Occupational Therapy

Stepping Stones offers Occupational Therapy (OT) by licensed occupational therapists who focus on enhancing participation in and performance of activities of daily living (e.g. feeding, dressing), instrumental activities of daily living (e.g. community mobility, safety procedures), education, leisure, play and social participation. For an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), occupational therapy services are defined according to the individual’s needs and desired goals and priorities for participation. OT services for individuals with ASD include evaluation, intervention, and measurement of outcomes.

Occupational therapy intervention helps individuals with ASD develop or improve appropriate social, play, learning and community mobility. The OT practitioner aids the individual in achieving and maintaining normal daily tasks such as getting dressed, engaging in social interactions, completing school activities, and working or playing. Furthermore, they evaluate an individual’s ability to determine whether he or she has accomplished developmentally appropriate skills needed in such areas as grooming and play or leisure skills. Intervention may include developmental activities and play activities. OT’s collaborate and work as part of comprehensive, clinical team of providers in conducting developmental and educational assessments and serve as part of a child’s/student’s IEP/IFSP team.

Speech & Language Therapy

Stepping Stones offers Speech & Language Therapy by licensed speech and language pathologists who treat speech and communication disorders. Our speech therapists work as part of an educational team of providers in serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), speech and language delay or difficulties (e.g. stuttering) and other related developmental disorders. For an individual with ASD, speech and language therapy services are defined according to the individual’s needs and desired goals and priorities for participation. These services generally take place in a one-to-one (1:1) setting and/or group setting, based on the individual’s areas of need.

Speech and language therapy services for individuals with ASD include evaluation, intervention, and measurement of outcomes by using a wide range of tools and interventions, ranging from toys and play-like therapy to formal tests and speech curricula throughout their treatment session. Speech and language therapists collaborate and work as part of comprehensive clinical team of providers in conducting developmental and educational assessments and serve as part of a child’s/student’s IEP/IFSP team.