Parents Are Choosing Alternative Autism Therapies

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Introduction: When You Google “ABA Therapy Near Me,” What Are You Really Looking For?

play therapy for kids is not what what parents first look for in search “ABA therapy near me,” they’re usually looking for help — real help for a child who’s struggling with communication, behavior, social challenges, or emotional regulation.

And while ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) is often the first therapy recommended, it’s not the only one — or necessarily the right one — for your child.

In fact, across Ontario, many families are choosing non-ABA therapies like:

• 🧠 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• 🎨 Art Therapy
• 🧸 Play Therapy

These approaches offer gentle, relationship-based alternatives focused on your child’s emotions, growth, and individuality — not just their behavior.

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What Is ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy uses structured behavior modification techniques, often relying on repetition, reinforcement, and compliance to teach desired behaviors. It’s been used for decades to help children with autism build life skills.

While some families find success with ABA, others share concerns:

• A lack of emotional connection
• Programs that feel too rigid
• Focus on compliance over expression
• Children feeling burnt out or misunderstood

That’s why many parents are now looking beyond ABA — and asking:

“Is there another way?”

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Yes — There Are Effective, Evidence-Based Alternatives to ABA

You don’t have to choose between doing nothing and doing strict ABA. There’s a growing world of therapies that meet your child’s emotional, developmental, and sensory needs — with compassion and science working hand-in-hand.

Here’s what we offer instead of ABA.

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1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Autism

CBT helps children and teens:

• Understand their feelings and thoughts
• Learn to self-regulate emotions
• Cope with anxiety, anger, or stress
• Build resilience and confidence

Perfect for:

Children and teens with autism who are verbal and able to reflect (with help) on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Especially helpful for kids dealing with social anxiety, rigid thinking, or school stress.

How it’s different from ABA:

CBT is collaborative, not top-down. The therapist works with the child, not on them. The focus is on helping the child feel safe, empowered, and emotionally in control — not just “behave better.”

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2. Play Therapy: The Gentle Power of Connection

Play therapy is ideal for younger children or those with limited verbal expression. It helps them:

• Process emotions through imaginative and symbolic play
• Improve social skills and relationship building
• Develop emotional awareness
• Reduce aggression, anxiety, or withdrawal

Why it works:

Children with autism often communicate more through play than words. This therapy speaks their language, allowing them to process stress and build healthy coping skills — all in a way that feels natural and joyful.

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3. Art Therapy for Kids with Autism

Art therapy uses creative tools (like painting, sculpting, or drawing) to help children:

• Express complex emotions
• Improve sensory integration
• Reduce anxiety and self-harm
• Strengthen self-identity and self-esteem

This can be especially powerful for children on the spectrum who are:

• Non-verbal or selectively mute
• Emotionally overwhelmed
• Prone to shutdowns or meltdowns

Art therapy = communication without pressure

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What Parents Are Saying About Non-ABA Therapy

“We thought ABA was the only option — but it didn’t work for our son. He was anxious and shutting down. With CBT and art therapy, he finally feels heard. He’s laughing again.”
– Parent from Vaughan

“Our daughter connects so well in play therapy. It’s like she can breathe again. She’s opening up and even sleeping better.”
– Oakville mom

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The Big Question: Why Is ABA Still Pushed So Hard?

ABA remains the most common recommendation because:

• It’s well-known and well-marketed
• It has a long research history (mostly behavior-focused)
• Many clinics are ABA-only
• It’s commonly funded by insurance and the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

But here’s what many parents don’t know:

➡️ The OAP also covers non-ABA therapies like CBT, art therapy, and family counselling — when delivered by licensed professionals.

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Using Your Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Funding for Non-ABA Therapy

You can use OAP for:

✅ CBT sessions
✅ Play therapy
✅ Art therapy
✅ Parent coaching
✅ Emotional regulation support
✅ Therapy for siblings or families

Our clinic provides OAP-eligible services and can help guide you through the paperwork to make sure you get the support you’re entitled to.

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Comparing ABA Therapy vs. Non-ABA Approaches

Feature	ABA Therapy	CBT / Play / Art Therapy
Focus	Behaviour change	Emotional development & coping
Methods	Reinforcement, repetition	Talk, play, art, emotional tools
Structure	Highly scripted	Flexible, child-led
Therapist role	Instructor	Collaborative guide
Child’s voice	Limited	Central
Common concerns	Over-compliance, burnout	Gentle and affirming

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Who We Help

We work with children and teens:

• Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• With emotional outbursts, meltdowns, or school refusal
• Experiencing sensory sensitivities
• Struggling with friendships or anxiety
• On long ABA waitlists — or choosing not to pursue it

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Where We’re Located

If you searched “ABA therapy near me” in:

📍 Vaughan
📍 Oakville
📍 Markham

We’re here! But instead of traditional ABA, we offer compassionate, effective alternatives grounded in connection, creativity, and confidence-building.

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What to Expect When You Contact Us

✔️ A free consultation call
✔️ Help navigating OAP or insurance
✔️ Matching your child with the right therapist
✔️ A flexible schedule — in-person or virtual
✔️ Parent-friendly reports and check-ins

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is non-ABA therapy right for my child?

If your child is sensitive, creative, emotionally overwhelmed, or not responding well to ABA, non-ABA therapy may be a better fit. We tailor everything to your child’s needs, not just their diagnosis.

Can I use OAP for non-ABA therapy?

Yes — CBT, art therapy, and play therapy are eligible under OAP as long as they’re provided by licensed professionals. We can help you submit your claim.

What if my child is already in ABA?

That’s okay. Some families use both — or switch when ABA isn’t working. We’re here when you’re ready.

Do you offer in-person therapy?

Yes. We offer in-person therapy in Vaughan, Oakville, and Markham, plus virtual sessions across Ontario.

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You’re Not Alone. Many Parents Are Asking the Same Questions.

“What’s the right therapy for my child?”
“Why doesn’t ABA seem to help?”
“Where can I find autism support that feels human and healing?”

If you’ve typed “ABA therapy near me”, but your gut says something else might be better — listen to that instinct. You don’t have to settle for what’s popular. Choose what’s right for your child.

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Ready to Begin?

Let’s get started with a free consultation.
✔️ We’ll learn about your child
✔️ We’ll match you with the right therapist
✔️ We’ll help you navigate funding and next steps

📞 Call us or message us today
🌐 Serving Vaughan, Oakville, Markham & all of Ontario
🧠 Insurance & OAP accepted
❤️ Child-first, non-ABA, neurodiversity-affirming therapy

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Final Thoughts: You Searched “ABA Therapy Near Me.” You Found Something Better.

Your child deserves therapy that sees them fully, supports their strengths, and meets their needs with compassion. Whether that’s CBT, play therapy, or art therapy — it’s available, close to home, and ready when you are.

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