Co-Occurring Diagnoses

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Understanding Co-Occurring Diagnoses

Many children experience more than one developmental, communication, or learning challenge at the same time. These may include autism, ADHD, language delays, anxiety, sensory differences, or emotional regulation challenges. When more than one diagnosis is present, children may show a combination of needs across communication, behavior, play, attention, and daily routines.

Co-occurring diagnoses can sometimes make everyday tasks feel more complex, but they also reflect the unique ways each child learns and understands the world. At Saffron Therapy, we take time to understand the full picture so your child receives support that is comprehensive, coordinated, and built around their strengths.

How Co-Occurring Diagnoses Affect Daily Life

Children with multiple diagnoses may experience:

  • Differences in communication or language development
  • Challenges with attention, focus, or impulsivity
  • Sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • Delays in daily living skills
  • Trouble with transitions or changes in routine
  • Social interaction challenges
  • Increased frustration during overwhelming moments

These experiences do not define your child. They simply show where support may be needed to help daily life feel more manageable and meaningful. With the right strategies, children can build confidence and independence at home, at school, and in the community.

How ABA Therapy Supports Children With Co-Occurring Needs

Applied Behavior Analysis offers a flexible, individualized framework that can address multiple developmental areas simultaneously. At Saffron Therapy, ABA is gentle, child-centered, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
ABA can support children with co-occurring diagnoses by helping them:

  • Communicate their wants and needs
  • Build play skills and interact with peers
  • Strengthen attention and executive functioning
  • Understand and regulate emotions
  • Follow routines and transitions more easily
  • Develop flexible thinking and problem-solving
  • Improve safety awareness and daily independence

We focus on meaningful skills that support your child’s real life, rather than behaviors that are harmless or part of their natural neurotype.

Our Neurodiversity Affirming Approach

Saffron Therapy provides care that respects each child’s identity, developmental profile, and communication style. We:

  • Work with your child’s strengths and interests
  • Support communication in all forms, including gestures, AAC, or words
  • Create goals that feel meaningful for your child and family
  • Support sensory needs instead of trying to eliminate them
  • Avoid goals that aim to make children appear more typical
  • Prioritize emotional safety, consent, and autonomy

Our goal is to help children feel confident, understood, and supported as they grow.

Therapy Options for Children With Co-Occurring Diagnoses

Children with multiple diagnoses benefit from a coordinated approach that blends structured learning with natural, everyday experiences. Services may include:

  • In-home ABA therapy for learning within familiar routines
  • Center-based ABA therapy for structured sessions and small group learning
  • Community programs for practicing skills in real-world environments 
  • Social Skills Group for communication, peer interaction, and emotional awareness
  • ADHD Kids Club for executive functioning, frustration tolerance, and self-advocacy

Your BCBA will guide you in choosing the combination of services that best supports your child’s learning style and your family’s goals.

Your Child’s Support Starts Here

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