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Therapy Checklist for PDD-NOS & Autism Spectrum

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.

Speech and Language Therapy
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Behavioral Interventions
Educational Interventions

14 min read

Navigating therapy options for Atypical Autism (PDD-NOS) and the broader autism spectrum can feel overwhelming. We created this comprehensive checklist to help parents, caregivers, and individuals identify and track the most effective, evidence-based interventions.

Use this guide to prepare for medical evaluations, set goals with providers, and ensure your current support plan covers all necessary developmental areas.

1. Speech and Language Therapy

Speech therapy for PDD-NOS goes beyond basic vocabulary. It focuses heavily on the social and practical use of language, ensuring individuals can communicate their needs and connect with peers effectively.

Core Focus Areas:

Pragmatic Language: Learning how to take turns in conversation, stay on topic, and understand humor or sarcasm.
Nonverbal Communication: Reading body language, making appropriate eye contact, and interpreting facial expressions.
Self-Advocacy: Expressing boundaries, asking for help, and communicating discomfort.

Your Action Checklist:

Schedule an initial speech and language evaluation to assess pragmatic language skills.
Identify 2–3 specific communication goals for daily life (e.g., initiating play, asking for a break).
Ask the therapist for strategies to practice turn-taking during family meals or playtime.
Request visual supports or social stories to help navigate new or stressful communication scenarios.

2. Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy helps individuals build the skills they need for daily living while addressing underlying sensory processing differences. For those with PDD-NOS, OT provides essential tools for physical and emotional regulation.

Core Focus Areas:

Sensory Integration: Managing sensitivities to sound, touch, or light, and safely fulfilling sensory-seeking behaviors.
Motor Skills: Improving fine motor skills (handwriting, buttoning clothes) and gross motor coordination (balance, jumping).
Daily Living Skills (ADLs): Building independence in grooming, feeding, and dressing.

Your Action Checklist:

Request a comprehensive sensory profile assessment from a licensed occupational therapist.
Work with the OT to create a personalized “sensory diet” for home and school.
Identify any daily tasks that cause frustration (e.g., brushing teeth, wearing certain fabrics) and target these in sessions.
Set up a sensory-friendly space at home with recommended tools (e.g., weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones).

3. Behavioral Interventions

Behavioral therapies provide structured frameworks to help individuals learn new skills, manage anxiety, and navigate complex social environments.

Core Focus Areas:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors, breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, and improving communication.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Highly effective for older children and adults to manage the anxiety and emotional dysregulation that frequently accompany autism.

Your Action Checklist:

Consult with a developmental pediatrician or psychologist to determine which behavioral approach best fits your specific needs.
For ABA: Ensure the program is play-based, child-led, and focuses on functional life skills rather than masking natural behaviors.
For CBT: Find a therapist experienced in neurodivergence who can adapt cognitive exercises for autism spectrum profiles.
Establish a clear system for communicating with behavior therapists to ensure strategies remain consistent at home.

4. Educational Interventions

Success in the classroom requires targeted support. Educational interventions formally accommodate an individual’s unique learning profile and sensory needs.

Core Focus Areas:

Individualized Education Program (IEP): A legally binding document that provides specialized instruction and related services (like in-school OT or speech therapy).
504 Plan: Provides specific accommodations (like extended testing time or sensory breaks) for students who do not require specialized academic instruction but still need support to access the general curriculum.

Your Action Checklist:

Submit a written request to your school district for a formal educational evaluation.
Gather all private medical diagnoses, therapy reports, and sensory profiles to share with the school team.
Outline specific classroom accommodations you want to request (e.g., preferential seating, access to a quiet zone, visual schedules).
Schedule regular check-ins with the teacher and case manager to review progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Need Help Taking the Next Step?

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician appointment or use it to guide your search for local specialists. Building a strong, multidisciplinary therapy team takes time, but addressing these four core areas will build a solid foundation for long-term success.

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