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Developmental therapies for autism

Every child learns and develops differently. At Cortica, our speech-language, occupational, and music therapies are designed to nurture communication, movement, and confidence through compassionate, evidence-based care.

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Occupational Therapy

Builds independence in everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and playing through sensory and motor skill development

Speech Therapy

Helps children express themselves clearly and confidently, improving communication and social connection.

Music Therapy

Uses rhythm, song, and movement to strengthen attention, coordination, and emotional expression.

Physical Therapy

Encourages strength, balance, and coordination to support confident movement and participation in daily life.

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Occupational Therapy

Helping children master the skills of everyday life

Occupational Therapy supports children in developing independence and comfort in daily routines, from self-care to sensory regulation and play. Led by licensed occupational therapists in collaboration with parents, behavioral specialists, and physicians.

Focus areas:

Fine motor skills and coordination
Sensory processing and regulation
Attention, focus, and self-control
Emotional awareness and coping strategies

Goals: Empower children to participate independently and confidently in home, school, and community life — while making progress feel playful and rewarding.

Speech Therapy

Building communication, confidence, and connection

Speech Therapy helps children express themselves clearly, understand others, and engage socially in meaningful ways. Delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who partner with families and Cortica’s multidisciplinary care team.

Focus areas:

Expressive and receptive language
Speech articulation and clarity
Social communication and conversation skills
Alternative communication methods (AAC) when needed

Goals: Foster confident communication — helping children share ideas, build relationships, and feel understood.

Music Therapy

Encouraging growth through rhythm, sound, and joy

Music Therapy engages children through play, song, and rhythm to promote social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Led by board-certified music therapists, often with parent participation to reinforce learning at home.

Focus areas:

Emotional regulation and self-expression
Attention and turn-taking
Sensory processing and coordination
Communication through musical play

Goals: Help children express themselves, build focus, and find joy in connection — all through the motivating power of music.

Physical Therapy

Building strength, balance, and confidence through movement

Physical Therapy helps children improve coordination, posture, and body awareness so they can move confidently through their world. Guided by licensed physical therapists in partnership with families and Cortica’s integrated care team.

Focus areas:

Gross motor development and muscle strength
Balance, posture, and coordination
Endurance and body awareness
Safe, confident movement during play and daily activities

Goals: Support children in exploring their environment freely and safely, with strength and confidence to keep growing and participating.

Only Available at Carlsbad, CA Location

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Your Child’s Therapy Roadmap

Comprehensive, connected care designed for your child’s growth

1. Evaluation & Goal Setting

We begin with a comprehensive developmental evaluation to identify your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs. Together, we set measurable, meaningful goals that guide care.

2. Personalized Plan

Our multidisciplinary team — including occupational, speech, physical, and music therapists — designs a custom plan focused on your child’s unique profile.

3. Integrated Therapy Sessions

Your child may start with co-treatment sessions or one to one sessions and your therapists will let you know how often to attend your child’s sessions and what skills to practice at home.

4. Tracking Progress

We monitor progress regularly and reassess every few months. Families meet with the care team to review updates, refine goals, and celebrate milestones.

5. Fading out and Graduation

As children meet therapy goals, we help them transition to new environments, like school or social settings, with confidence and independence.

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FAQs

How are developmental therapies conducted?

One-to-One: Therapy provided by one therapist to one child. Co-Treatment: Sessions provided by two therapists of different therapy types to one child. Group Sessions: Sessions provided by one or more therapists to multiple children. Parent Coaching: An interactive process between clinician and caregiver that involves observation, reflection, and action to directly promote the caregiver’s ability to support their child’s participation in family and community activities.

How do I know which therapy is right for my child?

During your initial appointment, one of our medical providers will recommend any combination of the above developmental therapies based on your child's unique developmental goals. After this recommendation is made, our scheduling team will reach out to you to obtain your availability and schedule the initial evaluation appointment. Learn more about the roadmap to developmental therapies below.

If you are interested in getting started with any of the above therapies that were not recommended by your Cortica physician, please contact us at scheduling@corticacare.com or call your local center. To learn more about our services and therapies, please visit Cortica's Services and Therapies page.

Will insurance cover therapy?

At Cortica, we work with a wide range of health insurance plans. We can provide you with a benefits check and cost estimate before beginning services with Cortica. Please reach out to us for information about your specific insurance coverage.

The first step to care with Cortica is scheduling a Clinical Intake Visit. We get started on day 1 with a comprehensive billable consultation designed to give you clarity and direction.

During this appointment:

Our specialists will listen to your child’s story and your family’s goals.
We’ll complete a developmental and medical review.
You’ll leave with a personalized roadmap for care, including therapies, support options, and insurance guidance.

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Developmental therapies for autism

Top insurance providers accepted:

Helping Your Child Grow Through Personalized Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Speech Therapy

Music Therapy

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Helping children master the skills of everyday life

Speech Therapy

Building communication, confidence, and connection

Music Therapy

Encouraging growth through rhythm, sound, and joy

Physical Therapy

Building strength, balance, and confidence through movement

Only Available at Carlsbad, CA Location

Your Child’s Therapy Roadmap

Comprehensive, connected care designed for your child’s growth

1. Evaluation & Goal Setting

2. Personalized Plan

3. Integrated Therapy Sessions

4. Tracking Progress

5. Fading out and Graduation

FAQs

How are developmental therapies conducted?

How do I know which therapy is right for my child?

Will insurance cover therapy?

Together, we can unlock joy

The first step to care with Cortica is scheduling a Clinical Intake Visit. We get started on day 1 with a comprehensive billable consultation designed to give you clarity and direction.

Schedule an appointment