For decades, the prevailing wisdom in autism therapy has been “more is more.” Many parents and providers have operated under the assumption that a higher intensity of therapy—more hours per week—directly translates to better outcomes for children on the spectrum. While well-intentioned, this belief often places immense pressure on families, stretching their time, finances, and emotional resources to the limit.
Recent research, however, challenges this long-held notion. A landmark 2025 longitudinal study has illuminated a more complex reality: therapy intensity alone is not the strongest predictor of a child’s progress. Instead, a combination of other factors, including the child’s baseline severity, socioeconomic context, and the presence of co-occurring conditions, plays a much more significant role.
This finding is a critical turning point. It encourages us to shift the conversation from quantity to quality, from a rigid focus on hours to a more holistic, family-centered approach. At Asteri, this is a perspective we have long embraced. We believe effective therapy is not just about the time spent in sessions, but about creating a supportive, culturally-sensitive ecosystem where every child can thrive. This post will explore these new findings and explain why a comprehensive, individualized approach is key to achieving meaningful, long-term success.
Rethinking the “More is More” Mentality
The idea that more therapy hours automatically lead to better outcomes is an oversimplification of a child’s developmental journey. The 2025 study, highlighted by Behavioral Health Business, analyzed data over several years and found that while therapy duration has a place, it’s not the primary driver of success. This research helps set more realistic expectations for families and supports a move toward a more nuanced and sustainable model of care.
So, if it’s not just about the hours, what truly predicts better outcomes? The study points to three key areas that have a more substantial impact.
Baseline Severity and Individual Needs
Children on the autism spectrum are not a monolithic group. Each child presents with a unique profile of strengths, challenges, and support needs. The study found that a child’s baseline severity—their initial level of functional skills and the intensity of their autism characteristics—was a major predictor of their developmental trajectory.
This makes intuitive sense. A child with more significant communication challenges or sensory sensitivities will likely require a different therapeutic approach and may progress at a different pace than a child with milder characteristics. An effective therapy plan must start with a deep understanding of the individual child, not a one-size-fits-all hourly prescription. It’s about tailoring the intervention to meet the child where they are, building on their strengths, and addressing their specific needs in a targeted way.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors
A child’s environment plays a crucial role in their development. The 2025 study confirmed that socioeconomic factors—such as family income, parental education, and access to resources—are powerful predictors of therapy outcomes. Families with greater resources may find it easier to access consistent, high-quality care, supplement therapy with other enriching activities, and navigate the complex healthcare system.
Conversely, families facing financial strain or living in underserved communities may struggle to maintain therapy schedules, leading to interruptions in care that can hinder progress. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward creating more equitable support systems. It underscores the need for therapy models that are flexible, accessible, and designed to support the entire family unit, not just the child.
Co-occurring Conditions (Comorbidities)
Many children with autism also have co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, or gastrointestinal issues. These comorbidities can significantly impact a child’s ability to engage in therapy and learn new skills. For instance, a child struggling with anxiety may have difficulty participating in social skills groups, while a child with sensory processing disorder might find a busy therapy center overwhelming.
The study found that the presence and management of these conditions were strongly linked to outcomes. This highlights the necessity of an integrated care model where therapists, doctors, and other specialists collaborate. Addressing a child’s physical and mental health holistically is not an optional extra; it is fundamental to their ability to benefit from autism therapy.
The Asteri Approach: Quality, Context, and Culture
The findings from this new research strongly validate the holistic philosophy that guides our work at Asteri. We have always believed that effective autism therapy goes far beyond counting hours. It’s about creating a rich, supportive, and individualized experience that honors the child and their family.
Emphasis on Family Culture
At Asteri, we place a special emphasis on the family’s culture. Every family has distinct values, traditions, and ways of life that shape their identity and interactions. By understanding and upholding these cultural elements, we can provide a more empathetic and effective assessment for your child. A therapy goal that aligns with a family’s values is far more likely to be practiced and reinforced at home, leading to more consistent and meaningful progress. We work collaboratively with families to ensure our strategies respect their cultural context and fit naturally into their daily routines.
Focus on Quality and Consistency
Instead of just maximizing hours, we focus on delivering high-quality, consistent therapy. This means our sessions are purposeful, evidence-based, and tailored to the child’s evolving needs. Consistency is also key—not just in showing up for appointments, but in ensuring that the strategies learned in therapy are applied consistently across different environments, including home, school, and the community. We empower parents and caregivers with the tools and training they need to become confident co-therapists, creating a 24/7 learning environment for their child.
The Power of Family Involvement
We see parents and caregivers as essential partners in the therapy process. You are the expert on your child. Your insights, goals, and active participation are invaluable. Our approach involves continuous collaboration, open communication, and shared decision-making. By involving the family every step of the way, we ensure that therapy is not something that happens to a child for a few hours a week, but a collaborative journey that lifts up the entire family.
Paving the Way for a Brighter Future
The shift away from a simple “hours-based” model of autism therapy is a positive and necessary evolution. It allows us to embrace a more compassionate, intelligent, and effective approach that recognizes the complexity of each child’s journey. By focusing on quality, context, consistency, and cultural sensitivity, we can create better, more sustainable outcomes for children and their families.
If you’re ready to explore a therapy model that values your family’s unique culture and prioritizes holistic, individualized care, we invite you to connect with us. Let’s work together to build a future where your child can truly flourish.
