioural therapy can help clients adopt desirable behaviour when they are out in the community.

Educational therapy is also an important feature when conducting treatment plans for clients with ASD. It aims to inculcate various strategies to help clients with ASD tackle various issues such as dyslexia and improve their schoolwork. For example, for clients with ASD who have cognitive impairments, such as difficulty with executive functioning, and educational therapy, helps them overcome these difficulties.

In summary, autism therapy is essential for individuals with autism to mitigate the adverse symptoms that ASD brings about. It includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, and educational therapy, each with its own unique approach to help individuals with autism improve their communication, behaviour, and overall quality of life.

For inquiries about your child’s developmental needs, you may reach:

• Olive Tree Development Center 179A, 179B, and 181A Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Center, Singapore 6252 5200
• 1 Marine Parade Central #13-09 Parkway Centre Singapore 449408 6252 5200

Or schedule an appointment with us today.