Define Your Options

Define Your Options

Once you have a clearer understanding of your child’s neurodivergence and unique needs, the next step is to explore the wide range of supportive options available. These might include therapeutic interventions, school accommodations, tools for daily life, and community-based programs.

Every child is different—what works for one may not work for another. Defining your options ensures that you can make choices that align with your child’s strengths, challenges, and family values.

Why This Step Matters

Having choices is empowering—but it can also feel overwhelming. The goal here is to:

• Clarify what’s available.

• Understand the “why” behind each option.

• Choose what to try, what to wait on, and what might not be the right fit.

Tips to Get Started

Make a List of Possibilities

Start by gathering a list of interventions, tools, or supports relevant to your child’s diagnosis and needs. Use categories like:

• Therapeutic Interventions (OT, speech therapy, CBT)

• Educational Supports (IEPs, 504 Plans, classroom aides)

• At-Home Tools (visual schedules, sensory swings, apps)

• Alternative Models (Montessori, Waldorf, unschooling)

• Social & Emotional Programs (peer groups, SEL curricula)

• Medication or Nutritional Support

Example: For a child with ADHD, your list might include:

• Parent training in behavior management

• Classroom accommodations (frequent breaks, fidget tools)

• Medication management

• Executive function coaching

• Physical activity programs (martial arts, swimming)

Weigh the Pros and Cons

For each option, ask:

• Is this evidence-based?

• Does this align with my child’s communication or learning style?

• What is the time, cost, and emotional investment required?

• Are there side effects (e.g., with medication or sensory tools)?

• Can we try this at home, or is professional help required?

Use a simple table or spreadsheet to compare. Example:

Option Evidence-Based? Cost Child's Interest Notes ABA Therapy Mixed High Low Consider alternatives DIR/Floortime Yes Medium High Matches child’s play style Noise-cancelling headphones N/A Low Medium Good for noisy environments

Consult with Professionals

Lean on the expertise of:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs)

• Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

• Behavioral Therapists (e.g., CBT, DBT, or play therapy)

• Special Education Advocates

• Developmental Pediatricians

• School Psychologists or Counselors

Bring your options list to appointments and ask:

“Which of these are supported by research for children like mine?”
“What would you recommend based on their needs right now?”

Common Intervention Categories & Resources

Therapies

• Occupational Therapy (OT) – Focuses on sensory processing, fine motor skills, and regulation.
  🔗 AOTA: Find an OT

• Speech & Language Therapy – For communication challenges, including social language.
  🔗 ASHA: Find a Speech Therapist

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Can support emotional regulation and anxiety.
  🔗 Anxiety & Depression Association of America

• DIR/Floortime – A developmental, relationship-based approach often used with autistic children.
  🔗 The Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL)

• Parent Coaching – Helps families manage behavior and build better communication.
  🔗 The Nurtured Heart Approach

Educational Supports

• 504 Plans – Provide classroom accommodations (e.g., extra time, sensory tools).

• IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) – More comprehensive and legally binding support plans.
  🔗 WrightsLaw: Parent-friendly legal guidance
  🔗 Understood.org’s IEP Toolkit

• Alternative Learning Programs

  • Montessori or Waldorf methods

  • Homeschooling or hybrid models

  • Microschools or pods

Assistive Tools & Technology

• Visual Schedules – Tools like Boardmaker or Choiceworks

• Calming Tools – Weighted blankets, fidgets, sensory bottles

• Apps –

  • EndeavorRx (ADHD treatment game)

  • Proloquo2Go (AAC for non-verbal kids)

  • Zones of Regulation (emotional regulation)

Real-Life Example

Jason and Emma have an 8-year-old son diagnosed with autism and ADHD. They created a shared Google Doc with options they were considering: OT, speech therapy, a classroom aide, noise-cancelling headphones, and a social skills group.

After talking with their son’s pediatrician and school team, they prioritized:

• Twice-weekly OT with a sensory regulation focus.

• Visual tools and timers for transitions at home.

• A trial of a social skills group at the local community center.

They revisited their list monthly and added or removed options based on how their son responded.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to choose everything at once. In fact, trying to do too much can backfire. Defining your options gives you clarity, and returning to the list periodically helps you stay flexible and responsive to your child’s growth.

Remember: The right plan isn’t the one that looks good on paper—it’s the one that meets your child where they are, today.