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early signs of autism Fort Myers ABA

Does Your Child Have Autism? FOCUS Offers Fort Myers Autism Testing

FOCUS Therapy offers ADOS testing for autism in Fort Myers, as well as pediatric speech therapy, ABA therapy and occupational therapy.

There is no cure for autism, but many of the symptoms can be effectively managed — particularly with early intervention.

Every child is different, but intensive early intervention therapy that starts before the child turns 5 (and ideally by the time they’re 3) is strongly associated with the best possible long-term outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder.

If you’re on a waitlist for autism intervention services — here or elsewhere — we also offer behavior consulting / parent coaching, so you can get started right away on adaptive behavior skills (communication, social skills, picky eating, self-regulation and tantrums, self care, etc.).

Call FOCUS Therapy at (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online. We serve pediatric patients in Lee County, Florida including those Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and Estero – at our centrally-located Fort Myers clinic.

AAC - Fort Myers speech therapy

FOCUS Therapy Offers AAC

speech delay or autism

Speech Delay or Autism? Understanding the Signs & Finding the Right Support for Your Child

When a child’s words are slow to come, parents often find themselves wondering: Is this “just” a speech delay? Or could it be something more complex, like autism?

It’s an understandable concern and one that we hear frequently at our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic.

Speech delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes appear similar in young children, with shared features like delayed speech, limited social interaction, or repetitive behaviors. But while these conditions may overlap (children with autism often do also have a speech delay), they are in fact distinct – and each requires a nuanced approach.

The good news? With the right early intervention, children with either speech delays or autism can make remarkable progress. And in a supportive, multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic, they receive care that respects the individuality of their needs, whether they are experiencing a speech delay, autism, or both.

Early Intervention Matters—For Speech Delays and Autism

Research consistently shows that early intervention can have a significant impact on children with developmental delays, whether those delays stem from speech challenges, autism, or both. Studies like those published in Pediatrics have shown that children who receive early, targeted intervention show better long-term developmental outcomes, including improved language, cognitive, and social skills (Dawson et al., 2010). These interventions are most effective when they are tailored to the child’s specific needs and are delivered as early as possible.

For example, children with ASD who begin early therapy often exhibit greater improvements in social and communication skills. Similarly, children with a primary speech delay benefit from early intervention, as it can help them bridge the gap in language skills before entering formal schooling.

According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, early intervention that combines multiple therapeutic approaches—such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA therapy—leads to improved social, communication, and behavioral outcomes in children with ASD (Rogers & Dawson, 2010).

Understanding the Differences Between Speech Delay and Autism

A speech delay is a developmental issue that affects a child’s ability to communicate through spoken language, but it does not necessarily indicate the presence of autism. Children solely with a speech delay may still engage with others, respond to social cues, and show an interest in their surroundings, even if their verbal skills are lagging. In many cases, speech therapy alone can help them overcome their challenges and begin to communicate effectively.

Autism, however, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects more than just speech.

Children with autism often show differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing, in addition to challenges with language development. For instance, they may have difficulty making eye contact, showing interest in shared activities, or responding to their names. They may also exhibit repetitive behaviors or have a strong need for routines. These signs can be subtle, which is why expert evaluation and testing, like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) provided at our clinic, is crucial for distinguishing between a speech delay and autism.

Why “Wait and See” Isn’t the Best Approach for Speech Delay or Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the early years, children grow and change rapidly, and it’s natural to think they might simply “catch up” on their own. But when it comes to developmental delays, waiting can mean missed opportunities for critical early intervention. A “wait and see” approach can delay valuable support that could help a child overcome or manage their challenges effectively.

By starting therapy as soon as delays are observed, we can help ensure that children have the strongest possible foundation for their growth and development.

In fact, research from the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics suggests that children who receive intervention early—even if they don’t have a definitive autism diagnosis—benefit from therapeutic support in ways that positively affect their long-term developmental trajectory (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015). That’s why our clinic encourages proactive assessments and evaluations if parents have concerns about their child’s development, no matter how subtle.

A Multidisciplinary Approach: Supporting Each Child as a Whole

One of the advantages of working with a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic is that we are equipped to support a child with comprehensive, individualized care. Our team of therapists—specializing in speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and diagnostic assessments like ADOS—can work together to provide holistic, integrative support that meets a child’s unique needs.

Speech Therapy

For children with speech delays or autism, speech therapy is often a cornerstone of early intervention. Our speech therapists work on building a child’s expressive and receptive language skills, whether through verbal speech, gestures, or alternative communication methods. For a child with a speech delay, this therapy focuses on helping them understand language and develop the ability to communicate effectively. For children with autism, speech therapy also targets social communication, helping them understand and engage in back-and-forth interactions and recognize nonverbal cues.

Occupational Therapy

Many children with autism or sensory processing issues also benefit greatly from occupational therapy (OT). OT addresses sensory integration challenges, helping children learn to process and respond to sensory information in a way that supports their comfort and focus. For example, if a child is sensitive to noise or touch, OT can introduce techniques to gradually desensitize them, allowing them to engage more fully in their surroundings and learning activities. OT also supports motor skill development and can help children manage behaviors that may interfere with their daily routines.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

For children with autism, ABA therapy is a widely recognized approach that focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and reducing behaviors that may hinder learning or social interaction. ABA therapy can be adapted to meet each child’s developmental level and goals, making it effective for improving social skills, emotional regulation, and adaptive behaviors in everyday situations. In our clinic, ABA therapists work in close collaboration with speech and occupational therapists to create a cohesive, child-centered treatment plan.

ADOS Testing

Accurate, early diagnosis is essential for children who may be on the autism spectrum, and ADOS testing is one of the most trusted tools for making this determination. This structured assessment allows our clinicians to observe social, communicative, and play behaviors that are key indicators of autism. Conducted by trained specialists, ADOS testing provides parents with valuable insights and direction, helping them understand their child’s unique needs and the appropriate therapies that can support them.

Why a Multidisciplinary Clinic Makes a Difference

FOCUS therapy what does stimming look like

Stimming Takes Many Different Forms

Stimming is a common behavior among people with autism.

A lot of people think solely of hand-flapping or spinning, but it can take many different forms. In general, stimming is NOT a bad thing. It’s often used as a means to reduce stress and anxiety. However, sometimes it can be self-injurious, impact learning, socially isolating or restrict certain opportunities.

At FOCUS Therapy, we can help patients and their parents learn how to effectively manage stimming while also reducing anxiety.

FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida offers ABA therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavior consulting / parent coaching. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Fort Myers occupational therapy

How Sensory Processing Affects Learning – and How Occupational Therapy Can Help

In early childhood, learning isn’t just about books, numbers, and letters; it’s about the senses—touch, sound, sight, movement—all dancing together in a delicate balance to make the world make sense. For some children, however, this sensory world is disjointed, overwhelming, or even distressing. Sensory processing challenges can turn ordinary classroom experiences into struggles, where bright lights seem blinding, or the feel of certain materials is too much to bear. In our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic, we see how these sensory issues can impact a child’s ability to learn and engage with the world around them. This is where occupational therapy steps in to help them navigate, integrate, and ultimately thrive.

What is Sensory Processing, and Why Does it Matter?

Sensory processing is the body’s ability to interpret and respond to information from the environment. When sensory processing works well, children can filter, organize, and make sense of sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and movements. This foundation allows them to sit still, concentrate, interact with others, and learn effectively. But when sensory processing is out of sync—what’s often called sensory processing disorder (SPD)—even routine activities can feel overwhelming or unsettling.

According to research published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (Schoen et al., 2009), children with sensory processing challenges struggle to effectively engage in social, emotional, and educational environments. These children may either over-respond (hypersensitivity) or under-respond (hyposensitivity) to sensory stimuli, leading to difficulties that affect attention, behavior, and participation in classroom activities.

How Sensory Processing Challenges Impact Learning

Imagine a child who is hypersensitive to sound. In a noisy classroom, they may feel overwhelmed by the constant chatter, the scrape of chairs, and the hum of fluorescent lights. This sensory overload can make it nearly impossible for them to concentrate on the teacher’s instructions.

On the other hand, a child who is hyposensitive to movement may feel a constant need to move or fidget, seeking extra sensory input to feel regulated. Both situations highlight how sensory processing issues can become obstacles to learning, focusing, and social engagement.

A study from Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience (Miller et al., 2014) demonstrates that sensory processing issues can disrupt a child’s capacity for self-regulation, an essential skill for academic success. These children may find it difficult to transition between tasks, stay seated, or follow a structured schedule. Consequently, their learning may be hindered—not because of a lack of ability but because their sensory systems are not supporting them effectively.

Role of Occupational Therapy in Sensory Integration

Occupational therapy (OT) can be transformative for children with sensory processing challenges. OT aims to help children process and respond to sensory information in a way that supports, rather than hinders, their learning and social engagement. By creating individualized treatment plans, occupational therapists work to build a child’s sensory integration skills, enabling them to feel more in control and more comfortable in their own skin.

Occupational therapy often includes sensory integration therapy, which involves guided activities that provide sensory input in a structured, supportive way. For example, a child who is hypersensitive to touch might engage in activities involving different textures to help them gradually tolerate sensations that were once distressing. Conversely, a child who is hyposensitive to movement may benefit from activities like swinging or jumping to fulfill their need for sensory input in a safe, controlled environment. Over time, these activities help the child’s brain organize and process sensory information more effectively.

Why Sensory Integration Matters for Learning

The benefits of sensory integration therapy extend well beyond the therapy room and into the classroom. As our Fort Myers occupational therapy team recognizes, a child learns to better manage sensory input, they’re better able to focus on learning, participate in group activities, and follow directions. For example, a child who once found it impossible to sit still might, through OT, develop the self-regulation skills to stay seated long enough to listen to a story or complete a worksheet. Similarly, a child who found loud environments overwhelming may, with time and therapy, learn strategies to cope, allowing them to stay in a classroom setting without shutting down.

Research in The Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention (Pfeiffer et al., 2011) confirms that sensory-based interventions can significantly improve focus, self-regulation, and academic readiness in children with sensory processing challenges.

By enhancing these foundational skills, Fort Myers occupational therapy services don’t just support a child’s learning in the present. They also lay the groundwork for a future where kids can more readily adapt to new environments and challenges.

Fort Myers pediatric therapy

Collaboration Counts: Upside of Multidisciplinary Pediatric Therapy

Early intervention pediatric therapy has been proven to be among the most effective approaches to setting the stage of long-term success for children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities. But for those with complex conditions, like autism or down syndrome, more than one intervention is usually recommended: some combination of speech therapy, occupational therapy and ABA therapy.

When kids can access all these resources at one location, not only is it more convenient for parents, it proves beneficial for progress because it means qualified therapists from different disciplines and areas of expertise can collaborate with each other. When the right hand talks to the left, it ensures we’re all using the same language, we’re staying consistent – and that often leads to better outcomes.

At FOCUS Therapy, our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic in Fort Myers, FL, we believe that every child’s needs are unique, and a team approach is beneficial for lots of children with complex developmental needs.

When professionals come together, blending their knowledge and expertise, a transformative journey unfolds—one that offers your child a cohesive, comprehensive, and compassionate path to growth.

The Power of Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Early Intervention

Research underscores the profound impact of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach in early intervention for children with developmental delays and other disabilities.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics (Guralnick, 2011) found that integrating multiple therapy services early in life yields more substantial improvements in speech, motor, and social-emotional skills compared to isolated therapy approaches. Similarly, a 2019 study in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics demonstrated that coordinated care among different therapy providers is associated with better developmental outcomes and reduced family stress, as parents benefit from clearer, streamlined communication among professionals (King et al., 2019).

Early intervention can reshape the trajectory of a child’s life, especially for those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech or motor delays, or sensory processing issues. Through coordinated care, our multidisciplinary pediatric therapy team evaluates the whole child, ensuring that every aspect of your child’s development—speech, motor skills, behavior, and social interactions—progresses together. When professionals across specialties collaborate, the result is not just therapy but a dynamic support system for your child and your family.

A Glimpse Into Our Team’s Collaborative Approach

At our Fort Myers pediatric therapy clinic, collaboration is woven into the process, from the initial assessment to ongoing treatment. This begins with our intake process, where our team members review each child’s unique history, behaviors, strengths and challenges. For children with complex needs, our specialists meet and/or discuss progress, exchange insights, and refine treatment plans as a cohesive unit. This method ensures that each therapist’s expertise enhances, rather than overlaps or conflicts with, the work of others, crafting a holistic roadmap tailored to each child.

Speech Therapy and ABA: Building Communication from Different Angles

One of the most powerful aspects of a multidisciplinary approach is how different therapies reinforce each other. Take, for instance, the interplay between speech therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). For a child with communication delays, a speech therapist may focus on developing foundational language skills, such as forming sounds, understanding vocabulary, or sequencing words. Meanwhile, a behavior analyst might work on social communication through ABA techniques, teaching the child to respond to social cues, make requests, or maintain eye contact.

This interplay is crucial for children with ASD, who often face challenges in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Through regular team consultations, our speech therapists and behavior analysts align their goals and strategies, ensuring that language development in speech therapy complements social engagement goals in ABA. For instance, if a child is learning how to ask for items in ABA therapy, the speech therapist can reinforce the same language structures, creating consistency across all interactions.

Occupational Therapy and ABA: A Foundation for Self-Sufficiency

Occupational therapy (OT) and ABA also intersect in profound ways, particularly for children with sensory processing challenges or delays in motor skills. An occupational therapist may focus on improving a child’s fine motor skills, like grasping objects or using utensils, as well as sensory regulation techniques to manage overstimulation. Simultaneously, a behavior analyst addresses the behaviors that support these skills, such as following instructions, patience, or using calming techniques when frustrated.

This collaboration is especially effective for children with sensory processing disorder, where disruptive behaviors can stem from a mismatch between their sensory needs and their environment. A study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (Case-Smith et al., 2015) found that children with sensory issues showed significant improvement in self-regulation and task engagement when occupational and behavioral therapy were integrated. By coordinating their efforts, our OT and ABA therapists create a structured environment where each small skill feeds into larger goals of independence and resilience.

ADOS Testing: A Diagnostic Foundation for Targeted Care

For families beginning their journey with developmental therapy, ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) testing often serves as a critical starting point. This assessment, conducted by a diagnostician, provides a structured evaluation of social, communication, and play behaviors, offering insights into whether a child meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. But the impact of ADOS testing goes far beyond diagnosis. Our multidisciplinary team uses ADOS results to tailor therapy plans, ensuring that interventions in speech, OT, and ABA align with each child’s unique strengths and needs.

ADOS assessments also guide family involvement by providing clear, practical goals. With diagnostic clarity, parents can better understand how each therapy works together, creating a cohesive strategy for helping their child thrive. Research from Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (Ozonoff et al., 2018) highlights that children receiving targeted, individualized care based on comprehensive assessments such as ADOS make greater developmental strides than those receiving non-specific interventions.

The Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach for Families

A unified therapy plan doesn’t just benefit children—it also provides immense support for families. Coordinated care simplifies the therapy process, allowing parents to engage with a single, integrated team rather than juggling multiple providers with different schedules and approaches. When therapists collaborate, families experience a smoother, more cohesive therapy journey, with fewer logistical obstacles and a stronger, clearer understanding of their child’s progress.

Furthermore, families benefit from a consistent approach to behavior and skills.

Parents often tell us how empowering it is to reinforce the same speech, motor, or behavior techniques that their child’s therapists are using. This consistency allows children to internalize skills more effectively, building confidence and independence. For parents, a multidisciplinary team also offers the reassurance of having diverse experts aligned in support of their child.

sensory processing disorder signs FOCUS Therapy

Does Your Child Have Sensory Processing Disorder? We Can Help!

focus therapy fort myers

FOCUS Therapy Prioritizes Consistency in Patient Treatment

FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, ADOS testing, and parent coaching in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

signs your toddler needs speech therapy

Signs Your Toddler Needs Speech Therapy

FOCUS offers pediatric speech therapy in Fort Myers, Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

How to Know if Your Child Needs a Speech Evaluation, March 25, 2021, The Cleveland Clinic

More Blog Entries:

Fort Myers Speech Therapists Explain Developmental Language Disorders, Sept. 6, 2024, Fort Myers Speech Therapy Blog