Autism Spectrum Services - Speech & OT North Texas

Supporting Your Child’s Unique Journey with Understanding, Expertise, and Hope

Has your child recently received an autism diagnosis, or are you wondering if your child might be on the autism spectrum? Are you feeling overwhelmed by questions about your child’s development, communication, or sensory needs? You’re not alone in this journey. At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we understand autism from both professional expertise and personal experience—our founder has an adult son on the autism spectrum, bringing deep personal understanding to our clinical knowledge.

For over 20 years, we’ve been privileged to support children with autism spectrum disorders and their families, helping each child reach their unique potential while honoring their individual strengths and challenges.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of strengths, challenges, and support needs that individuals with autism may have. No two children with autism are exactly alike—each has their own unique profile of abilities, interests, and areas where they need support.

At Speech & OT North Texas, we view autism through a strengths-based lens, recognizing that children with autism bring unique perspectives, intense interests, attention to detail, and often remarkable abilities in specific areas. Our goal is never to “fix” or change who your child is, but rather to help them develop skills that will support their communication, independence, and ability to participate meaningfully in their world.

Core Areas We Address for Children with Autism

Communication Development

Many children with autism have unique communication profiles that may include:

Verbal Communication Challenges:

Delayed speech development or absence of spoken language
Echolalia (repeating words or phrases from others)
Difficulty with conversational turn-taking and social language
Challenges with nonverbal communication like gestures and facial expressions
Unusual prosody (rhythm, tone, or volume of speech)

Language Processing Differences:

Difficulty understanding abstract language, sarcasm, or figurative speech
Challenges following multi-step instructions or complex directions
Literal interpretation of language that may cause confusion
Strong preferences for concrete, visual information

Alternative Communication Needs:

Support for children who communicate through gestures, pictures, or devices
Implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
Teaching families and schools to honor all forms of communication

Treatment approach:

We develop individualized communication goals that build on your child’s natural communication style while expanding their ability to express needs, share interests, and connect with others.

Social Communication and Interaction

Social communication involves the complex skills needed for meaningful interactions:

Social Understanding:

Learning to read social cues and understand others’ perspectives
Developing awareness of social expectations in different environments
Understanding the “hidden curriculum” of unwritten social rules
Building skills for peer interaction and friendship development

Pragmatic Language Skills:

Conversational skills like starting, maintaining, and ending interactions
Learning appropriate topics and volume for different settings
Understanding when and how to ask for help or express needs
Developing skills for group participation and collaboration

Emotional Regulation in Social Contexts:

Managing anxiety or overwhelm in social situations
Developing coping strategies for unexpected social changes
Building confidence for social participation and risk-taking

Treatment approach:

We create safe, structured opportunities for social learning while respecting your child’s social communication style and comfort level.

Sensory Processing and Regulation

Many children with autism have unique sensory processing profiles that significantly impact daily life:

Sensory Sensitivities:

Over-responsivity to sounds, lights, textures, or other sensory input
Difficulty filtering background noise in busy environments
Strong preferences or aversions to certain textures, foods, or clothing
Challenges with unexpected sensory experiences or changes

Sensory Seeking Behaviors:

Need for intense proprioceptive input through jumping, crashing, or pressure
Seeking repetitive visual or auditory stimulation
Oral sensory seeking through mouthing or chewing objects
Movement seeking through spinning, rocking, or pacing

Sensory-Based Self-Regulation:

Using sensory strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or overwhelm
Developing awareness of sensory needs and preferences
Learning to communicate sensory needs to others
Creating sensory-supportive environments for optimal functioning

Treatment approach:

We help children understand their sensory needs and develop effective self-regulation strategies while educating families and schools about sensory accommodations.

Executive Functioning and Daily Living Skills

Children with autism often need support developing independence in daily activities:

Organization and Planning:

Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps
Developing routines and systems for daily activities
Learning to use visual schedules and organizational tools
Building flexibility for unexpected changes or transitions

Self-Care Independence:

Dressing, grooming, and hygiene skills adapted to sensory needs
Developing independence in feeding and mealtime behaviors
Learning age-appropriate household responsibilities and life skills
Building problem-solving skills for daily challenges

Academic and Learning Support:

Fine motor skills for handwriting and classroom tools
Attention and focus strategies for learning environments
Organization systems for school materials and assignments
Study skills and learning strategies that match individual learning styles

Treatment approach:

We use structured, visual approaches that honor your child’s learning style while building independence and confidence in daily activities.

Our Autism-Informed Assessment Process

Comprehensive Developmental Evaluation

Our evaluation goes beyond identifying deficits to understand your child’s complete profile:

Communication Assessment:

Formal and informal evaluation of expressive and receptive language
Assessment of social communication and pragmatic language skills
Evaluation of alternative communication needs and preferences
Analysis of communication across different environments and partners

Sensory Processing Evaluation:

Detailed assessment of sensory processing patterns and preferences
Evaluation of how sensory differences impact daily functioning
Assessment of current coping strategies and regulation abilities
Environmental analysis to identify supports and challenges

Occupational Performance Assessment:

Evaluation of fine and gross motor skills development
Assessment of daily living skills and independence levels
Analysis of play skills and leisure interests
Evaluation of academic readiness and learning support needs

Family and Environmental Assessment:

Understanding your child’s strengths and challenges across settings
Assessment of current family routines and support systems
Evaluation of school or daycare environments and needs
Analysis of community participation and social opportunities

Comprehensive Evaluations:

Coordination with developmental pediatricians and psychologists
Detailed recommendations for intervention and support services
Collaboration with school and ABA professionals

Evidence-Based Intervention Approaches

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI)

Our therapy incorporates principles from research-supported approaches:

Child-Led Learning:

Following your child’s interests and motivation for learning
Using natural play interactions to teach communication and social skills
Building on your child’s strengths and preferred activities
Creating positive associations with learning and interaction

Environmental Arrangement:

Structuring environments to promote communication opportunities
Using visual supports and predictable routines
Creating sensory-supportive learning environments
Arranging for natural teaching moments throughout daily activities

Family-Centered Implementation:

Teaching families to use intervention strategies during daily routines
Coaching parents in naturalistic teaching techniques
Supporting families in understanding and responding to their child’s communication
Building family confidence in supporting their child’s development

Communication-Focused Interventions

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):

Assessment for and implementation of communication devices or systems
Teaching symbol-based communication through pictures, signs, or technology
Supporting speech development alongside alternative communication methods
Training families and schools in AAC implementation and maintenance

Social Communication Intervention:

Teaching conversational skills through structured and natural interactions
Building understanding of social rules and expectations
Developing perspective-taking and theory of mind skills
Supporting peer interaction and friendship development

Sensory Integration and Regulation Support

Individualized Sensory Programs:

Development of personalized sensory diets and regulation strategies
Environmental modifications for home, school, and community settings
Teaching self-advocacy skills for sensory needs
Supporting families in understanding and responding to sensory behaviors

What to Expect: From First Visit to Progress

Your First Visit – Comprehensive Autism-Informed Evaluation

Before you arrive:

Complete detailed developmental history forms including early development milestones
Gather any previous evaluations, medical reports, or school assessments
Prepare examples of your child’s communication, interests, and daily challenges
Consider bringing comfort items, preferred activities, or snacks your child enjoys

During and Prior to the evaluation:

Parent consultation: In-depth discussion of developmental history, current concerns, and family goals
Child observation: Naturalistic observation of communication, play, and social interaction
Structured assessments: Formal testing adapted to your child’s communication style and attention span
Sensory and motor evaluation: Assessment of sensory processing and motor skills
Environmental analysis: Discussion of home, school, and community participation

After the evaluation:

Comprehensive discussion of findings within a neurodiversity-affirming framework
Written report with specific, individualized recommendations provided within two weeks
Treatment planning focused on functional goals that matter to your family
Resource sharing about autism support services and community connections
Initial strategies to begin supporting your child’s development immediately

Regular Autism-Focused Therapy Sessions

Session structure:

Relationship building: Establishing trust and connection through your child’s interests
Communication practice: Targeted work on expressive and receptive language goals
Social skill development: Structured and naturalistic social learning opportunities
Sensory regulation: Activities to support optimal arousal and self-regulation
Family coaching: Real-time guidance on supporting your child’s progress at home

What your child will experience:

Acceptance and celebration of their unique communication style and interests
Learning opportunities that build on their natural strengths and motivations
Respect for their sensory needs and processing differences
Structured predictability with gentle expansion of comfort zones
A therapeutic relationship that honors who they are while supporting their growth

Measuring Progress in Autism-Focused Therapy

How we track improvement:

Functional communication gains: Measuring improvements in daily communication across settings
Social engagement increases: Documenting enhanced interaction and relationship building
Independence development: Tracking growth in self-care and daily living skills
Sensory regulation improvements: Assessing better self-regulation and environmental participation
Family quality of life: Evaluating reduced stress and increased positive interactions

What progress looks like:

Increased functional communication for expressing needs and sharing interests
Enhanced social engagement and relationship development
Improved self-regulation and management of sensory challenges
Greater independence in daily activities and self-care
Expanded participation in family, school, and community activities
Increased confidence and positive self-concept

Family Support and Advocacy

Comprehensive Family Education

We believe families are the experts on their children and essential partners in intervention:

Understanding Your Child’s Autism:

Education about autism from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective
Learning to recognize and interpret your child’s unique communication style
Understanding sensory processing differences and their impact on behavior
Recognizing and building on your child’s strengths and interests

Daily Life Strategies:

Adapting family routines to support your child’s needs and reduce stress
Creating visual supports and environmental modifications for home success
Developing effective communication strategies for daily interactions
Managing challenging behaviors through understanding underlying needs

School and Community Advocacy:

Understanding your child’s educational rights and available services
Collaborating with school teams to develop appropriate IEP or 504 plan goals
Advocating for necessary accommodations and modifications
Preparing your child for community participation and social opportunities

Coordinated Care and Referrals

Autism support often benefits from a team approach:

Educational Team Collaboration:

Working with school speech-language pathologists and special education teams
Providing consultation for classroom accommodations and modifications
Supporting transition planning for different educational settings
Coordinating goals between home and school interventions

Medical and Behavioral Support Coordination:

Collaborating with developmental pediatricians and other medical specialists
Coordinating with behavioral analysts and other therapeutic providers
Supporting families in navigating complex service systems
Providing referrals to autism-specific resources and specialists

Community Resource Connection:

Linking families with autism support groups and community organizations
Providing information about autism-friendly community activities and programs
Connecting families with respite care and support services
Sharing resources for sibling support and family wellness

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnosis and Early Concerns

I’m worried my child might have autism. What should I do?

Trust your instincts. If you have concerns about your child’s communication, social interaction, or development, an evaluation can provide clarity and support. Early intervention makes a significant difference, so it’s better to seek assessment sooner rather than later.

My child was just diagnosed with autism. What happens next?

Take time to process the information and know that an autism diagnosis opens doors to understanding and support. We help families navigate next steps including early intervention services, educational planning, and connecting with autism-informed resources and communities.

Will my child with autism be able to live independently someday?

Every person with autism has unique strengths and support needs. Many individuals with autism live independently, attend college, have careers, and form meaningful relationships. Our goal is to help your child develop skills that will support their individual path toward independence and fulfillment.

What’s the difference between speech therapy and ABA for autism?

Speech-language therapy focuses specifically on communication development, social language skills, and sensory processing, often using naturalistic, play-based approaches. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a broader behavioral intervention. Many children benefit from both, and we can work collaboratively with ABA providers when families choose multiple services.

About Treatment

How long will my child need therapy?

This varies greatly depending on your child’s individual needs and goals. Some children may need intensive support for several years, while others may need periodic support during transitions or challenges. We regularly assess progress and adjust service intensity based on your child’s development and family priorities.

Will therapy change who my child is?

Never! We celebrate neurodiversity and work to help your child develop skills while honoring who they are. Our goal is to support your child’s communication, independence, and ability to participate in their world while respecting their unique autism profile.

What if my child doesn’t talk or seems to avoid interaction?

We meet children exactly where they are. Many children with autism communicate in non-traditional ways, and we’re skilled in recognizing and building on all forms of communication. We never force interaction but create safe, motivating opportunities for connection and communication growth.

How do you handle behavioral challenges during therapy?

We understand that behaviors are communication and often stem from unmet needs, sensory overwhelm, or communication frustration. We focus on understanding the underlying needs and teaching alternative communication and coping strategies rather than simply addressing surface behaviors.

Home and Family Support

How can I support my child’s development at home?

We provide specific, individualized strategies based on your child’s profile and your family’s priorities. This might include environmental modifications, visual supports, communication strategies, and ways to build on your child’s interests for learning opportunities.

What should I do when my child has a meltdown?

Meltdowns often occur when a child is overwhelmed and unable to communicate their needs. We teach families prevention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and recovery support while helping identify and address underlying triggers.

How do I explain autism to siblings and extended family?

We provide age-appropriate resources and strategies for helping family members understand autism. Focus on your child’s strengths and uniqueness while explaining how family members can best support and include them.

School and Community

What services should my child receive at school?

This depends on your child’s individual needs. Many children with autism benefit from speech-language services, occupational therapy, special education support, and autism-specific accommodations. We can help you understand options and advocate for appropriate services.

How do I prepare my child for community activities?

We provide specific strategies for different community settings including restaurants, stores, parks, and events. Preparation through visual supports, sensory accommodations, and practice can help community outings be successful and enjoyable.

Will other children accept my child with autism?

With proper support and education, most children are naturally accepting and can become wonderful friends and advocates. We can provide resources for promoting understanding and inclusion in school and community settings.

Long-term Outcomes and Goals

What can I expect for my child’s future?

Every person with autism has unique potential. With appropriate support, many individuals with autism develop strong communication skills, form meaningful relationships, pursue education and careers, and live fulfilling, independent lives. Focus on your child’s individual growth and celebrate their unique contributions.

How do I maintain hope when things are challenging?

Parenting a child with autism can be both incredibly rewarding and challenging. Remember that progress isn’t always linear, small steps are meaningful, and your child has unique gifts to offer the world. Connect with other families, celebrate successes, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey.

Specialized Services and Programs

Early Intervention (Birth to 3 years)

Developmental support: Targeting early communication, social engagement, and sensory regulation
Family coaching: Teaching parents to support development during daily routines
Transition planning: Preparing for preschool and educational services
Peer interaction opportunities: Structured playgroups and social learning experiences

School-Age Support (3-18 years)

Academic support: Communication and occupational therapy services that support learning
Social skills groups: Structured opportunities for peer interaction and friendship development
Transition planning: Support for transitions between schools, grades, or post-secondary planning
Self-advocacy development: Teaching children to understand and communicate their needs

Autism Screening and Assessment

M-CHAT-R screening: Free online screening tool available on our website
Comprehensive evaluations: Multidisciplinary assessment for autism diagnosis
Progress monitoring: Regular assessment of intervention effectiveness and goal adjustment

Success Stories and Outcomes

While every child’s autism journey is unique, our families consistently report improvements in:

Enhanced communication and language development across settings
Increased social engagement and meaningful relationship development
Better sensory self-regulation and environmental participation
Improved independence in daily living and self-care skills
Greater family understanding and acceptance of autism
Enhanced school performance and classroom participation
Increased community participation and social inclusion
Stronger family relationships and reduced daily stress
Greater self-confidence and positive identity development

Take the First Step Toward Understanding and Support

If you suspect your child may have autism or have recently received a diagnosis, early support can make a profound difference in your child’s development and your family’s well-being. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Ready to support your child’s unique journey? Call us at (972) 424-0148

to:

Schedule a comprehensive autism-informed evaluation
Discuss your concerns about your child’s development and communication
Learn about our specialized autism spectrum services and approaches
Connect with our team who understands autism from both professional and personal perspectives
Access our free M-CHAT-R autism screening tool online

Wondering if your child might be on the autism spectrum?

Consider these early signs:

Limited or unusual patterns of communication and social interaction
Repetitive behaviors or intense, focused interests
Sensory sensitivities or unusual responses to sensory input
Challenges with changes in routine or unexpected events
Different patterns of play or social engagement compared to peers

If you’ve noticed these patterns, a comprehensive evaluation can provide clarity and open doors to support.

Concerned about autism screening or evaluation? We understand that seeking an autism evaluation can feel overwhelming or frightening. Our team approaches every family with respect, understanding, and hope. We view autism through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens that celebrates your child’s unique gifts while identifying ways to support their growth and development.

At Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas, we’re honored to walk alongside families affected by autism. With professional expertise informed by personal experience, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to honoring each child’s unique journey, we’re here to support your child in reaching their fullest potential while celebrating exactly who they are.

Proudly serving families throughout North Texas from our locations in Frisco, McKinney, and Plano since 2001.