🧩 AUTISM THERAPY UPDATE: COMBINING THERAPIES FOR EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL GROWTH

As parents, you're constantly seeking the best ways to support your child's development. Recent research (2025-2026) explores how combining different therapy approaches can lead to significant improvements in emotional regulation and social skills for children with autism.

🔬 WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

➡️ Several studies highlight the benefits of combining therapies:

➡️ **CBT for Emotional Dysregulation* A clinical trial is comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with standard clinical care for children (6-14) struggling with irritability and anxiety. This study is evaluating how expert-led CBT versus self-instruction in CBT impacts emotional regulation.

➡️ **JASPER and PROMPT for Speech and Social Skills* Recognizing that speech challenges in autism are diverse, researchers are testing the combination of JASPER (a play-based social intervention) with PROMPT (a speech-based intervention) to personalize therapy and address specific needs.

➡️ **UNITED with Targeted Interventions* The UNITED program is being paired with age-specific interventions like Mind the Gap (family navigation for younger children), Remaking Recess (social skills at school for ages 5-12), and SDMLI (self-advocacy for teens and young adults). This comprehensive approach aims to provide support at every stage.

➡️ **TEAMS with Mental Health & School Programs* The TEAMS program is combined with AIM HI (mental health support) or CPRT (classroom management in schools) to boost the effective use of evidence-based interventions by therapists and educators.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

🌟 Combining therapies can address multiple needs simultaneously, leading to more well-rounded development.

🌟 Personalized approaches that tailor interventions to individual strengths and challenges are becoming increasingly important.

🌟 Research is focusing on real-world application, testing interventions in community and school settings.

🛠️ PRACTICAL TIPS

✅ Talk to your child's therapist about whether a combined therapy approach might be beneficial.

✅ Explore resources available through family navigation programs to access a wider range of support services.

✅ Advocate for school-based programs that promote social engagement and peer interaction.

📖 READ MORE

🔗 https://clinicaltrials.ucbraid.org/autism

🔗 https://ucla.clinicaltrials.re....searcherprofiles.org

💬 What combinations of therapies have you found helpful for your child? Share your experiences in the comments below!