Research library/All therapies
Every Therapy We’re Tracking
All 84 therapies across 12 categories, in one flat list — published reviews and what’s coming next. Prefer to browse by category? Start there.
Behavioral Interventions
9 shownApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) – DTT
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Structured, therapist-led teaching using repeated trials with prompting and reinforcement.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
Skill gains from intensive early ABA are real for some children, but the evidence is weak and the field is split over what counts as success.
Verbal Behavior Therapy (VBT)
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
ABA approach targeting language through Skinner's operant categories (mand, tact, etc.).
Natural Environment Training (NET)
Naturalistic ABA Approaches
ABA principles applied in everyday settings using child-initiated activities.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)
Naturalistic ABA Approaches
Targets 'pivotal' areas like motivation and self-management to produce broad improvements.
Incidental Teaching
Naturalistic ABA Approaches
Uses naturally occurring learning opportunities to teach targeted skills.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Behavior Support & Management
Identifies antecedents, behaviors, and consequences to design behavior support plans.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Behavior Support & Management
Proactive, values-based system to reduce challenging behaviors and improve quality of life.
Token Economy Systems
Behavior Support & Management
Reinforcement systems using tokens to increase desired behaviors.
DIR / Floortime
Play-Based Approaches
Child-led play interactions designed to build emotional and relational foundations.
JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement & Regulation)
Play-Based Approaches
Naturalistic intervention targeting joint attention and symbolic play.
Integrated Play Groups (IPG)
Play-Based Approaches
Supported play groups pairing autistic and neurotypical peers with guided facilitation.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Social-Developmental Models
A landmark early trial found large gains; a bigger, more rigorous trial found more modest ones — real but attenuated benefit for early cognition and language, less so for core autism traits.
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
Social-Developmental Models
Parent-guided program targeting dynamic intelligence and social referencing.
Social ABCs
Social-Developmental Models
Coaching parents to use responsive strategies to build social communication.
Communication & Language
7 shownTraditional Speech-Language Therapy (SLT)
Speech-Language Therapy
Therapist-led sessions targeting articulation, language comprehension, and expression.
Hanen – More Than Words
Speech-Language Therapy
Parent training program to enhance communication in children with ASD.
SCERTS
Speech-Language Therapy
Comprehensive framework for building social communication and emotional regulation.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Teaches functional communication using picture cards exchanged for desired items.
High-Tech AAC Devices (SGDs)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Speech-generating devices with dynamic display or core vocabulary for communication.
Low-Tech AAC (symbol boards, visuals)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Static picture boards, communication books, and visual supports.
Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) / Spelling to Communicate (S2C)
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Letterboard-based methods to support communication for non-speaking individuals. Evidence base contested; under active debate.
Sensory & Motor
6 shownOccupational Therapy (OT) – Daily Living Skills
Occupational Therapy
Supports independence in self-care, play, school, and work-related activities.
Sensory Integration Therapy (Ayres SI)
Occupational Therapy
One-on-one Ayres Sensory Integration shows promise for how the brain processes sensory input; looser "sensory" add-ons like weighted vests don't.
Handwriting Without Tears / Fine Motor Programs
Occupational Therapy
Structured curricula to improve handwriting and fine motor control.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical & Movement Therapies
Addresses gross motor delays, balance, coordination, and strength.
Aquatic Therapy
Physical & Movement Therapies
Therapeutic exercises in water to improve motor, sensory, and social skills.
Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT)
Physical & Movement Therapies
Uses rhythmic movements to integrate primitive reflexes and improve regulation.
Educational Interventions
6 shownTEACCH
Structured Teaching Models
Uses structured physical environments, visual schedules, and individualized work systems.
Visual Supports & Schedule Systems
Structured Teaching Models
Pictorial or written schedules to support predictability and reduce anxiety.
Social Stories™
Structured Teaching Models
Short narratives describing social situations to build understanding and skills.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Inclusive Education & IEP
Legally mandated plan specifying goals, services, and accommodations for school-age students.
Inclusive / Mainstreaming Programs
Inclusive Education & IEP
Placing autistic students in general education classrooms with appropriate supports.
Peer-Mediated Instruction & Intervention (PMII)
Inclusive Education & IEP
Trained peers support social interaction and learning for autistic classmates.
Social & Cognitive
6 shownSocial Skills Groups (e.g., PEERS®)
Social Skills Training
Structured group programs teaching social rules, conversation, and peer relationships.
Social Thinking® / Social-Emotional Learning
Social Skills Training
Curriculum teaching perspective-taking, social awareness, and flexible thinking.
Theory of Mind Training
Social Skills Training
Explicit instruction in inferring others' thoughts, beliefs, and intentions.
CBT for Anxiety in ASD
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adapted CBT protocols to treat anxiety, OCD, and phobias in autistic individuals.
CBT for Emotion Regulation
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Techniques to identify, understand, and manage emotional responses.
Mindfulness-Based CBT
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness practices adapted for autistic individuals to reduce stress and rumination.
Medical & Pharmacological
8 shownRisperidone (Risperdal)
FDA-Approved Medications
Reduces severe irritability and aggression short-term; doesn't reduce core autism traits, and long-term data is limited.
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
FDA-Approved Medications
Reduces severe irritability and aggression short-term; doesn't reduce core autism traits, and long-term data is limited.
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)
Off-Label Medications
Not supported for autism's repetitive behaviors — but may help genuine co-occurring anxiety or depression.
Stimulants / Non-Stimulants for ADHD co-occurrence
Off-Label Medications
Reduces hyperactivity and inattention in autistic children with co-occurring ADHD; doesn't change core autism traits.
Melatonin for Sleep
Off-Label Medications
Widely used to address sleep-onset difficulties common in autism.
Epilepsy / Seizure Management
Medical Comorbidity Management
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for the ~30% of autistic individuals with co-occurring epilepsy.
GI Symptom Management
Medical Comorbidity Management
Dietary, pharmacological, and behavioral interventions for GI problems (constipation, reflux).
Genetic & Metabolic Screening
Medical Comorbidity Management
Identifying underlying genetic syndromes (Fragile X, PTEN, etc.) to guide management.
Nutritional & Dietary
8 shownGluten-Free / Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet
Elimination Diets
The most rigorous, blinded food-challenge studies found no effect of the GFCF diet on autism symptoms.
Ketogenic Diet
Elimination Diets
High-fat, low-carbohydrate diet; primarily studied for seizure reduction, explored for ASD.
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) / Low-Oxalate Diet
Elimination Diets
Various elimination diets targeting GI health and hypothesized metabolic factors.
Vitamin B6 + Magnesium
Supplementation
High-dose B6 and Mg supplementation; one of the earliest studied biomedical interventions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
Supplementation
DHA/EPA supplementation for social and behavioral outcomes.
Probiotics & Gut Microbiome Interventions
Supplementation
Probiotic supplements to modulate gut microbiota and impact behavior via gut-brain axis.
Vitamin D Supplementation
Supplementation
A small, mixed signal on repetitive behaviors — mainly relevant if your child is actually deficient.
Multivitamins / Vitamin D / Folate
Supplementation
Broad nutritional support addressing common deficiencies in autistic individuals.
Family & Caregiver-Based
6 shownParent-Mediated Intervention (PACT)
Parent Training Programs
SLP coaches parents to use responsive communication strategies in everyday interactions.
ABA-Based Parent Training
Parent Training Programs
Training parents to implement ABA strategies at home to increase intervention intensity.
Stepping Stones Triple P
Parent Training Programs
Positive parenting program adapted for parents of children with disabilities.
Sibling Support Programs
Caregiver & Family Support
Psychoeducation and support groups for neurotypical siblings of autistic individuals.
Family Therapy
Caregiver & Family Support
Therapeutic support for the whole family system to improve communication and coping.
Respite Care
Caregiver & Family Support
Temporary relief for caregivers through trained support workers or programs.
Technology-Assisted
6 shownTherapeutic Apps (e.g., social skills, emotion recognition)
Digital Tools & Apps
Mobile applications targeting social, communication, and behavioral skills.
Computer-Based Social Skills Training
Digital Tools & Apps
Software platforms for practicing social scenarios in structured digital environments.
Social Robots (e.g., NAO, Kaspar)
Emerging Technologies
Robots designed to facilitate social interaction and teach social cues.
Virtual Reality (VR) / Extended Reality
Emerging Technologies
Immersive environments for practicing social scenarios, vocational skills, and CBT.
Telehealth-Delivered Interventions
Emerging Technologies
Video-delivered therapy — especially parent coaching — looks genuinely encouraging, but hasn't been proven equal to in-person care.
Wearable Technology & Biosensors
Emerging Technologies
Devices monitoring physiological signals (HRV, EDA) to detect and manage stress.
Music Therapy
Arts & Animal-Assisted
Uses music-based experiences to improve communication, social, and emotional outcomes.
Art Therapy
Arts & Animal-Assisted
Therapeutic use of art-making to improve communication, emotional regulation, and self-expression.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) – Equine
Arts & Animal-Assisted
Horse-based therapy (hippotherapy / therapeutic riding) targeting motor, social, and emotional skills.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) – Canine
Arts & Animal-Assisted
Two small early studies suggest service dogs may help autistic children fall asleep faster and feel less bedtime anxiety.
Yoga & Mindfulness-Based Practices
Mind-Body & Other CAM
Body-awareness and breathing practices to reduce anxiety and improve self-regulation.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Mind-Body & Other CAM
Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber; purported to reduce inflammation.
Massage / Therapeutic Touch
Mind-Body & Other CAM
Manual therapy to address sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and body awareness.
Emerging & Experimental
9 shownTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Neurostimulation
Non-invasive magnetic pulses targeting specific brain regions to modulate neural circuits.
Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback)
Neurostimulation
Real-time brainwave feedback training to modulate attention, arousal, and connectivity.
Low-Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS)
Neurostimulation
Ultra-low-power electromagnetic signals used to "reset" brainwave patterns.
Photobiomodulation (Light Therapy)
Neurostimulation
One small sham-controlled trial found a positive signal on behavior, but certainty is very low from a single study.
Gut Microbiome Transplant (Microbiota Transfer Therapy)
Biomedical Frontiers
Shows an early, weak signal for easing GI symptoms; placebo-controlled results on core traits are mixed.
Stem Cell Therapy
Biomedical Frontiers
Infusion of cord blood or mesenchymal stem cells to modulate immune/neurological function.
Oxytocin Therapy
Biomedical Frontiers
The largest, best-run trial found no meaningful benefit of intranasal oxytocin on social communication.
Bumetanide
Biomedical Frontiers
The two largest, most careful trials found no improvement in core autism traits, and the manufacturer stopped development.
Chelation Therapy
Biomedical Frontiers
Has caused documented harm, including deaths, by stripping essential minerals from the body. Not recommended.