When It’s Okay to Say No: Advocating for Your Child
You don't have to say yes to every therapy or service offered. Learn when it may be reasonable to ask questions, request changes, seek a different provider, or say no.
Saying yes to every therapy or service offered isn't a requirement of being a good parent. Autism supports should have meaningful goals, be individualized, and consider the child and family's needs. This resource explores situations where it may be reasonable to pause, ask questions, request changes, seek another provider, or say no.
What you'll learn
Why you don't have to automatically accept every service offered
Questions to ask about a therapy's goals and purpose
When a therapy may not be a good fit
Why your child's comfort and well-being matter
When it's reasonable to request changes or a different provider
How to advocate for your child's needs
Why saying no to one service doesn't mean saying no to support altogether
Quick Tip: Ask: “What is the goal, how will we know if it's helping, and what happens if we decide it isn't working?” A good care team should be willing to discuss those questions with you.
Disclaimer: This resource is for general educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or professional advice. Decisions about therapies and services should consider the individual child's needs, goals, safety, preferences, and circumstances. When appropriate, discuss concerns and alternatives with your child's healthcare or therapy team.
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Autism Therapies & Tips
Autism therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. Learn about common therapies, practical caregiver strategies, and why individualized goals and the right fit matter.
Exploring autism therapies can feel overwhelming, especially when every child has different strengths, needs, communication styles, and goals. This infographic introduces common therapy options and practical tips for helping families understand and support their autistic child.
What you'll learn
Common therapies and supports used with autistic children
What speech therapy can support
What occupational therapy can support
How behavioral and developmental approaches may be used
Why therapy goals should be individualized
Practical ways caregivers can support skills at home
Why finding the right fit matters more than simply doing more therapy
Quick Tip: More therapy isn't automatically better. Look at what the therapy is helping your child do, how your child responds to it, and whether the goals actually matter to your child's daily life.
Disclaimer: This resource is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Autism therapies and supports should be individualized to the child's needs, goals, preferences, and circumstances. Talk with your child's healthcare providers and qualified therapists when deciding which services or interventions may be appropriate.
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Share it with a friend, family member, or caregiver who might benefit.
New free resources are added regularly to the Maternal Menace Resource Library.