If you've ever wondered whether your child should be in speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA, adaptive swimming, social groups, camps, karate, music lessons, or all of the above, you are not alone.
Many families feel overwhelmed by the number of recommendations they receive. It's easy to wonder whether you're doing enough or worry that saying "no" to one opportunity means missing something important.
Here's the good news: You do not have to do everything!
The goal is not to fill every hour of your child's schedule. The goal is to identify the supports that will have the greatest impact on your child's happiness, participation, confidence, and independence.
Every child is different. For one child, speech therapy may be the best place to start. For another, occupational therapy may help with sensory regulation, self-care skills, handwriting, or participation in daily routines. Some children benefit from physical therapy, ABA, caregiver coaching, or social opportunities. Others may thrive through adaptive sports, camps, music, art, or community activities.
The "right" choice is the one that aligns with your child's current needs and your family's priorities.
"Progress doesn't come from doing everything. It comes from doing the right things at the right time."
As we focus on independence this summer, it's important to remember that independence looks different for every child. Independence isn't about perfect behavior or doing everything alone. It might mean asking for help, communicating needs, participating in family routines, making a friend, packing a backpack, or trying a new activity.
When deciding where to focus your time and energy, consider:
- What challenges are having the biggest impact on daily life?
- What goals matter most to our family right now?
- What will help my child participate more fully at home, school, or in the community?
- What feels manageable for our family?
Most importantly, remember that children need time to play, rest, explore interests, and simply be kids. Growth happens through therapy, but it also happens through relationships, experiences, and everyday life.
At Handprints Therapies, we believe the best plan is not the busiest plan. It's the plan that helps your child thrive.
Questions to Ask When Choosing Supports
✓ What skills will have the biggest impact on daily life?
✓ What brings my child joy, confidence, and connection?
✓ Is this support helping my child become more independent?
✓ Do we have enough time for family life, play, and rest?
✓ Does this feel sustainable for our family right now?
About Handprints Therapies
Handprints Therapies is an interdisciplinary pediatric clinic serving families across the Denver metro area. Our team specializes in supporting children with autism, sensory processing challenges, and developmental delays through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. We partner closely with caregivers to build confidence, emotional regulation, and practical routines that carry over from the clinic to home.
Locations in Lakewood and Greenwood Village.
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