Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals with autism improve their ability to engage in daily activities, also known as “occupations.”

These activities include things like self-care, play, and leisure activities, as well as school and work tasks. The goal of OT is to help individuals with autism develop the skills they need to be as independent as possible and to participate in the activities that are meaningful to them.

OT for autism typically begins with an assessment of the individual’s abilities, interests, and needs. The therapist will then work with the individual and their family to set goals and develop a treatment plan.

Treatment may include activities that work on fine motor skills, such as grasping and manipulating objects, as well as activities that work on gross motor skills, such as balance and coordination.

In addition to working on physical skills, OTs may also focus on improving social skills, self-regulation, and sensory processing.

For example, an OT may work with an individual who has difficulty with sensory processing to help them learn how to tolerate different textures, sounds, or lights. An OT may also work with an individual who has difficulty with self-regulation to help them learn how to manage their emotions and behaviours.

OTs may also work with individuals with autism to help them improve their ability to engage in activities that are meaningful to them, such as playing with friends or participating in school or work tasks.

For example, an OT may work with a child with autism to help them learn how to play with toys in a way that is more interactive and social.

OTs may also work with individuals with autism to help them develop the skills they need to be as independent as possible in their daily activities. For example, an OT may work with a teenager with autism to help them learn how to cook, do laundry, or take public transportation.

Summary

It is important to note that Occupational therapy is one of the many interventions that can be used to support individuals with autism, and it’s crucial to work with a team of specialists such as psychologist, speech therapist, and special education teacher to find the best treatment plan for the individual with autism.

Feel free to browse our archive for more articles on raising an autistic child or alternatively you can visit the UK’s National Autistic Societies webpage here.