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Core Module

Supports & Therapies

An evidence-graded overview of therapies and supports. We present indications, evidence levels, and limitations - avoiding ideology traps.

Behaviour is communication

Challenging behaviour often signals unmet needs, sensory overload, or skill gaps - not wilful defiance.

Environment is treatment

Adjusting the environment often helps more than trying to "fix" the child. Reduce demands, increase support.

Goals should be ethical

Focus on safety, communication, independence, and wellbeing - not compliance or "looking normal".

Parents are partners

Parent-mediated approaches often have the strongest evidence. You are the expert on your child.

Explore Supports

Speech & Language Therapy
Language delay, pragmatic language, social communication, and AAC.
Occupational Therapy
Functional OT, sensory integration approaches, and daily living skills.
Behavioural Approaches
Understanding behaviour as communication. PBS, ethical considerations, red flags.
Parent Training
Why parent-mediated approaches can be powerful. Emotion coaching and co-regulation.
Psychological Therapies
CBT adaptations, anxiety support, sleep interventions.
Education Supports
Universal principles: adjustments, visual supports, reducing cognitive load.
A note on behavioural approaches

Behavioural approaches, including ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), are widely used but also debated. We present this topic carefully:

  • Understanding behaviour as communication, not just something to eliminate
  • Ethical goals: safety, communication, independence - not compliance for its own sake
  • Red flags: suppression without understanding function, masking as the goal
  • Alternative frameworks: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), naturalistic approaches

Our aim is to help you ask the right questions and recognise quality practice.

Related Resources

DiagnosisSchool SupportParenting PlaybooksEmotional Regulation