What is Integrated Therapy?

Integrated therapy is when therapists embed themselves into the lesson or activity the learner is doing. Therapists use a learner’s goals and embed them into that child's play within the classroom. Therapists conduct therapies within the classroom allowing collaboration between the teacher and the therapist. These therapies can include behavior (ABA), speech, occupational, physical, and feeding.

Integrated therapy is used throughout CDS. Studies have shown this is the most effective method to promote the generalization of skills and the collaboration between teachers, therapists, and families to help the child generalize his or her skills in multiple settings. Integrated therapy also allows teachers and therapists to learn from each other to better educate the child.