Over the years I’ve spent working with children on the autism spectrum, I’ve learned that progress rarely happens in big leaps. It shows up quietly — in a shared smile, a new word, or the way a child suddenly reaches out for your hand. Those moments may seem small, but they mean everything.
Every child I’ve met has their own rhythm. Some move fast, some take their time, and some teach me more than I could ever teach them. What helps them grow isn’t a single method — it’s a combination of patience, trust, and the right kind of therapy.
At AskAnOT, an autism therapy school in Islamabad, we focus on helping each child discover what works best for them. Below are some of the therapies that have truly made a difference in the lives of the children we work with.
ABA Therapy – Gentle Guidance That Builds Confidence
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy often gets misunderstood as something very structured and strict. But in reality, it’s deeply personal. It’s about observing, understanding, and guiding a child gently — one step at a time.
I remember one little boy who couldn’t sit still for even a minute. Through ABA sessions, we didn’t just teach him to sit; we showed him why it felt safe to do so. We celebrated every few seconds of focus like it was a medal. Slowly, those seconds turned into minutes, and those minutes became calm moments of learning.
That’s what ABA really is — celebrating effort, not perfection. And when you do that with kindness, progress naturally follows.
Occupational Therapy – Learning Through Play and Movement
Occupational therapy is where a lot of the magic happens. We focus on helping children handle everyday activities — writing, feeding themselves, dressing, or just feeling comfortable in their own bodies.
There’s a girl I worked with who hated touching certain textures. Even a spoon would make her anxious. We began slowly — finger painting, playing with soft clay, then touching water. Week by week, her body began to trust those sensations. The day she held her spoon and smiled at me, it felt like she had climbed a mountain.
That’s the essence of occupational therapy: we don’t rush. We listen to the child’s body language, follow their pace, and turn challenges into moments of discovery.
Speech Therapy – Helping Words Find Their Way
Speech therapy is one of the most emotional parts of our work. It’s not just about teaching children to talk — it’s about giving them a voice.
One of my earliest clients was a little boy who didn’t speak at all. For months, we worked with gestures, pictures, and sounds. Then one morning, he looked at his mother and said “mama.” There was silence in the room — then tears. That one word carried all the love and effort of months of work.
Speech therapy reminds me that language isn’t only verbal — it’s connection. When a child learns to communicate in any form, they’re not just talking; they’re reaching out to the world.
Remedial Therapy – Helping Children Learn Their Way
Some children struggle in school not because they can’t learn, but because they learn differently. Remedial therapy bridges that gap. It gives them another route to understanding — one that fits the way their minds work.
I often sit with children who’ve lost confidence because of repeated failure in class. During remedial sessions, we strip away that pressure. We use visuals, stories, rhythm — anything that helps the child grasp the concept. Watching their faces light up when they finally “get it” is one of the purest joys of this job.
Every child can learn — we just have to meet them where they are.
School Readiness Program – Preparing for the World Beyond Therapy
Starting school can be overwhelming for a child with autism. New sounds, faces, and routines can feel too much. That’s why our School Readiness Program is designed to make this transition smooth and positive.
We work on classroom habits, turn-taking, sitting for short periods, following instructions, and social play. Sometimes we even simulate small classroom settings so the child feels ready before the real experience.
I’ve seen children walk into school on their first day, holding their backpack with confidence — and that’s when you know the preparation worked.
Continuous Medical Education – Growing Together as Professionals
As therapists, we never stop learning. Every child teaches us something new. Through Continuous Medical Education (CME) at AskAnOT, we keep our knowledge fresh — so we can support our children and families better.
We hold workshops for teachers, parents, and other professionals because the more we all understand autism, the better we can respond with empathy and care. Healing and growth are never a solo effort — they’re a shared journey.
The Heart of It All
Therapy isn’t about fixing children; it’s about understanding them. It’s about sitting beside them on the hard days and celebrating every small win.
At AskAnOT, we don’t just provide therapy — we walk with families through every step. Because when a child starts to grow, we all grow with them.
If you’re looking for the best therapist for autism in Islamabad, our doors are always open. Every child deserves a place where their growth is seen, celebrated, and believed in.
