Occupational Therapy’s Role with Autism
Occupational therapy services focus on enhancing participation in the performance of activities of daily living (e.g., feeding, dressing), instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., community mobility, safety procedures), education, work, leisure, play, and social participation.
Occupational therapy services can focus on personal development, quality of life, and the needs of the family for children with Autism. The occupational therapy evaluation process is designed to gain an understanding of the individual’s skills—his or her strengths and challenges while engaging in daily activities (occupations). The occupational therapy intervention process is based on the results of the evaluation and is individualized to include a variety of strategies and techniques that help clients maximize their ability to participate in daily activities at home, school (if relevant), work, and in the community environment. Progress or a successful outcome is noted through improved performance (or adaptation), enhanced participation in necessary or meaningful daily activities, personal satisfaction, improved health and wellness, and successful transitions to new situations and roles.
Occupational therapy practitioners help people with autism adjust tasks and conditions to match their needs and abilities.
What Can Occupational Therapy Practitioners Do for People with Autism?
- Evaluate an individual to determine whether he or she has accomplished developmentally appropriate skills needed in such areas as grooming and play and leisure skills.
- Provide interventions to help an individual respond to information coming through the senses. Intervention may include developmental activities, sensory integration or sensory processing, and play activities.
- Facilitate play activities that instruct as well as aid a child in interacting and communicating with others.
- Devise strategies to help the individual transition from one setting to another, from one person to another, and from one life phase to another.
- Collaborate with the individual and family to identify safe methods of community mobility.
- Identify, develop, or adapt work and other daily activities that are meaningful to enhance the individual’s quality of life.
Contact PediaSpeech for more information on Occupational Therapy!
770-209-9826
www.pediaspeech.com