Choosing therapies for your child
How to choose evidence-based therapies for your child, avoid low-value approaches, ask a therapist the right questions, and measure real progress.
Once your child has therapy funding, a new question appears: which therapies, and which approaches, are actually worth it? Families are surrounded by advice, programs and products, and not all of them are backed by good evidence. This guide helps you choose therapies that work, spot approaches best avoided, ask a therapist the right questions, and judge whether your child is really making…
Start from your child's goals
What 'evidence-based' really means
Warning signs of low-value approaches
Questions to ask any therapist
How to tell if it is working
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a therapy is evidence-based?
Ask the therapist to explain the research behind their approach and how they will measure progress. Genuine approaches are functional, family-centred and open to review, and the therapist can discuss what is and is not known.
A program promises big results quickly. Should I be worried?
Be cautious. Promises of a cure or guaranteed, dramatic results, pressure to sign up fast, and reliance on testimonials over evidence are common warning signs. It is fine to slow down and seek a second opinion.
Should my child do lots of different therapies at once?
Not necessarily. More is not always better. Focused work on a few meaningful goals, with therapists collaborating, usually beats spreading your child thin across many programs.
My child is not progressing — what should I do?
Raise it with your therapist. Look at whether the goals still fit, whether the approach suits your child, and how progress is being measured. Sometimes a change of approach or therapist is the right call.
Who can I ask if I am unsure about an approach?
Your child's other therapists, your GP or paediatrician, and your Early Childhood partner or support coordinator can all offer a second view. You do not have to decide alone.