All Hands on Deck: Why Combining Therapies Leads to Holistic Progress  

In my experience as a Care Coordinator and Lead Therapist in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I’ve seen firsthand how combining therapies like ABA, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy (OT) can transform a child’s journey. Each therapy brings unique expertise to the table, and when they work together seamlessly, the impact on a child’s development is nothing short of remarkable. This collaborative approach, often referred to as integrative care, goes beyond addressing isolated issues. It supports the whole child, fostering progress in communication, sensory processing, and behavior.  

What is Integrative Care?  

Integrative care is the collaboration of multiple therapeutic disciplines to create a unified and comprehensive approach tailored to a child’s needs. ABA focuses on behavior modification and skill-building, Speech Therapy addresses communication and language development, and OT concentrates on sensory processing and daily living skills. While each therapy has its strengths, children rarely experience challenges in neat, isolated categories. A child struggling with communication may also have sensory sensitivities or behavioral concerns. By integrating these therapies, we acknowledge that children are complex individuals with interconnected needs.  

Addressing the Whole Child  

Integrative care recognizes that progress in one area often supports growth in another. For instance:  

Communication Skills  

Speech Therapists are the go-to experts for language and communication. However, without behavioral strategies from ABA, it can be challenging for children to consistently apply their communication skills in real-world settings. ABA therapists help reinforce speech goals, encouraging children to use new words or gestures during everyday activities. For example, a nonverbal child learning to use a communication device might need ABA strategies to stay engaged during practice sessions. Similarly, OT can help by ensuring the child’s sensory needs—like being in a quiet environment—are met, making it easier for them to focus on speech exercises.  

Sensory Needs  

Children with sensory processing challenges often find it difficult to regulate their emotions and behaviors. Occupational Therapists specialize in identifying and addressing these needs, whether it’s through sensory integration techniques or developing coping mechanisms for overstimulation. When combined with ABA, sensory strategies become part of the behavioral plan. For example, if a child struggles with meltdowns due to sensory overload, OT can recommend calming techniques, and ABA can help the child learn to use these techniques proactively.  

Behavioral Goals  

ABA’s focus on behavior modification is foundational, but achieving long-term behavioral goals often requires support from other therapies. For instance, if a child exhibits frustration because they can’t communicate effectively, Speech Therapy can address the root cause while ABA reduces frustration-related behaviors. Together, these therapies work to replace challenging behaviors with constructive ones, ensuring that the child’s progress is sustainable and meaningful.  

The Benefits of Collaboration  

Integrative care doesn’t just benefit the child—it supports families and therapists as well. Here are some key advantages:  

A Unified Plan  

When therapists collaborate, they create a cohesive plan that prioritizes the child’s needs without duplicating efforts. This not only saves time but also ensures that all therapies are aligned. For instance, if an ABA therapist is working on turn-taking skills, the Speech Therapist can incorporate that goal into communication exercises.  

Comprehensive Progress  

Children develop in leaps and bounds when therapies complement each other. A child receiving OT for fine motor skills might also benefit from ABA strategies to increase their patience and focus during therapy sessions. Progress in one area reinforces growth in another, creating a ripple effect of improvement.  

Streamlined Communication  

Families often act as the bridge between therapists, which can be overwhelming. Collaborative care streamlines this process by encouraging direct communication between therapists. Regular team meetings and shared progress reports ensure everyone is on the same page, reducing stress for families.  

Success in Action: A Collaborative Case Study  

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how integrative care changes lives. I recently worked with a young client who had speech delays, sensory sensitivities, and frequent meltdowns. Our Speech Therapist focused on building simple communication skills using a picture exchange system, while the Occupational Therapist helped the child tolerate different textures and sounds that previously triggered meltdowns. Meanwhile, I used ABA strategies to reinforce positive behaviors, such as requesting breaks instead of crying when overwhelmed. Within months, the child was communicating basic needs, engaging with peers, and showing fewer sensory-related meltdowns. This progress wasn’t because of one therapy alone—it was the result of a united team effort.  

Empowering Families Through Integrative Care  

As a Care Coordinator, I’ve seen how integrative care empowers families to feel confident in their child’s therapy plan. By collaborating with multiple therapists, families gain a deeper understanding of their child’s needs and how to support them. For example, parents might learn sensory-friendly ways to structure mealtimes from the OT, while the Speech Therapist provides strategies for encouraging verbal requests. ABA complements these efforts by helping parents reinforce these skills at home, creating a consistent environment for learning.  

Overcoming Challenges in Collaboration  

While the benefits of integrative care are clear, collaboration isn’t always easy. Therapists come from different disciplines, each with their own approaches and terminologies. Open communication and mutual respect are essential for overcoming these barriers. As professionals, we need to prioritize the child’s progress over individual differences. This means scheduling regular team meetings, sharing updates, and being open to feedback. When we work together, the results speak for themselves.  

The Future of Integrative Care  

As awareness grows about the benefits of combining therapies, I’m hopeful that more families will embrace integrative care. ABA, Speech Therapy, and OT each bring something invaluable to the table, but their true power lies in collaboration. When we put all hands on deck, we can address the whole child—helping them thrive not just in therapy but in life. By combining our expertise and working together, we create a brighter future for the children and families we serve. As a professional deeply passionate about this field, I’m excited to continue building bridges between therapies and celebrating the incredible progress we achieve as a team.

Share the Post: