Medical Minute: Supporting Children with Autism

April is World Autism Month—a time to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and recognize the many ways in which therapy can support children on the autism spectrum. One such place making a difference is the OhioHealth Van Wert Health Clinic, where pediatric rehabilitation services, including speech and occupational therapy, are helping children develop critical skills to improve their daily lives. 

According to speech therapist, Alyssa Hesseling, SLP, therapy offers numerous benefits for children with autism. 

“Some of the positive impacts we see from therapy include improving the overall brain-body connection through movement, helping kids feel more comfortable in their bodies from a sensory standpoint, improving their nutritional intake through exploration of different foods, and gaining a way to communicate their wants and needs,” she explains. 

For children with autism, communication can be a major challenge. OhioHealth’s therapists work to help children find their voices—whether through speech therapy or alternative communication methods. 

“All children deserve a voice,” says Hesseling. “So, whether we are working on that with their speech or with an alternative method, that’s one of our main goals.” 

One young patient benefiting from these services is Theo Winkeljohn, a five-year-old who has been receiving speech and occupational therapy at the clinic for several years. His mother, Nicole Winkeljohn, recalls how his journey began. 

“Theo started with feeding therapy at age one. Then eventually we realized he couldn’t communicate—he was nonverbal. And now he has made so much progress,” she shares. 

For parents like Nicole, the progress has been life changing. 

“It’s been amazing. He’s come a long way. I was obviously very scared and emotional, but he’s made huge progress, and I’m not afraid anymore.” 

Nicole has a message for other parents navigating an autism diagnosis: “Your child is not broken. Everything is going to be OK eventually. They are just uniquely themselves, and they just see the world a little differently.” 


The OhioHealth Van Wert Health Clinic provides therapy services that help children thrive. Whether improving motor skills, communication, or sensory processing, these therapies make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. 

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