How Cross River Therapy Helps Children with Autism Build Self-Regulation Skills

Understanding the Role of Cross River Therapy in Developing Self-Regulation Skills in Children with Autism

Children with autism often face challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviors, which can impact their social interactions and daily functioning. Cross River Therapy specializes in providing tailored, evidence-based interventions to help these children develop essential self-regulation skills. This article explores how their comprehensive approach fosters emotional resilience, supporting children to thrive socially and emotionally.

Overview of Autism Support Resources

Where can parents find resources and information on autism support and therapy programs?

Parents seeking assistance for children with autism can access a variety of resources through both national and local organizations. Autism Speaks stands out as a prominent platform offering a comprehensive guide on autism. Their resources include information on early signs, screening procedures, and available services tailored to individuals with autism and their families.

In addition to Autism Speaks, state and local health agencies are valuable sources of support. For instance, the Connecticut Department of Public Health provides information on community programs, screening events, and specialist contacts. Local centers like the FOCUS Center for Autism offer therapy options and support groups that cater specifically to regional needs.

National organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contribute by providing educational resources, tools for early recognition, and ongoing awareness campaigns. These materials help families and educators understand autism better and recognize early signs.

Beyond official agencies, there are numerous local support groups and advocacy organizations. These groups often offer peer support, training programs for caregivers, and directories of local specialists and therapy options. Many online platforms also serve as hubs for connecting families, providing caregiver training, and sharing success stories.

Overall, a wide range of resources ensures families can access the support they need, whether immediately or as part of a long-term plan to help children develop essential skills.

Therapeutic Approaches for Children with Autism

What therapeutic approaches are commonly used for children with autism?

Therapists specializing in childhood and autism spectrum conditions tend to use a variety of approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs. These methods are rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that children receive scientifically supported support to promote development.

One of the most common approaches is behavioral therapy. Evidence-based behavioral therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are widely practiced. ABA focuses on increasing desirable behaviors and reducing problematic ones through reinforcement strategies. Along with ABA, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) are also utilized, aiming to develop communication and social skills and lessen challenging behaviors.

What about speech-language therapies?

Speech-language therapy plays a vital role in supporting children with autism. Many children face challenges with communication, including language delays or difficulties with speech. Speech therapists work on enhancing these skills and often introduce alternative communication methods where necessary, such as sign language or communication boards. Improving language abilities helps children express their needs and interact more effectively with others.

How do occupational and physical therapies help?

Occupational and physical therapies are essential for promoting daily life skills, motor development, and sensory integration. Occupational therapy helps children improve their ability to perform everyday activities and increase independence. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening motor skills and addressing sensory processing issues. Therapists meticulously tailor interventions to each child's specific sensory sensitivities and motor challenges, fostering better overall functioning.

What is the role of social skills training and parent-mediated interventions?

Social skills training and parent-mediated programs help children develop better peer interaction and understanding of social cues. These approaches often involve direct coaching sessions, role-playing, and guided practice.

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's progress. Parent-mediated interventions enable families to actively participate in therapy, applying strategies at home to reinforce skills and behaviors.

Why is early diagnosis and individualized treatment important?

Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which is critical in optimizing developmental outcomes. A multidisciplinary team usually crafts personalized treatment plans, combining various therapies and supports based on the child's specific strengths and challenges.

Therapy Type	Focus Area	Typical Goals	Examples of Techniques
Behavioral Therapy	Communication and social skills	Reduce behaviors and teach new skills	ABA, PRT, ESDM
Speech-Language Therapy	Communication skills	Enhance speech, language, and alternative communication	Speech exercises, communication devices
Occupational Therapy	Daily life skills, sensory integration	Improve independence and sensory processing	Sensory integration activities, motor exercises
Physical Therapy	Motor development	Increase strength and coordination	Motor planning tasks, physical exercises
Social Skills Training	Peer interaction	Improve social understanding and interaction	Role-playing, social stories
Parent-Mediated Interventions	Home-based support	Reinforce therapy goals and promote generalization	Parent coaching, at-home activities

How Therapy Enhances Self-Regulation in Children with Autism

Recognizing and managing emotions

Therapy plays a vital role in helping children with autism recognize their emotional states and develop effective ways to manage them. Children often struggle to identify what they feel, which can lead to behavioral challenges. Therapists use visual supports, such as emotion charts or cues like the Zones of Regulation, to assist children in pinpointing their feelings. By understanding their emotional landscape, children can learn to express themselves better and adopt strategies to calm down or seek support.

Tools and strategies used in therapy

Several proven tools underpin therapeutic approaches aimed at improving self-regulation. The 5 Point Scale, for example, allows children to rate their feelings from 1 (calm) to 5 (overwhelmed), fostering awareness and guiding appropriate responses. Role-playing exercises help children practice social scenarios and emotional responses in a safe setting. Techniques like sensory breaks or deep breathing exercises are integrated into sessions to provide strategies that children can employ in real-life situations.

Role of relationships and environment

Building trusting relationships between therapists and children is fundamental. A positive, supportive environment encourages children to explore and practice regulation skills without fear of judgment. Therapist-led activities are often conducted in calming spaces, reducing sensory overload and promoting focus. Furthermore, involving caregivers in therapy sessions ensures that children receive consistent support across settings, including home and school.

Techniques like mindfulness and scaffolding

Incorporating mindfulness exercises helps children cultivate awareness of their internal states and develop self-soothing skills. Therapists often guide children through breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to build emotional resilience. Scaffolding, or the step-by-step support provided by therapists and caregivers, helps children gradually take on more complex regulation tasks. This gradual exposure to challenging situations, coupled with positive reinforcement, boosts confidence and competence in managing emotions.

How does therapy help children with autism develop self-regulation skills?

Therapy helps children with autism develop self-regulation skills by teaching them to recognize and manage their emotions through individualized strategies such as visual supports, role-playing, and scenario-based teaching. It involves using tools like the Zones of Regulation and the 5 Point Scale to help children identify their emotional states and choose appropriate coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or asking for help. Therapists also focus on building relationships, creating calm environments, and practicing these skills in natural settings with positive reinforcement. Additionally, therapy incorporates techniques like mindfulness, scaffolding, and gradual exposure to difficult situations to strengthen emotional resilience and reduce dysregulation behaviors. Overall, therapy aims to enhance children's ability to adapt their behavior in emotionally challenging situations, leading to improved social engagement and daily functioning.

Benefits of Therapy in Developing Self-Regulation Skills

How does therapy help children with autism manage their emotions and behaviors?

Therapy provides children with autism the tools they need to understand and control their feelings and actions. Through various approaches, children learn to recognize their emotional states and employ strategies to manage them more effectively. Therapeutic interventions often include play therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These methods are rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that the support provided is scientifically proven to be effective.

During therapy, children gain skills to handle sensory sensitivities, reduce outbursts, and improve their ability to adapt to different environments. This not only helps them in real-life situations but also boosts their confidence and independence.

Why is early intervention important in supporting self-regulation?

Implementing therapeutic support at a young age offers numerous advantages. Early intervention can significantly improve a child's social skills, communication abilities, and emotional regulation. It can prevent the escalation of challenging behaviors and promote more positive interactions with peers, family members, and teachers.

Therapists aim to develop personalized strategies tailored to each child's unique needs. By addressing difficulties early, children are more likely to develop lasting self-regulatory skills that support their growth and development over time.

How do therapies contribute to building coping strategies and independence?

A core goal of therapy is to teach children practical coping techniques that they can use in everyday life. Skills such as calming themselves when upset, communicating their needs effectively, and problem-solving are emphasized. These skills foster greater independence, allowing children to navigate social settings, classrooms, and community activities more comfortably.

Therapeutic activities often involve fun, engaging exercises that help children practice these skills in a safe environment. As children become more adept at managing their emotions and behaviors, their overall self-esteem and social participation improve.

In what ways do therapies support families and caregivers?

Families and caregivers play a vital role in a child's development. Therapy programs often include guidance and training for families, helping them understand their child's needs better. This support reduces stress and enhances communication within the family unit.

By working closely with therapists, caregivers learn strategies to reinforce positive behaviors at home and promote consistency across environments. This collaborative approach ensures that children receive a cohesive support system, maximizing the benefits of therapy.

Therapy Type	Focus Areas	Typical Outcomes
Play Therapy (Floortime)	Emotional recognition, social play	Improved social skills, emotional understanding
Speech Therapy	Communication, language development	Better expressive and receptive language skills
Occupational Therapy	Sensory integration, daily living skills	Enhanced sensory processing, independence in routines
Behavioral Therapy (ABA)	Behavior modification, coping strategies	Reduced maladaptive behaviors, increased self-control

Overall, tailored, evidence-based therapies make a significant difference in helping children with autism develop essential self-regulation skills, leading to better life quality and integration into society.

Research Evidence Supporting Autism Therapies

What is the evidence for the effectiveness of therapies provided for autism?

Research consistently highlights the importance of early, evidence-based interventions for children on the autism spectrum. Among these, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) stands out with the most robust scientific support. Specific models such as the Lovaas approach and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) have demonstrated significant improvements in communication skills, social interactions, and reductions in problematic behaviors.

In addition to ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy play vital roles. These therapies aim to bolster individual skills essential for daily functioning and social engagement. They are usually tailored to the child's unique needs and developmental level, ensuring a personalized approach that maximizes benefits.

Pharmacological treatments are also part of the intervention spectrum. Medications like risperidone and aripiprazole are used primarily to manage irritability and severe behavioral issues. However, these medications do not directly address the core symptoms of autism, such as social communication challenges.

Overall, research supports a comprehensive approach combining behavioral, developmental, and supportive therapies. Early intervention, personalized to each child's needs, leads to the most positive outcomes. The cumulative evidence underscores that a multidisciplinary, early-start strategy results in improved communication, social skills, and reduced challenging behaviors.

Outcomes of early intervention

Starting interventions early in a child's development generally leads to better long-term results. Early therapies help children develop coping strategies and self-awareness, which are foundational for self-regulation and behavioral management. Children who begin treatment during critical developmental windows often show more significant gains in social skills, communication, and adaptive behaviors.

Limitations and pharmacological treatments

While therapies like ABA and speech therapy have proven effectiveness, they are not without limitations. Some children may not respond fully to these approaches, and intensive therapy can be resource-demanding. Additionally, medications are mainly used to manage specific behavioral issues rather than being curative.

It's important to recognize these limitations and focus on a combination of approaches tailored to each child's needs. Ongoing research continues to refine existing therapies and explore new interventions to improve the quality of life for children with autism.

Therapy Type	Evidence Level	Main Benefits	Limitations	Supporting Techniques
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)	Strong empirical support	Improves communication, reduces behaviors	Intensive, resource-heavy	Lovaas, ESDM models
Speech Therapy	Well-supported	Enhances language and communication	Varies with individual responsiveness	Play-based, language-focused techniques
Occupational and Physical Therapy	Evidence-supported	Improves daily living skills	Needs ongoing adaptation	Sensory integration, motor skill development
Pharmacological Treatments	Limited to symptom management	Reduces irritability, aggression	Does not target core autism symptoms	Risperidone, Aripiprazole

Understanding the current evidence helps caregivers, educators, and health professionals make informed decisions. The emphasis remains on early, comprehensive intervention strategies that support children’s development and well-being.

Cross River Therapy’s Evidence-Based Approach and Multidisciplinary Team

What therapeutic approaches are used by Cross River Therapy?

Cross River Therapy employs a variety of evidence-based therapies aimed at supporting children’s developmental needs effectively. Their approach is personalized, recognizing that each child has unique strengths and challenges. The therapy team integrates multiple disciplines to create comprehensive treatment plans that adapt as children grow.

Behavioral therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) form a core part of their approach, focusing on improving specific behaviors and skills through structured interventions. Complementing ABA, developmental techniques like Floortime prioritize relationship-building and encouraging children’s emotional and social development in a naturalistic setting.

In addition, speech, occupational, and physical therapies are incorporated to address communication, motor skills, and sensory processing challenges. This multidisciplinary framework ensures that all aspects of a child's development are supported.

The overall philosophy emphasizes early intervention, personalized care, and active family involvement. Therapists work closely with families to ensure strategies are consistent and tailored to each child's evolving needs, fostering sustained growth in self-regulation, social skills, and emotional resilience.

Supporting Self-Regulation Through a Multidisciplinary Approach

What is the role of various therapy disciplines?

Supporting children, especially those on the autism spectrum, requires a comprehensive approach that includes diverse therapy disciplines. Behavioral therapists focus on teaching children adaptive behaviors and emotional regulation strategies through structured routines and reinforcement. Speech-language pathologists assist children in developing communication skills, which are vital for expressing emotions and understanding others. Occupational therapists specialize in sensory integration techniques to help children process sensory information more effectively, reducing overwhelm and improving their ability to self-regulate. Physical therapists may also contribute by encouraging coordination and physical awareness.

These various disciplines work together to address the multifaceted needs of each child, ensuring that all aspects of emotional and behavioral development are supported.

How does collaboration facilitate holistic care?

Effective self-regulation development hinges on teamwork among specialists. At platforms like Cross River Therapy, professionals collaborate closely to create a unified plan tailored to each child's goals and challenges. This multidisciplinary team approach enables sharing insights and adjusting strategies as needed, fostering a cohesive support system.

Such collaboration ensures that children receive consistent messages and interventions across settings, whether at therapy sessions or in daily life. It also allows therapists to observe and respond to subtle cues that might influence a child's emotional well-being, thereby promoting more effective progress.

Why are personalized treatment plans important?

Every child is unique, particularly children with autism spectrum conditions who may have different sensory sensitivities, communication styles, and behavioral patterns. Personalized treatment plans incorporate these individual differences, leveraging evidence-based strategies suited to each child’s developmental profile.

Therapists utilize tools like visual supports, social stories, and sensory processing techniques that align with the child's specific needs. For instance, a child with heightened sensory sensitivities might benefit from a calming environment and sensory regulation activities. Customization increases engagement, makes learning more effective, and helps children generalize skills to everyday situations.

How does Cross River Therapy support children in developing self-regulation skills?

Cross River Therapy helps children develop self-regulation skills through a multidisciplinary approach that combines behavioral, developmental, and sensory integration therapies. The team of specialists—including behavioral therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists—works collaboratively to design personalized treatment plans that address each child's specific challenges and strengths.

They utilize evidence-based strategies such as visual supports, social stories, and sensory processing techniques to teach children how to recognize emotional states and cope with them effectively. The environment is carefully structured to be calming and supportive, allowing children to practice these skills in naturalistic settings, which enhances generalization and daily life application.

Multidisciplinary team overview

Discipline	Role	Approach Focus	Additional Details
Behavioral Therapy	Teaching emotional regulation, behavior modification	Reinforcement, routines	Emphasizes consistent behavior strategies
Speech-Language Therapy	Enhancing communication skills	Language development, social skills	Uses social stories, visual supports
Occupational Therapy	Sensory processing, daily living skills	Sensory integration, motor skills	Calming activities, sensory tools
Physical Therapy	Coordination, physical awareness	Movement, balance	Exercises to improve physical regulation

This teamwork approach ensures children receive a comprehensive and personalized pathway towards better self-regulation, which is critical for their overall development and independence.

How Cross River Therapy Incorporates Evidence-Based Techniques

What techniques are used by Cross River Therapy to promote self-regulation?

Cross River Therapy applies a range of research-backed methods to help children improve their ability to manage emotions and behaviors. These techniques are tailored to support children on the autism spectrum and those facing similar challenges, emphasizing a foundation of proven strategies.

One of the core components of their approach involves visual supports and social stories. Visual supports include tools like picture schedules, which outline daily routines, helping children understand what to expect and reducing feelings of unpredictability. Social stories are customized narratives that model appropriate social interactions and responses, serving as a guide for children to navigate social situations with greater confidence.

In addition, mindfulness and scaffolding techniques are integrated into therapy sessions. Mindfulness exercises teach children to focus on the present moment, helping them recognize and regulate their emotions more effectively. Scaffolding involves providing structured support tailored to a child's current ability level, gradually removing assistance as independence increases.

Furthermore, Cross River Therapy employs tools such as the 5 Point Scale and Zones of Regulation. These frameworks assist children in identifying their feelings and understanding how different emotions impact their behavior. By visually mapping emotions, children learn to develop coping strategies suited for various emotional states.

Gradual exposure to challenging scenarios forms another pillar of their approach. Instead of overwhelming the child, therapists introduce difficult situations in a controlled manner, allowing children to practice self-regulation skills incrementally. Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role here, encouraging children to apply new techniques consistently. Rewards and praise motivate children to reinforce desirable behaviors and bolster their confidence in self-management.

Overall, these evidence-based strategies form a comprehensive toolkit that promotes emotional resilience and behavioral flexibility. Cross River Therapy’s commitment to proven approaches ensures that children receive effective support tailored to their individual needs.

The platform also emphasizes the importance of integrating these techniques into everyday settings, enabling children to transfer skills learned in therapy to real-world environments. This holistic, evidence-driven approach helps children build sustainable self-regulation skills that support their long-term development and well-being.

Fostering Emotional Resilience and Social Skills

How does therapy contribute to improved social interactions and emotional resilience?

Therapy plays a crucial role in helping children develop better social skills and emotional resilience. One of the main ways it does this is by building trust and establishing positive relationships between the child and the therapist. When children feel safe and understood, they become more open to exploring new ways of expressing their emotions and navigating social situations.

Therapists often focus on social skills training, which includes activities that promote peer interactions, sharing, and understanding social cues. Role-playing is a common technique used to simulate real-life scenarios, giving children opportunities to practice and build confidence in social settings.

Creating a supportive environment during therapy sessions encourages children to experiment with new behaviors without fear of judgment. This safe space allows them to express their emotions freely, learn from their experiences, and develop healthier responses to stressful situations.

Consistent positive reinforcement and modeling by therapists help children internalize appropriate emotional and social responses. Over time, these strategies boost their ability to independently cope with emotional challenges and stress, thus strengthening their resilience.

Through these interventions, children gradually improve their social engagement and emotional regulation, which are essential for their overall development and quality of life.

Supporting Families in Autism Therapy

How does therapy support families and caregivers?

Therapy plays a vital role not just in helping children with autism develop important skills but also in empowering their families and caregivers. When caregivers receive proper training and resources, they become active participants in their child's developmental journey. This engagement is crucial for reinforcing the strategies learned during therapy sessions in everyday life.

Therapists work closely with families to develop personalized plans that fit into daily routines and activities. These plans often include techniques to help children manage their emotions and behaviors, promoting self-awareness and self-regulation. Families are taught how to implement these techniques consistently, which helps children internalize skills and generalize learning outside of clinical settings.

Support organizations, such as Cross River Therapy, offer caregiver training programs and support groups. These resources are designed to reduce caregiver stress by providing emotional support and coping strategies. When families feel supported and confident, they can better manage the challenges of raising a child with autism, ultimately leading to more meaningful progress for the child and a stronger family bond.

Strategies to reinforce skills at home

Home environments are critical for reinforcing skills learned during therapy. Practical strategies include establishing consistent routines, using visual aids, and practicing self-regulation techniques regularly. Teachers and therapists often provide parents with specific activities and exercises to integrate into daily life, such as calming routines during stressful times or social stories to improve understanding of new situations.

Creating a structured and predictable environment helps children feel secure, which is essential for their emotional and behavioral growth. Additionally, involving siblings and other family members in activities not only promotes skill generalization but also fosters a supportive and understanding family atmosphere.

Reducing caregiver stress

Supporting caregivers is an integral part of effective autism therapy. Caregiving can be overwhelming, especially when managing challenging behaviors or navigating complex service systems. Training programs and support groups offer a space for caregivers to share experiences, learn new coping strategies, and access emotional support.

Practical tools such as stress management techniques, peer support networks, and access to professional counseling services contribute to reduced stress levels. When caregivers are less overwhelmed, they can engage more effectively with their children, creating a positive cycle that benefits the entire family.

Aspect	Description	Additional Details
Family involvement	Active participation in therapy success	Reinforcing skills and routines at home, participating in training programs
Strategies at home	Practical methods to support learning	Visual aids, routines, social stories
Caregiver support	Emotional and practical assistance	Support groups, stress management, professional counseling

Through a collaborative approach that includes family training, strategy reinforcement, and caregiver well-being, children with autism can experience meaningful developmental progress while families feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.

Long-Term Outcomes and Continuous Support

How do therapists track progress and adapt treatment over time?

Monitoring a child's development is essential to ensure that therapeutic interventions remain effective as the child grows. Therapists often use a variety of assessment tools and observation methods to evaluate changes in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills. Regular sessions allow for ongoing evaluation, and therapists can adjust strategies based on the child's evolving needs and developmental milestones.

Adaptation may include modifying therapy techniques, setting new goals, or introducing additional supports. For example, as children with autism mature, their challenges and strengths may change, requiring personalized approaches. Documenting progress helps create a tailored plan that continues to challenge and support the child effectively.

Why is ongoing therapy vital for children with autism?

Continuous therapy plays a critical role in supporting children with autism throughout their developmental stages. Early intervention provides a strong foundation, but ongoing therapeutic engagement helps to solidify gains made initially. It ensures that children develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and self-regulation.

As children face new challenges—such as school transitions or social environments—ongoing therapy offers guidance and reinforcement. This consistent support helps children adapt to changing circumstances, build resilience, and achieve greater independence.

Regular monitoring also allows therapists and families to collaborate closely, ensuring strategies are implemented consistently across home, school, and community settings. This coordinated effort reinforces learning, maintains progress, and promotes lasting improvements.

Why is the importance of ongoing therapy and monitoring for children with autism?

Ongoing therapy and regular assessments are vital because development in children with autism is dynamic. As they grow, their needs shift, and new skills need to be cultivated. Continuous evaluation enables therapists to identify emerging challenges early and modify interventions accordingly.

Consistent support helps ensure that interventions stay aligned with the child’s current developmental level. This sustained engagement promotes better self-regulation, communication, and social skills over the long term.

Furthermore, ongoing therapy encourages a stable environment where progress is consistently recognized and reinforced. It also fosters a strong partnership between families and therapists, which is crucial for implementing strategies outside of therapy sessions.

How does ongoing support impact long-term success?

Long-term success hinges on consistent, adaptable support that evolves with the child. Evidence-based therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills training, and speech therapy, are most effective when integrated into a long-term plan.

Such an approach helps children continue developing independence, improve their interactions, and achieve personal goals. It also prepares them to navigate social and academic environments more successfully.

By maintaining a focus on continuous improvement, families and therapists can better address setbacks, celebrate successes, and customize strategies that foster resilience and growth.

Aspect	Description	Additional Details
Progress Tracking	Regular assessment tools and observations	Tracks improvements in self-awareness, emotional control, and social skills
Therapy Adaptation	Modifying strategies based on developmental stage	Ensures interventions remain relevant and effective
Importance of Monitoring	Detecting new challenges early	Keeps therapies aligned with evolving needs
Long-Term Benefits	Continued development and independence	Supports sustained social, emotional, and functional skills
Collaboration	Family and therapist working together	Reinforces strategies across environments

Empowering Children with Autism for a Brighter Future

Cross River Therapy’s comprehensive, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approach plays a pivotal role in helping children with autism develop vital self-regulation skills. Through collaborative efforts, tailored strategies, and family involvement, therapy not only supports emotional resilience and social engagement but also lays the groundwork for lifelong independence and well-being. Continued support and intervention are essential to sustain progress, ensuring children can navigate their environments with confidence and adaptability.

References

• Find Therapists and Psychologists in California - Psychology Today
• ScienceDaily: Your source for the latest research news
• [PDF] Emotional Regulation Strategies
• How to Improve Emotional Self-Regulation Among Children with ...
• Expert Q&A: Understanding autism emotional regulation
• How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation? - Child Mind Institute
• Resource Guide - Autism Speaks
• Autism Speaks: Autism support, resources & advocacy
• Connecticut Collaborative to Improve Autism Services - CT.gov