Therapies & approaches
Every approach, explained without judgment
We catalog the therapies families actually seek — mainstream and alternative alike — each with what it is, who it helps, the honest evidence picture, and what to consider. No gatekeeping; informed choice with your care team.
Sensory Integration (Ayres SI)
A play-based occupational therapy approach for children who have trouble processing touch, movement, and other sensory input.
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DIR / Floortime
A play-based model that builds social, emotional, and communication skills by following your child's interests and strengthening your connection.
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Feeding Therapy
Therapy that helps children eat safely, get enough nutrition, and have calmer mealtimes.
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Music Therapy
A credentialed clinical therapy that uses music to work on communication, social, motor, and emotional goals.
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Art Therapy
A mental health therapy that uses drawing, painting, and other art-making to help children express feelings and cope.
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Hippotherapy & Equine Therapy
Therapy that uses the movement of a horse as a tool to work on posture, balance, motor, sensory, and communication goals.
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Aquatic Therapy
Physical or occupational therapy done in a warm pool, where water supports the body and makes movement easier.
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Developmental Optometry & Vision Therapy
Eye exercises and training for eye-teaming and focusing problems, and what the research does and does not support.
Evidence debated
Pediatric Nutrition & Dietetics
Help from a registered dietitian for growth, feeding, food allergies, tube feeding, and special diets.
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Neurofeedback
Brainwave training marketed for ADHD and other conditions, and what rigorous research shows.
Evidence debated
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Physical therapy for the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, used most often during pregnancy and after birth, and in a separate, play-based form for children with wetting and constipation.
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Spelling to Communicate (S2C) & RPM
Letterboard-based methods used with nonspeaking people, the hopes families have for them, and why professional bodies urge caution.
Evidence debated