Key Takeaways
- Therapy for Atypical Autism (PDD-NOS) and the broader autism spectrum generally draws on four areas: speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and educational interventions.
- Speech therapy for PDD-NOS goes beyond vocabulary to focus on the social and practical use of language, including pragmatic skills like turn-taking and staying on topic, nonverbal communication, and self-advocacy.
- Occupational therapy addresses underlying sensory processing differences while building skills for daily living, covering sensory integration, fine and gross motor skills, and daily living skills like grooming, feeding, and dressing.
- Behavioral interventions offer structured frameworks to learn new skills and manage anxiety, with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) reinforcing positive behaviors and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helping older children and adults manage anxiety and emotional dysregulation.
- A useful first step in occupational therapy is requesting a comprehensive sensory profile assessment and working with the therapist to create a personalized sensory diet for home and school.
Authored and Reviewed by:
The DrSensory Editorial Team and Clinical Review Board
Our content is developed and reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals dedicated to providing accurate, evidence-based information on sensory processing and autism spectrum conditions. Key contributors include:
- Eva Lassey, PT, DPT – Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy with expertise in pediatrics, sensory processing, acute care, outpatient therapy, and home health.
- Yana Pekarski, DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery specializing in holistic care.
All content undergoes rigorous review to ensure alignment with current clinical guidelines, the DSM-5, and best practices in developmental care. For more details about our team and review process, visit our [Editorial and Clinical Review Team page].
Last updated: June 2026
Medical Review Policy:
Our review process ensures all medical content is accurate, reliable, and adheres to the highest standards of evidence-based practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of therapy help children with PDD-NOS or autism spectrum disorder?
Common evidence-based interventions include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and educational interventions. Together these address communication, sensory and daily living skills, and social and emotional needs.
What does speech therapy focus on for a child with PDD-NOS?
It goes beyond basic vocabulary to focus on the social and practical use of language. Core areas include pragmatic language (such as taking turns, staying on topic, and understanding humor or sarcasm), nonverbal communication, and self-advocacy.
How can occupational therapy help my child with sensory issues?
Occupational therapy addresses sensory processing differences while building daily living skills, helping manage sensitivities to sound, touch, or light and safely meeting sensory-seeking needs. A therapist can complete a sensory profile assessment and create a personalized sensory diet for home and school.
What is the difference between ABA and CBT for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) reinforces positive behaviors, breaks complex tasks into manageable steps, and improves communication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for older children and adults to manage the anxiety and emotional dysregulation that frequently accompany autism.
How can I prepare for my child's therapy evaluations?
You can use a therapy checklist to prepare for medical evaluations, set goals with providers, and make sure your support plan covers all necessary developmental areas. Helpful steps include scheduling a speech and language evaluation, requesting a sensory profile assessment, and identifying two to three specific communication goals for daily life.
