How to Choose the Right Therapy Program for Your Child

Selecting the right therapy program for your child is a critical decision that can profoundly impact their development, confidence, and quality of life. With various therapy options available, understanding their benefits and how they align with your child’s unique needs is essential. This guide will help you navigate the process and make an informed choice.

Understand Your Child’s Needs

The first step in choosing a therapy program is identifying your child’s specific challenges. Consider areas such as:

• Motor Skills: Does your child struggle with coordination, strength, or balance

• Behavioral or Emotional Challenges: Are there issues with anxiety, aggression, or emotional regulation?

• Communication Skills: Does your child have trouble expressing themselves, speaking clearly, or understanding others?

• Social Skills: Does your child need help interacting with peers or understanding social cues?

• Daily Living Skills: Does your child need support with tasks like dressing, eating, or personal hygiene?

A comprehensive evaluation by a pediatrician, psychologist, or therapist can help pinpoint these needs and recommend appropriate therapies.

Therapy Options to Consider

Here are some of the most common therapy programs for children and what they address:

Therapy Type	Best For	Key Features
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)	Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), behavioral challenges	Uses positive reinforcement to improve communication, social skills, and independence.
JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement & Regulation)	Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social communication challenges	Focuses on improving joint attention, play skills, engagement, and emotional regulation through naturalistic interactions.
Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)	Motor skill delays, injuries, chronic pain	Focuses on improving strength, coordination, balance, and mobility through play-based techniques.
Occupational Therapy (OT)	Sensory sensitivities, fine motor skill delays and feeding	Helps with practical skills like handwriting, eating, dressing, and sensory integration.
Speech Therapy	Communication and language delays	Improves speech clarity, comprehension, and expression.
Play Therapy	Emotional expression through play	Ideal for children who struggle to articulate feelings verbally.
Child Counseling Services	Anxiety, depression, trauma	Provides emotional support and coping strategies for mental health challenges.

Spotlight on JASPER Therapy

JASPER (Joint Attention Symbolic Play Engagement and Regulation) is a research-backed intervention designed to improve social communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delays. Developed at UCLA by Dr. Connie Kasari, this naturalistic therapy uses play-based techniques to foster engagement and emotional regulation.

Benefits of JASPER Therapy

• Enhances Joint Attention: Teaches children to share attention between people and objects during play.

• Improves Symbolic Play: Encourages pretend play skills like using toys creatively (e.g., pretending a banana is a phone).

• Boosts Engagement: Helps children stay actively involved in activities for longer periods.

• Promotes Emotional Regulation: Supports children in managing their emotions during interactions.

  
  

JASPER can be delivered in natural settings such as preschools or homes, as well as within a clinic. It can be implemented by therapists or parents trained in the method, making it a flexible option for families.

Spotlight on Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)

Pediatric physical therapy is an excellent option for children who face physical challenges or developmental delays. It uses fun and age-appropriate activities to help children improve their motor skills in a supportive environment.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

• Improves Motor Skills: Develops gross motor skills like crawling, walking, jumping, and running.

• Builds Strength and Endurance: Tailored exercises help strengthen muscles and increase stamina.

• Enhances Balance and Coordination: Activities like obstacle courses improve stability and movement control.

• Promotes Independence: Supports daily activities like climbing stairs or dressing independently.

  
  

PT sessions often feel like playtime but are carefully designed to target specific physical goals.

Spotlight on Child Counseling Services

Child counseling provides emotional support for children dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioral issues. Counseling sessions may include talk therapy, play therapy techniques, or family involvement to address the root causes of challenges.

Benefits of Counseling Services

• Emotional Regulation: Helps children manage feelings like anger or sadness effectively as well as improve impulse control.

• Improved Communication: Teaches children how to express their thoughts and emotions clearly.

• Coping Strategies: Provides tools to handle stressors like school pressure or family changes.

  
  

Counseling can be conducted in person or via telehealth services for added convenience.

Considerations for Setting: Home vs. Clinic vs. Telehealth

When choosing a therapy program, consider where the sessions will take place:

Home-Based Therapy

• Ideal for young children who feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings or for children with more complex medical needs.

• Allows therapists to address challenges in the child’s natural environment.

• Parents can observe sessions closely and reinforce strategies at home.

Clinic-Based Therapy

• Provides access to specialized equipment not available at home (e.g., swings for sensory integration or weighted balls for PT).

• Offers a structured environment free from home distractions.

• Encourages interaction with other children receiving therapy.

• Provides an outlet for families who may otherwise feel isolated in their home.

Telehealth Services

• Convenient for families with busy schedules or limited access to local providers.

• Effective for counseling services or parent training sessions.

• May not be suitable for therapies requiring hands-on interaction (e.g., PT or OT).

Choose a setting that best suits your child’s comfort level and therapy goals while considering practical factors like travel time.

Practical Considerations When Choosing a Program

1.     Therapist Credentials: Ensure the therapist is licensed and experienced in working with children. For ABA therapy, look for a BCBA-certified professional; for JASPER therapists or PT/OT specialists, confirm pediatric expertise.

2.     Program Structure: Understand how often sessions occur and their duration:

• ABA may involve intensive daily sessions.

• JASPER sessions range from 30–60-minute sessions 1–3 times per week.

• PT typically involves weekly appointments supplemented by at-home exercises.

3.    Cost and Insurance Coverage: Verify whether the program is covered by your insurance plan. Many therapies are partially reimbursed under developmental delay or autism treatment plans.

Monitor Progress Over Time

Once therapy begins:

• Track milestones such as improved motor skills (PT), reduced problem behaviors (ABA), better emotional regulation (counseling), or enhanced joint attention (JASPER).

• Maintain open communication with therapists to adjust goals as needed.

• Ask questions to ensure understanding of strategies.

• Be an active member of the treatment team by participating in therapy sessions and following through with strategies at home.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right therapy services or program requires careful consideration of your child’s needs, the benefits of each option (e.g., ABA for behavior management or JASPER for social communication), and practical factors like setting and cost. Whether you choose clinic-based PT for strength building or home-based JASPER sessions to foster engagement through play, selecting the right program can empower your child to thrive.

At McRory Pediatric Services, we offer comprehensive therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of every child. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family!