Experience the transformative impact of ABA hierarchy on nurturing growth through guided learning.
If your child has autism, you know that they might need help to make progress in various areas. As a dedicated parent, you might be looking for new ways to help them succeed. You want to do everything you can to give them the best skillset so they can navigate life with neurodiversity. There are many different therapies and resources available that can help children on the spectrum in many different ways, and you’ve probably tried at least some of them.
Traditionally, mainstream therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and ABA therapy are recommended for children with autism — and they help children progress and reach developmental milestones. But have you ever wondered if there’s more you can do for your child? While I definitely believe you should pursue traditional methods, embracing some holistic support for autism as well can boost success to new levels.
Read on to learn more about alternative methods that may be beneficial for children with autism.
Alternative therapies for autism
There are many different kinds of holistic autism interventions out there. Taking a holistic treatment approach can help your child thrive and boost their cognitive and social development. Some methods are more effective than others — and some are not recommended, especially for young children.
Here are some of the most highly endorsed alternative treatments for autism:
Sensory integration therapy
Ask an OT about sensory integration therapy. This can help your child’s brain process sensory input differently — which can help them handle sensory input like noises, lights, or the feels of different textures.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of traditional Chinese medicine that can be helpful in various areas. A study has found that acupuncture can be helpful for children with autism in areas like emotional regulation, anxiety, and cognitive performance.
Mindfulness-based therapies
Therapies based on mindfulness are proven to be helpful for children with autism, especially with building social skills and reducing aggressive behaviors. Some effective mindfulness-based therapies are MYmind, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) — and even yoga.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-Massage therapies </h3> <p><!-- /wp:heading --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Since many children with autism often over-process or under-process sensory input, sensory-based therapies can help them regulate. Modalities like craniosacral therapy, aromatherapy massage, and deep pressure massage can be very beneficial for children with autism</p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:heading {" level":3}="" --="">Dietary interventions
The food we eat affects our gut and mental health. Serving a healthy, balanced diet or cutting out gluten, dairy, food dyes, and highly processed foods can have a game-changing positive effect on children’s moods and behavior.
Natural supplements
Some herbal and/or natural remedies have been shown to be helpful in improving overall health — and affect our kids’ moods and behaviors. Omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, probiotics, and vitamin D-3 are all options that may be beneficial for your child (and yourself, too).
What to keep in mind
Not all holistic treatments are equal — and not everything is recommended. When looking for alternative therapies for autism, always do your research first. Some natural remedies can be unsafe or counterproductive, so ask a qualified doctor before trying any alternative methods.
When looking for a holistic provider, look for someone who has solid medical credentials, a licensed and/or supervised practice, and a proven success rate. Make sure to check into both the modality and the practitioner before trying something new so that you can be sure it won’t cause any undesired side effects.
Remember, natural remedies and alternative treatments can be a wonderful supplement to traditional approaches — but not a replacement. Never drop a science-backed approach to pursue a holistic remedy, and stay away from practitioners who tell you that you should. Make the most of alternative methods along with proven pediatrician-recommended therapies to maximize your child’s success.
Learn more about holistic support for autism
Did this get you curious? Do you want some more information about the available therapies or remedies you can try for your child? Here are some more resources that you may find helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are holistic autism therapies safe for children?
When properly researched and implemented under qualified supervision, many holistic therapies can be safe and beneficial. Always consult with healthcare providers before starting new treatments.
Can holistic therapies replace traditional autism treatments?
No, holistic therapies should complement, not replace, evidence-based traditional treatments like ABA, speech, and occupational therapy.
What is sensory integration therapy?
Sensory integration therapy helps children with autism process sensory input like sounds, lights, and textures more effectively through structured activities.
HELP FOR THE HARD PART OF THE DAY.
When the next tantrum hits... do you feel prepared, or do you feel stuck trying to figure out what to do? Get weekly emails from clinicians and parenting experts who know what to do when autism meets real life!
GOT A QUESTION?
You don’t have to be “ready” for anything to get help from our team. If you have a question about your child, ABA, screening, or anything about autism… give us a call anytime.
