9715 Village Place Blvd, Brighton, MI
Mon to Fri · 9 am to 5 pm Children and adults
(810) 772-7600
Empowerize Therapy Center
Call
Get Started
Children

Autism therapy for children

Speech, occupational, and physical therapy that builds on your child's strengths, supports communication, and makes everyday movement and routines more comfortable.

Speech therapist and child playing with picture cards on a play mat

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world through their senses. It is a spectrum: every autistic person has their own strengths and their own level of support needs.

Many autistic children have real strengths in memory, attention to detail, and problem solving. Some are very sensitive to sound, light, touch, or texture, and some seek out sensory input. Signs often appear in early childhood, although some people are identified later in life.

Our goal is not to change who your child is. It is to support communication, comfort, and independence in the ways that matter most to your family.

Common signs and challenges

  • Late talking or limited words
  • Speech that is hard to understand
  • Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation
  • Strong reactions to sound, light, or touch
  • Picky eating or feeding challenges
  • Clumsiness or trouble with balance
  • Low muscle tone or unusual posture
  • Difficulty with transitions and routines

How therapy may help

 Speech TherapyBuilds vocabulary, speech clarity, and conversation skills. For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, we introduce AAC such as picture systems, gestures, or speech-generating devices. Also supports social communication, naming emotions, and feeding or oral-motor skills.
Occupational TherapySupports sensory regulation, fine motor skills, and daily routines like dressing, eating, and play, so home and school feel more manageable.
Physical TherapyWorks on muscle tone, coordination, balance, strength, and body awareness through play, and helps children feel comfortable with movement for running, climbing, and joining in with peers.

Every plan starts with an evaluation. Which disciplines are involved depends on your goals and what the evaluation shows.

What to expect at Empowerize

Your therapist works one-on-one with you or your child to build a customized treatment plan. We collaborate with your referring physician and give regular updates on your plan of care. Families and caregivers are included in goal setting and home strategies.

Questions families ask about autism

Do you need an autism diagnosis to start therapy?

No. We can evaluate speech, language, motor, or sensory concerns with or without a formal diagnosis. If a diagnostic evaluation would help, we can talk through next steps with your pediatrician.

What is AAC?

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It includes picture boards, sign, gestures, and speech-generating devices. AAC gives children a way to communicate now and research shows it does not stop speech from developing.

Are parents involved in sessions?

Yes. We coach parents and caregivers on strategies to use at home so progress carries over into daily life.

Related conditions