Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Program

Treatment Guide

ASD & Neurodiversity Program: Your Interdisciplinary Treatment Guide

Navigating daily routines in the presence of neuro-differences,such as autism, dyspraxia, or sensory processing challenges,requires a specialized therapeutic approach to movement and internal awareness. Our program integrates Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech-Language Pathology (ST) to facilitate your motor, cognitive, communication, and social-emotional regulation development.

By concentrating on evidence-based methodologies,including Gestalt Language Processing, DIR/Floortime, Interoception, and Vagal Nerve approaches,we endeavor to support your communication and improve your body's capacity to maintain a calm, organized state, promoting readiness for daily engagement.

Why We Work as an Interdisciplinary Team

Evidence indicates that an intensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes functional restoration improves your overall ability to participate in daily routines and enhances your quality of life.

Physical Therapy (PT): We focus on strengthening your body and improving movement patterns through clinical exercises.

Occupational Therapy (OT): We focus on adapting your daily activities, home environment, and developing regulation and social-emotional skills to maintain your independence.

Speech-Language Pathology (ST): We focus on facilitating communication and social skills to support your engagement in the world.

Our Shared Goal: Using a client centered approach to help you achieve success in the areas that are most important to you!

1. Guided Regulation & Movement Activities

Please perform these activities 3-4 times per week as prescribed by your team to strengthen your body's endurance and work tolerance.

Note: Stop any activity that causes distress or pain, and consult us before continuing.

Interoception Check-ins: Practice noticing internal body signals (e.g., "Is my heart fast or slow?") to improve internal awareness.

Vagal Nerve Regulation: Use gentle humming or specific breathing patterns to help your body maintain a calm, organized state.

DIR/Floortime Engagement: We follow your lead to build social-emotional connections and circles of communication.

Motor Planning Tasks: Practice multi-step movements to help with dyspraxia and improve your body's readiness for daily tasks.

2. Guided Daily Activity Modifications

We focus on adapting your routines to reduce sensory overwhelm and maintain your independence.

Communication & Social Support

Gestalt Language Processing: We will use modeled phrases ("gestalts") that fit your natural communication style during daily tasks.

Visual Pacing: Break your day into smaller segments using visual schedules to keep your environment predictable.

Home Environment Adaptations

Strategic Storage: We recommend storing your most-used sensory tools (like headphones or fidgets) in easy to reach locations to help with overall regulation.

Seating Support: Use chairs that include movement to help with overall regulation (eg. rocking chair, ball chair, roller chair)

Safe Spaces: Keep a cozy corner available for times when the environment is overwhelming or when you just need time alone. Consider beanbags, softer blankets with preferred textures, soft scents and tents to close out the light. Some individuals keep fidgets or headphones in their cozy corner.

3. Body Awareness & Regulation Strategies

Pacing Your Energy

Break Tasks Down: Divide complex routines into smaller, manageable segments.

Alternate Positions: Move between sitting, standing, and active movement every 30 minutes to keep your body organized.

Proactive Rest: Schedule regulation breaks before you feel overwhelmed or "burnt out".

Stress Reduction & Mindfulness

Deep Breathing: Practice slow, rhythmic breathing to support your nervous system.

Mindful Observation: Notice sensory triggers in your environment without judgment.

Reframing Sensations: Instead of seeing a fast heartbeat as "scary," reframe it as a signal your body is working hard.

When to Contact Your Treatment Team

Please reach out to your PT, OT, or ST if you experience:

A significant decrease in your ability to participate in daily activities despite our modifications.

New or worsening physical pain, numbness, or weakness.

Changes in sleep patterns or a sustained loss of your "calm, organized state".

Remember: Recovery and development take time. Small, consistent changes in both your physical activities AND your daily habits lead to lasting improvement. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Additional Treatment Information

All Care Therapies

Neurodiversity & Wellness Program

Neurodiversity: Your Interdisciplinary Treatment Guide

Description: Neurodiversity significantly impacts an individual's ability to navigate daily routines and social environments. This program supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, OCD, and other cognitive or neuro-conditions. We utilize a biopsychosocial, client-centered approach that addresses the client's needs in all areas,physical, psychological, and social. By honoring neuro-differences, we focus on autonomy, empowerment, and holistic health.

Why Work with an Interdisciplinary Team?

Evidence indicates that an intensive, multidisciplinary approach improves functional restoration and the overall quality of life. Our team works collaboratively to address the complex needs of neurodiverse individuals:

Occupational Therapy (OT): Focuses on sensory processing development, self-care, and adapting routines to support independence and emotional regulation.

Speech-Language Pathology (ST/SLP): Addresses communication through Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), and social-emotional development.

Physical Therapy (PT): Promotes physical function, coordination, and balance to support participation in meaningful daily activities.

Integrated Approaches: We utilize the DIR/Floortime and PLAY Project approaches to support social-emotional growth through relationship-based, child-led interaction.

Guided Developmental Strategies & Environmental Adaptations

Implement these strategies 3-4 times per week or as integrated into daily routines to support functional participation.

Sensory & Communication Support (OT/ST)

Heavy Work Activities: Engage in proprioceptive tasks (pushing, pulling, carrying) to support sensory and emotional regulation.

AAC Integration: Utilize high-tech or low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools across all environments to ensure a reliable voice.

Gestalt Language Modeling: For GLP learners, model language using natural "gestalts" or phrases within meaningful play contexts to support communication development.

Environmental Adaptations

Strategic Storage: Organize frequently used items in the "power zone" (shoulder to hip height) to reduce cognitive load and frustration.

Sensory Zones: Designate a specific area in the home or workplace for regulation, equipped with tools like weighted blankets or noise-canceling headphones.

Visual Schedules: Use visual cues to adapt daily routines and reduce transitions-related stress.

Coordination, Balance & Movement Recommendations

Physical function is integrated collaboratively into the rehabilitation plan to support participation.

Motor & Posture Support (OT/PT)

Dynamic Balance Practice: Engage in activities that challenge balance (standing on one foot, walking on uneven surfaces) to improve coordination.

Core Stability: Exercises like "Dead Bug" or "Bird Dog" to strengthen the core, supporting better posture for sitting and learning tasks.

Positioning for Learning: Ensure the workstation or play area allows feet to be flat on the floor with back support to maintain natural curves and focus.

Sensory & Emotional Regulation Strategies

Our approach is trauma-informed and patient-centered, focusing on energy and stress management.

Pacing Activities: Break tasks into smaller segments and alternate between high-energy and low-energy tasks to manage fatigue.

Mindfulness & Deep Breathing: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce sensory overload and manage social-emotional concerns.

Proactive Rest: Schedule rest breaks before sensory or emotional overwhelm occurs to maintain regulation.

When to Contact Your Therapist

Contact your interdisciplinary team if you notice any of the following:

Significant regression in communication or functional daily routines.

Increased sensory sensitivities that interfere with participation despite modifications.

New or worsening coordination and balance concerns that impact safety.

Emotional regulation challenges that do not improve with current strategies.

Remember: Small, consistent changes in both daily habits and developmental strategies lead to lasting improvement. We're here to support you and your family every step of the way.