Occupational therapy (OT) is a widely used intervention in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals develop the skills they need to perform everyday activities and participate in the world around them. In the context of ASD, occupational therapy can help children improve their social, emotional, and physical development.

One of the primary goals of occupational therapy is to help children with ASD improve their ability to participate in daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and grooming themselves. Occupational therapists also work with children to help them develop fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and balance. By addressing these areas, occupational therapy can help children become more independent and successful in their daily lives.

Another important aspect of occupational therapy for children with ASD is addressing sensory integration issues. Many children with ASD experience difficulties processing and responding appropriately to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, smells, and textures. Occupational therapy can help children with these challenges by providing sensory integration therapy, which involves activities that are designed to help the child better process sensory information.

 

A Guide to Occupational Therapy for Autism | USAHS

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a field of healthcare that holistically treats people who have injuries, disabilities, or other conditions, including autism. In this practice, occupational therapists (OTs) help patients develop, recover, or maintain their ability to engage in meaningful daily activities, including communicating appropriately with others. 

OTs begin the process by communicating directly with the patient and family to understand the patient’s individual needs. They assess the patient’s physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive abilities before developing reasonable goals and a treatment plan. The OT then works with the patient for several sessions or longer term, helping them make progress toward their goals.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Treating ASD

Occupational therapists evaluate the current developmental levels of children and adults with autism, aiming to improve their ability to self-regulate emotions and participate in social interactions.2 Through interventions, OTs can help people with autism build on their areas of strength and overcome their limitations.

Ways Occupational Therapists Evaluate ASD

To evaluate a patient with autism, the OT may use screening tools such as an autism checklist, a sensory profile, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), or diagnosis criteria set forth in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). 3 When observing the patient, an OT will consider the following skills:
•    Social: interactions with others, emotion regulation, behavior, desire for personal space, eye contact, aggression
•    Communication: speech, non-verbal communication
•    Cognitive: attention span, stamina
•    Sensory: responses to stimuli, sensory seeking, sensory defensiveness
•    Motor: posture, balance, manipulation of small objects

Common Occupational Therapy Interventions for Autism 

After completing the evaluation, the occupational therapist works with the patient and family to develop an intervention plan and treatment goals. Occupational therapy interventions for autism may include:6,7
•    Focusing on sensory integration and sensory-based strategies.
•    Emphasizing mental health and wellness.
•    Implementing emotional development and self-regulation strategies and programs.
•    Organizing peer groups, social participation, and play activities.
•    Improving self-care routines to help with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and grooming.
•    Working on motor development.
•    Supporting an adolescent’s transition into adulthood and helping them build skills to enter the workforce.
•    Using cognitive-behavioral approaches to support positive behaviors.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Autism

The main goal of occupational therapy for autism is to improve the patient’s quality of life. Through interventions, occupational therapists can help people with ASD gain independence and:8
•    Focus on academic tasks.
•    Communicate appropriately.
•    Maintain and foster relationships.
•    Work with others to achieve a common goal or purpose.
•    Learn to delay gratification.
•    Express emotions in a healthy, productive way and regulate arousal level.
•    Become more independent and confident.
•    Feel less anxious.

How to Find an Occupational Therapist

Contacting the patient’s school or physician is a good place to start to find a qualified occupational therapist. When choosing an OT to work with a child or adult with autism, look for someone who is willing to:9
•    Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and create written goals for treatment.
•    Offer one-on-one treatment in a sensory-rich setting.
•    Provide an intensive treatment program that encourages family members to participate.
•    Ask questions, and encourage the patient and family to do the same.