A Day In Autism Day Treatment
How will your child spend the day? A day in Autism Day Treatment is packed from start to finish.
Social Engagement and Emotional Development
This structured time, including small group activities targeting social and emotional growth, builds foundational skills as your child practices in “real life” settings throughout other portions of the day. Activities might include:
- Social games such as Duck, Duck, Goose
- Small group activities
- Practice of self-calming strategies
Occupational Therapy
Individual or small group activities target motor skills, self-help, and sensory regulation. Your child may engage in:
- Movement-based activities such as climbing, swinging, jumping
- Activities to develop hand skills
- Dressing tasks such as putting on socks and shoes
- Sensory play with materials such as paint or shaving cream
Speech Therapy
Structured and supported activities that target communication development might include:
- Reading books
- Sorting or stacking items
- Putting together puzzles
- Pretend play with toy figurines
Music Therapy
Music therapy gives your child opportunities to work on capturing and sustaining attention, interacting with others, communicating, and improving motor skills, cognitive skills and self-regulation. This looks like:
- Listening
- Singing
- Movement
- Playing instruments
Large and Small Group Activities
These activities scaffold your child’s skill development to a more complex setting such as:
- Art projects
- Games and story time
- Walks on the nature trail
Snack and Lunch Times
Meal and snack times develop feeding-related self-help skills, teach meal time social routines, and focus on basic and advanced social interactions. A meal or snack time might include:
- Table conversations
- Asking to pass the milk
- Practice using utensils
Discover St. David's Center
Learn about our Minnetonka Campus, home to our Autism Day Treatment program.
Learn MoreSensory and Behavioral Support
Brief intervals throughout the day help organize the sensory system and promote engagement. Activities are chosen based on your child’s needs and might include:
- Calming music, lotion
- Use of headphones, weighted vests, or wiggle seats
- High-energy races in the hallway
- Visits from therapy dogs
Playground and Gym Time
Less structured time allows staff to model functional play, coach interaction with peers, and deepen relationships as we engage in favorite activities including:
- Exploring outdoor playground equipment
- Independent or group play