A comprehensive program designed to treat the full spectrum of mental health challenges affecting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The first program of its kind, Little Otter provides tailored, evidence-based mental health care for children with ASD and their families. While we do not offer diagnostic assessments for ASD or provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)*, we work closely to coordinate and integrate our care mental health care with providers addressing the child’s core autism symptoms.
our services
Evidence-based mental health care supporting kids with ASD and their families
Our integrated services include child therapy and psychiatry, adult therapy and psychiatry, parent coaching, couples counseling, and family therapy. We can treat the full range of co-occurring mental health challenges in children with ASD, working collaboratively with the child’s care team treating their core autism symptoms. We offer a comprehensive program for co-occurring mental health challenges, and sibling and parent support; however, we do not offer diagnostic assessments for ASD or provide ABA*.
Evidence-based Therapy and Psychiatry for Kids with ASD for Co-Occuring Conditions
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT-ASD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Trauma-Focused CBT, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with expert assessments, titration, and comprehensive medication management including stimulants, to treat co-occurring conditions like ADHD, depression, and anxiety for patients with ASD.
Evidence-based Therapy and Psychiatry for Parents and Siblings of Children with ASD
Individual therapy and psychiatry for parents and siblings experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression. Couples counseling to support co-parenting and marital stability. Family therapy to improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships.
Parent Coaching
Master’s-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts with extensive expertise in working with parents of children with ASD using Parent Management Training (PMT), RUBI Parent Training, and Sleep Education Program for Parents (ASD-Specific) to support parents.
*The gold-standard ASD diagnostic tools, ADOS-2 and ADI-R, require in-person administration for accuracy. While telehealth adaptations like the BOSA show promise, they are not yet validated for standalone diagnosis. Instead, Little Otter provides comprehensive mental health care for children with ASD and their families, addressing co-occurring conditions, emotional and behavioral challenges, and family well-being. We collaborate with external providers such as BCBAs delivering ABA for the child’s core symptoms.
The Challenge
A lack of whole-person and whole-family treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder results in increased costs
Failing to recognize and address neurodiversity with whole-family treatment can lead to increased costs, stress, isolation, and difficulties in accessing appropriate support, potentially impacting the well-being of both neurodivergent individuals and their families.
4x
4x higher ED utilization by adolescents with ASD than adolescents without ASD. Emotional dysregulation leads to ER visits, psychiatric hospitalizations, and crisis interventions.
70%
70% of children with ASD have at least one co-occurring mental health disorder. Traditional ASD care models focus on core symptoms, neglecting the broader family’s mental health needs.
2x
2x more likely that parents of autistic children stop working or transition to part-time work to care for their child. Parents experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, increasing healthcare utilization.
Refer a patient
Personalized and comprehensive mental health care that works for families.
common challenges
The most common co-occurring mental health challenges for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Persistent difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Anxiety disorder
High levels of social anxiety or generalized anxiety, fear of change or unfamiliar situations, or phobias or specific fears that may be intense or rigid.
Depression
Ongoing feelings of sadness, low energy, irritability, or hopelessness that interfere with motivation, relationships, and enjoyment of daily life.
OCD
Recurring, intrusive thoughts or urges and repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes.
Eating and feeding disorders
Persistent difficulties with eating habits, food avoidance, or body image concerns that can interfere with nutrition, growth, or emotional well-being.
Behavioral challenges
Challenging behaviors including aggression, property destruction, tantrums, kicking, self-harm, and difficulty following instructions and routines.
how it works
RAFT Program: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Get access to the highest-quality care, immediately.
Refer your patient to us
Whether the child has an ASD diagnosis and is receiving or awaiting ABA treatment, the child is awaiting a comprehensive ASD diagnostic assessment, or parents or siblings of a child with ASD are seeking support. We do not offer diagnostic assessments for ASD or provide ABA.
RAFT Program Intake
We conduct a personalized intake call led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to define the parents’ need for parent training and the mental health needs of the child with ASD.
Patients begin care immediately
Start with Little Otter experts.
the little otter way
A comprehensive model for kids and families
The Family Mental Health Check-Up
Developmentally-sensitive assessment and report on whole-family health, including child, parent, siblings, impact on family functioning and relationships. Helps parents understand “when to worry.”
Wraparound care and digital services
Notes after every session, personalized on-demand content, unlimited messaging with their care team, and progress reports.
Care coordination to best support families
Master’s-level BCBA care navigators facilitate collaboration with ABA providers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other external services to ensure integrated care.
Measurement every step of the way
Session-level PROMIS measures, session-level clinician reported measures (CGI-I and CGI-S), and sub-speciality screens and therapeutic alliance every 6 weeks.
The leader in child mental health
Dr. Helen Egger is the Co-founder and Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Little Otter. She is a child psychiatrist who has been a leader in the field of child mental health for more than 30 years. Previously, she was Division Chief for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke Medicine and Chair of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Director of the NYU Child Study Center at NYU Langone Health.
Dr. Egger is also an internationally-recognized researcher in early childhood mental health. Her research has set the standard for measurement of child mental health, and it's the foundation of Little Otter's Family Mental Health Check-up and Little Otter's measurement-based, whole family model of care.
Get in touch to learn more
The only platform specialized in early child mental health.
.svg)