Whether your child is diagnosed, or still on the diagnostic pathway for autism, they may have home therapy visits.  For example these might include speech and language, occupational or physical therapy, or other forms of play therapy.  If just one of your twins, triplets or quadruplets is autistic, you may find it difficult to decide how to handle in-home therapy appointments.  

Speak with the therapy provider before they come to your home, if possible. Let them know that your child is a twin, triplet or quadruplet and only one (or some) of the children are receiving therapy.  The therapist might be ok with the other children being in the same room as there are benefits to this, such as seeing how your autistic child interacts with their siblings or even just opportunities for your autistic child to engage in play with others.  

What types of therapy appointments?

A speech language therapist might come to your home to help your twins to improve their communication skills. During a home visit, the therapist might focus on activities that target speech sound production, vocabulary development, and sentence structure. They could use toys, books, and games to engage your twins in meaningful conversations. The therapist may also provide strategies for you to help support your twins language development at home.

An occupational therapist can help your twins develop fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, and daily living skills. During a home visit, the therapist might work on tasks like buttoning clothes, cutting with scissors, or using utensils. They may also use sensory activities, such as playdough or puzzles, to improve hand-eye coordination and sensory integration.

A social skills therapist can help your twins develop the social skills they need to interact with others. During a home visit, the therapist might use role-playing, social stories, and group activities to teach your twins how to initiate conversations, maintain eye contact, and share with others. They might also work on emotional regulation and problem-solving skills.

Should they be separated?

Some therapists may request that you keep your other children busy elsewhere so they can focus on the task.  They may even have insurance requirements about not having other children present.  If you are in a small home or apartment with limited space, this may prove difficult.  If you have a backyard or even apartment balcony, you may be able to take the children outside, weather permitting. 

If is possible, try find a separate play area for your other children in a different room, away from where your child will be receiving therapy. Make sure the play area is safe and has plenty of toys and activities to keep them engaged independently, such as puzzles, colouring books, or building blocks. This will allow them to stay engaged while your child is receiving therapy.

Do you have any friends or family members who could come by during therapy appointments? This will give your other children a chance to socialize and have fun while your twin is receiving therapy. You might also be able to use technology to keep your other children entertained. Try downloading educational games or movies for them to watch on tablets or other devices.

Finally, you may want to ask the therapist if it would be possible to do the visit in their office instead of at home. The office is probably already set up with play areas for siblings to keep them entertained during appointments.

What has worked for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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