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01 May 2024
Victor Hu
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Children and adults on the autism spectrum often struggle with sensory processing, which can impact their ability to navigate and engage with the world around them.
Sensory processing challenges can manifest in hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli like sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, body position, and balance. These challenges can make simple, everyday activities overwhelming and hinder their participation in daily life.
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in addressing these challenges by utilising various strategies and techniques, including a sensory integration-based approach, to help people with autism regulate their sensory experiences and develop the skills for successful participation in daily activities.
So, what does an OT do for autism? Here, we’ll explore what occupational therapy for autism entails, the role of occupational therapists in autism intervention, and the many benefits it can bring to individuals on the spectrum.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised recommendations and guidance tailored to your needs.
What does an OT do for autism?
Photo 95151398 © Katarzyna Bialasiewicz | Dreamstime.com
Occupational therapy for autism begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the client’s strengths, challenges, and specific goals. The occupational therapist evaluates various areas of functioning, including sensory processing, fine motor skills, self-care abilities, social participation skills, and emotional regulation.;
This assessment is the foundation for developing a custom occupational therapy autism intervention plan that addresses the individual's unique needs and supports their holistic development.
Sensory integration & regulation
Occupational therapists use evidence-based techniques to help their clients better process and respond to sensory stimuli. This might include sensory diets, which are specifically designed daily activity plans that include sensory activities throughout the day to promote optimal arousal levels and improve focus and attention.
Sensory diets can include a range of activities like:
- Dancing
- Singing
- Going to the gym
- Going for a walk
- Reading
- Listening to music to promote relaxation and self-regulation
Occupational therapists work closely with individuals with autism to develop effective sensory diets that support their sensory needs and enhance their overall well-being.
Skill development & independence
Occupational therapists work on developing various skills, including self-care skills (e.g. dressing, bathing, grooming), fine motor skills, handwriting, emotional regulation, social participation skills, and organisational skills.
Through planned interventions and therapeutic activities, occupational therapists offer their clients opportunities to practice and refine these skills in a safe, supportive environment. By gradually increasing the complexity and independence of tasks, occupational therapists can help individuals with autism build confidence, improve their overall functioning, and achieve more independence in their daily lives.
Environmental adaptations & support
Creating the ideal environment for individuals with autism is essential for their well-being and successful participation in daily life. Occupational therapists collaborate with families, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to plan environmental adaptations that support their clients.
These adaptations include modifying the sensory environment to reduce sensory overload, providing visual schedules and support to enhance predictability, and incorporating sensory-friendly strategies in school and home settings.
Occupational therapists can train support workers and teachers to create supportive environments and implement strategies promoting individual engagement and participation.
Play-based learning
Occupational therapists often use a play-based model to engage children in learning new skills. Incorporating play into therapy sessions motivates children because they’re having fun while developing essential skills. This approach also allows children to practice skills in a natural and enjoyable context, making the learning process more engaging.
The benefits of occupational therapy for autism
Improved sensory processing:Interventions targeting sensory processing can help individuals with autism better regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. With appropriate sensory opportunities and teaching self-regulation strategies, occupational therapists help clients reduce sensory overload and promote overall well-being. |
Enhanced motor skills & coordination:Many people with autism struggle with motor skills, coordination, and planning. Occupational therapy interventions focus on improving these areas with activities that target specific motor skills, coordination, and balance. Clients can develop better motor control, coordination, and physical abilities through consistent practice and support. |
Increased independence in daily activities:Occupational therapy can provide the skills and strategies to engage in daily activities independently. By targeting self-care, fine motor, and organisational skills, occupational therapists encourage clients to perform tasks like dressing, grooming, eating, and organising their belongings independently and confidently. |
Improved social skills & participation:Occupational therapists also aim to improve social skills and participation in meaningful activities. They work on enhancing social interaction skills, communication skills, and emotional regulation, enabling clients to engage more effectively in social settings, build relationships, and participate in activities they enjoy. |
Support for transition & vocational skills:As children and teens with autism transition into adulthood, occupational therapy prepares them for independent living, vocational pursuits, and meaningful engagement in the community. Occupational therapists collaborate with young people, families, and vocational support teams to develop strategies supporting successful transitions and acquiring vocational skills. |
Enhanced quality of life:By addressing their specific needs and empowering them to overcome challenges, occupational therapy helps people with autism to participate more fully in daily life activities, promotes independence, and fosters a sense of well-being and self-confidence. |
Improved sensory processing:Interventions targeting sensory processing can help individuals with autism better regulate their responses to sensory stimuli. With appropriate sensory opportunities and teaching self-regulation strategies, occupational therapists help clients reduce sensory overload and promote overall well-being. |
Enhanced motor skills & coordination:Many people with autism struggle with motor skills, coordination, and planning. Occupational therapy interventions focus on improving these areas with activities that target specific motor skills, coordination, and balance. Clients can develop better motor control, coordination, and physical abilities through consistent practice and support. |
Increased independence in daily activities:Occupational therapy can provide the skills and strategies to engage in daily activities independently. By targeting self-care, fine motor, and organisational skills, occupational therapists encourage clients to perform tasks like dressing, grooming, eating, and organising their belongings independently and confidently. |
Improved social skills & participation:Occupational therapists also aim to improve social skills and participation in meaningful activities. They work on enhancing social interaction skills, communication skills, and emotional regulation, enabling clients to engage more effectively in social settings, build relationships, and participate in activities they enjoy. |
Support for transition & vocational skills:As children and teens with autism transition into adulthood, occupational therapy prepares them for independent living, vocational pursuits, and meaningful engagement in the community. Occupational therapists collaborate with young people, families, and vocational support teams to develop strategies supporting successful transitions and acquiring vocational skills. |
Enhanced quality of life:By addressing their specific needs and empowering them to overcome challenges, occupational therapy helps people with autism to participate more fully in daily life activities, promotes independence, and fosters a sense of well-being and self-confidence. |
How Active Mobility can help occupational therapists & their autism clients reach their goals
At Active Mobility, we understand each individual's unique challenges with autism and the importance of tailored interventions to address their specific needs. We welcome all occupational therapists to partner with us — we offer access to a wide range of helpful resources, services, and expertise to help support clients with autism on their journey towards independence.
Whether it’s finding the right sensory integration tools, adaptive equipment for daily living, or mobility aids for improved motor skills, we’re here to help.
