ABA therapists are one part of a larger, highly specialized team that works together to support each child’s needs. Depending on the child, the members of this team may vary. In school environments, these groups are often called Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teams.
Typical team members include:
Parents/guardians
General education teachers
Special education teachers
BCBA
RBT
Related service providers (SLP, OT, PT, etc.)
At STEPS, we collaborate with related service providers daily—especially through our partnership with The Therapy Spot, a multidisciplinary clinic serving children with disabilities. Below is an overview of the key professionals who often join a child’s care team.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
SLPs help children communicate more effectively and work with a range of speech, language, and swallowing needs.
For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), SLPs often support:
Communication skills
Language development
Articulation issues
Pragmatic language (the social use of language)
Some children with ASD struggle to understand jokes, sarcasm, idioms, or tone, which can make peer interactions difficult. SLPs use targeted exercises to help children learn the difference between sarcasm and literal language, improving both confidence and social skills.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
OTs help clients participate as independently as possible in daily activities. They work with children and adults across home, school, and community settings.
For children with disabilities, OTs often support:
Fine motor skills (writing, buttoning, using utensils)
Gross motor skills
Sensory regulation
Daily living skills
Their work might involve anything from practicing writing a child’s name to helping them bounce or roll a ball. Many children with ASD benefit from OT when they struggle with handwriting, motor planning, or play skills.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
PTs also support motor development but focus more specifically on gross motor skills.
They work on skills such as:
Walking and balance
Running and jumping
Strength and posture
Riding a bike
Coordinated play (throwing, catching, swinging a bat)
Children with ASD may have delays in gross motor development, making PT an important part of their overall care.
A Team Effort Makes All the Difference
Every professional—and every family member—contributes something unique to a child’s therapy journey. At STEPS, we deeply value this collaboration. That’s why we partner with The Therapy Spot, a pediatric SLP, OT, and PT clinic, and coordinate closely with teachers and other providers.
Working together ensures each child receives the most effective, well-rounded, and meaningful care possible.