Whole Child Model | Cortica
Cortica's WholeChild Autism Care
At Cortica, we believe that the most effective care approach begins with seeing each child as a whole person. We combine all of our services to support a child more completely and successfully.
Top insurance providers accepted:
A Whole-Body Approach to Autism Care
We go beyond traditional ABA by addressing every part of your child’s health that influences learning and development. Since 90% of autistic individuals have at least one co-occurring condition, our Whole-Child model treats the full picture—mind, body, and beyond—to create lasting progress.
Explore Our Integrated Services
- Diagnostics
- ABA Therapy
- Jumpstart Early Intervention
- Developmental Therapy
- Medical Care
- Mental Health Counseling
The Whole Child Model
Roots: Home, Family, Community, School
A child's foundation begins with the people and environments that surround them. We partner with parents, caregivers, educators, and communities to build a consistent, supportive circle around every child. When families feel supported, children feel safe—and real progress begins.Trunk: Brain & Body Systems
Healthy development starts from within. Our medical team addresses the biological systems that influence learning, behavior, and mood. By understanding your child's unique biology, we can personalize treatments that strengthen both body and brain.Branches: Brain Networks in Action
These are the networks that power every skill—from focus and movement to connection and communication. We combine evidence-based therapies to strengthen these pathways, helping your child gain confidence and independence step by step.Leaves: Lifelong Learning & Daily Skills
As your child's core skills grow, they begin to explore, connect, and give back. We nurture these abilities through play, social interaction, and real-world practice—helping your child develop independence and a sense of purpose.Sunlight: Joy and Well-Being
Joy is the ultimate goal of development—when a child can express themselves freely, form meaningful connections, and engage with the world with curiosity and happiness. Every layer of care we provide is designed to bring your child closer to this feeling.
Cortica’s Whole Child model leads to dramatically better outcomes
A recent study found that more therapy hours don’t guarantee success—personalized, whole child care does. Cortica is one of the few autism care organizations with outcomes published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, reflecting our commitment to evidence-based, transparent care.
Cortica Improvement Rate vs Others
65% of children at Cortica improved across multiple areas of development—far surpassing outcomes from typical community programs.
| Focus Areas | Standard ABA Treatment Centers |
|---|---|
| Behavior | |
| Sleep, feeding, and nutrition | |
| Sensory processing and regulation | |
| Oral-motor function and articulation | |
| Attention, mood, and communication challenges | |
| Fine and gross motor skills | |
| Medical care | |
| Treatment of co-occurring conditions |
We create a complete therapy program for your child by combining the ten essential elements of whole-child care.
Genetics & Metabolism: Some children with autism have underlying genetic or metabolic differences that, once identified, can open the door to more personalized and effective care. We recommend genetic and metabolic testing to uncover possible causes of your child’s autism.
Seizures: Research shows a significant number of children with autism will experience seizures which can interfere with learning and development.
Sleep: Sleep problems affect many children with autism, impacting their mood and behavior.
GI Symptoms: About half of children with autism experience gastrointestinal symptoms that can affect behavior, mood, and learning.
Medication & Diets: Many children with autism are picky eaters, leading to nutrient deficiencies affecting development.
Mental Health Symptoms: Children with autism often experience anxiety, inattention, or mood changes.
Social Communication: Support building social and communication skills is essential for children with autism.
Behavior: Therapy helps children with autism build everyday skills and reduce challenging behaviors, best when families are involved.
Sensory-Motor: Sensory and motor challenges can affect speech to balance, behavior, and daily routines.
Child & Family Counseling: Caring for your own well-being is important for supporting your child's needs.
Stories from parents like you.
“I can’t find the words to clearly express my gratitude and love for Cortica... When you need help, sometimes you have to search for it. I found Cortica, a place with patience, understanding, and the most compassionate human beings, all under one roof.“ –Mom of five-year-old
- 75% communication goals reached in 6 months
- 80% fine motor goals reached in 6 months
“My son absolutely loves coming to Cortica! ... My son is growing and thriving! This has been what I hoped for our family.” –Dad of six-year-old
- 75% sensorimotor goals reached in 6 months
- 100% self-regulation goals reached in 6 months
Listen to Dr. Goh’s Podcast
Dr. Suzanne Goh is a pediatric neurologist and Chief Medical Officer at Cortica. Magnificent Minds brings science, heart, and clarity to conversations about autism and child development.
Listen on:
The first step to care with Cortica is scheduling a Clinical Intake Visit. We get started on day 1 with a comprehensive billable consultation designed to give you clarity and direction.
During this appointment:
- Our specialists will listen to your child’s story and your family’s goals.
- We’ll complete a developmental and medical review.
- You’ll leave with a personalized roadmap for care, including therapies, support options, and insurance guidance.