Therapies & everyday support

Articles

CDC's overview of intervention approaches — behavioural, developmental, educational, and medical — with notes on what the evidence base looks like for each and how to choose what fits a child.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The ABA debate — what autistic adults say, what the research shows

Applied Behaviour Analysis is the most-debated approach in autism. This piece traces the history from Lovaas through to modern ABA, lays out the autistic-adult critique, summarises what the research base actually shows, and offers questions families can ask if they\'re considering it.

Videos & podcasts

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The science of early childhood development

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

How children and adults build core capabilities for life

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Strategies for fussy eating in autistic children

Autism Australia

Picky eating and autism — practical feeding strategies

Dr. Mary Barbera

Autism and sleep: nap fading explained

Early Autism Project Malaysia

Autism and sleep: three tips that help

Dr. Mary Barbera

Events

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From the glossary

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Common questions

What therapies should I consider?

It depends on the child and what is hard for them. Speech-language therapy helps with communication; occupational therapy with sensory regulation and daily life. Play-based and naturalistic interventions are often a good fit for young children. We deliberately do not recommend one therapy over another here — there is genuine debate among autistic adults and clinicians about some approaches (notably ABA). Ask your developmental clinician for options and read what autistic adults say about each.

How do I choose a therapy or therapist?

Three questions are usually more useful than a list of approaches: does this therapist listen to my child, do they explain what they do and why, and do they invite me into the work. A good therapist will tell you what they expect to see in a few months, and will adjust if it does not happen. If a therapist makes big promises, talks over your child, or insists their way is the only way, that is a flag.

What about ABA? I keep hearing mixed things.

You are hearing mixed things because they are. Some studies support behavioural intervention for early communication and skills; many autistic adults have written about distress from compliance-focused or older-style ABA. Modern, neurodiversity-affirming ABA exists, but quality varies enormously between providers. Soira does not endorse or reject ABA. If you are considering it, ask the provider to describe their approach, look for one that includes the child's voice, and read what autistic adults say.

Therapies & everyday support

Articles

Treatment and intervention for autism

The ABA debate — what autistic adults say, what the research shows

Videos & podcasts

Events

From the glossary

Common questions

International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation (ICDR 2026)

AccessAbilities Expo 2026

Early intervention

Occupational therapy

Speech-language therapy

ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)

ESDM (Early Start Denver Model)

Floortime (DIR/Floortime)

NDBI (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions)

Visual schedule

Respite care