Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with autism often have difficulty with social communication, repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing. While there is no cure for autism, therapy can help children with ASD develop skills and improve their quality of life.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government scheme that funds people with disabilities, including children with autism, to receive therapy and support services. One of the most common questions that parents of children with autism ask is how much therapy their child should be receiving. In this article, we will explore the different types of therapy available for children with autism and how much therapy is appropriate.

Types of Therapy for Children with Autism

Several types of therapy are effective for children with autism.

1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is a type of therapy that focuses on improving behaviour by using positive reinforcement. ABA often teaches new skills, such as communication and social interactions.

2. Speech Therapy

Speech therapy focuses on improving communication skills, including language, articulation, and social communication.

3. Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living skills, such as fine motor skills, self-care, and sensory processing.

4. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills like walking, running, and jumping.

5. Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration therapy focuses on helping children with sensory processing issues learn to process sensory information more effectively.

How Much Therapy is Appropriate?

The amount of appropriate therapy for a child with autism depends on several factors, including the child's age, the severity of symptoms, and individual needs. According to the NDIS, children with autism should receive at least 20 hours of therapy per week.

However, this is just a minimum recommendation, and many children may need more therapy to achieve their goals. The amount of therapy needed will depend on the child's individual needs and the goals that have been set. For example, a nonverbal child may need more speech therapy than a child with only mild communication issues.

It is important to note that therapy should be tailored to the child's needs, and the amount of therapy needed may change over time. Some children may need more therapy at the beginning of their treatment, while others may need more therapy as they grow and develop.

The Role of Parents in Therapy

Parents play a critical role in their child's therapy. Parents should be actively involved in their child's therapy, including attending therapy sessions, practising skills at home, and communicating regularly with their child's therapists.

Parents should also work closely with their child's therapists to set goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to their child's needs. This may involve adjusting the amount of therapy needed over time as the child's needs change.

Conclusion

Therapy is an important part of treatment for children with autism. The amount of therapy needed will depend on the child's individual needs and the goals that have been set. While the NDIS recommends at least 20 hours of therapy per week, many children may need more therapy to achieve their goals. Parents play a critical role in their child's therapy and should work closely with their child's therapists to develop a treatment plan tailored to their child's needs.

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