Children receiving clinic-based ABA therapy through AZA United can also benefit from Interdisciplinary Occupational Therapy services at the same location. This model features a collaborative effort between therapy teams specializing in ABA, Occupational and Speech therapy, working together in a collaborative model to optimize the impact of each therapy. This model focuses on the “big picture,” with team members working together to align goals and reinforce skills across sessions. By integrating therapy approaches, it promotes consistency, stronger skill development, and meaningful progress for each child. The key benefit of this model is its collaborative, whole-child approach; ensuring care is cohesive, efficient, and centered on each family’s personal priorities.
Program Highlights
- Available for children already enrolled in ABA therapy services at an AZA United clinic
- The interdisciplinary model can also include Speech Therapy services
- Occupational Therapy services are typically provided for 1 hour/week in the clinic setting
Program Overview
The Interdisciplinary Clinic Service Model reflects established best practices in pediatric therapy by integrating interdisciplinary collaboration, family-centered care, and evidence-based, developmentally appropriate approaches. Research supports team-based service delivery to improve consistency, skill generalization, and overall outcomes for children with complex needs.
This is a child-led therapy. Throughout our interdisciplinary clinics there are different rooms with a variety of toys, as well as an outdoor play area. The client leads the interactions based on their interests. Sessions often feel like guided play. A client may engage in activities such as games, crafts, obstacle courses, hands-on tasks like building, drawing, using sensory materials (putty, swings, textured items, etc.), or practicing regulation techniques (breathwork, etc.). These activities are carefully chosen to support skills like fine motor coordination (using hands), attention, emotional regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills (like dressing or feeding). The therapist may follow the client’s interests to keep them engaged while also gently introducing new challenges to develop transferable skills.
This model is further strengthened by its use of an assent-based, child-led approach, which aligns with current neurodiversity-affirming practices that prioritize engagement, autonomy, and meaningful participation. By embedding occupational therapy within naturalistic, play-based, and functional contexts across OT, speech and ABA sessions, the model supports real-world functional and daily skill development.
Before starting services, our team of expert clinicians conducts an assessment to fully understand the child’s current skill levels. An individualized treatment plan is created that is unique to each child’s needs and family preferences.
AZA’s Model of Care
Our Interdisciplinary Occupational Therapy approach is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and whole-child care. We believe that children benefit most when professionals work together to support development across all areas; communication, motor skills, regulation, and social participation in a coordinated and meaningful way. We work closely with other professionals such as Speech Language Pathologists and Behavioral Analysts to create a unified plan of care. By sharing insights and aligning strategies, we ensure that each child receives consistent, well-rounded support across disciplines.
