Autism therapy can begin as early as toddlerhood, often by age 2 or 3. Early intervention is associated with improved language, behavior, and social skills. We adapt therapy for each developmental stage.

Children with autism benefit from a range of evidence-based therapies that are selected based on the child’s developmental profile, strengths, and areas of need. For children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other forms of autism spectrum, therapy often focuses on improving communication, behavior, learning, and overall daily functioning while supporting the family as a whole.

At Forest Psychological Clinic, intervention may include applied behavior analysis and ABA therapy, delivered by experienced behavior analysts and, when appropriate, board certified behavior analysts. These approaches use principles of behavior analysis to help autistic children build functional skills in a structured environment, reinforce positive behaviors, and reduce challenges that interfere with learning. Our ABA therapy services, including ABA therapy Portland options, are individualized so that each child receives support aligned with their goals and developmental level.

We also integrate developmental and relationship-based approaches such as naturalistic play therapy and DIR/Floortime, which support emotional regulation, engagement, and connection. These therapies are especially helpful for strengthening language skills, communication, and interaction for children who may have related communication handicapped children needs or co-occurring intellectual disabilities. Social skills groups further help autistic children practice peer interaction, flexibility, and cooperation in a supportive setting.

For children who benefit from multidisciplinary care, services may also include occupational therapy to address sensory regulation, self-care, and motor skills, as well as physical therapy when movement or coordination challenges are present. Some children may also benefit from behavioral therapy approaches or CBT adaptations to support emotional regulation and coping as they grow.

Family involvement is a core part of effective autism treatment. We offer parent training and parent training sessions so caregivers understand strategies that can be used consistently at home and school. Support may also involve a family therapist or family therapist associate, ensuring caregivers feel confident and supported throughout the process. All services are coordinated with other healthcare providers as needed, following a comprehensive psychological assessment.

Every child’s therapy is guided by an individualized treatment plan that reflects how the child receives information, responds to intervention, and builds skills over time. By tailoring autism therapies to each child’s unique needs, we help families support meaningful progress in communication, learning, and quality of life.

Yes, autism therapy can help many children speak more clearly, especially when communication goals are built into a comprehensive, individualized approach. For neurodivergent children, therapy often targets both expressive and receptive language by strengthening how a child understands language, forms sounds or words, and uses communication meaningfully in everyday situations. Strategies may include visuals, modeling, structured practice, and alternative or augmentative communication systems such as AAC devices when appropriate.

Therapists use positive reinforcement to encourage communication attempts, helping children feel motivated and successful as they practice new skills. Progress is carefully monitored under clinical supervision, ensuring interventions are evidence-based and adjusted as your child’s needs evolve. Because no two children are the same, what works for one child may look very different for another, particularly when factors such as co-occurring medical conditions or developmental differences are present.

Language development is most effective when skills generalize beyond the therapy room. That’s why intervention often extends into natural settings, such as play, daily routines, and interactions at your child’s school, so communication skills are functional and meaningful. Collaboration with educators and other healthcare providers helps ensure consistency across environments.

Speech-focused goals are frequently integrated with other therapies, such as occupational therapy or behavioral support, to address attention, sensory needs, or social engagement that can impact communication. Families are supported as clients navigate the therapy process, learning how to reinforce language growth at home and in the community.

While the primary focus is often on children, these approaches also reflect a broader understanding of communication across the lifespan, benefiting neurodivergent adults as well. Ultimately, autism therapy does not aim to change who a child is, but to support clearer communication, greater confidence, and improved connection with others in ways that respect each child’s unique profile.

Absolutely. Therapy helps identify the triggers behind behaviors and teaches children and families tools for regulation, communication, and reducing emotional overload in daily situations.

We collaborate with existing school teams, IEPs, and therapists to ensure consistency and reinforce learning across settings. Our therapy complements school-based services and adds individualized attention.

Very involved. Parents participate in goal setting, observe sessions, and learn to apply techniques at home. Our goal is to make caregivers confident partners in their child's progress.

Many insurance plans cover autism-related therapy. We can help verify your benefits and provide billing documentation or referrals to in-network providers if needed.

We use child-led and relationship-based strategies to build trust and engagement. Many children grow to enjoy sessions and respond well once they feel safe and supported.

Yes. Therapy helps children learn turn-taking, reading social cues, sharing, and navigating group settings. We practice these through play and structured interactions.

Contact our clinic to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll review your concerns, match you with a therapist, and create a customized therapy plan that fits your child and family.