If you are the parent of a child with autism, you may wonder whether occupational therapy for autism is the right step for your family. You have probably heard a lot of different options for their care, and it can be tough to know what’s best for your child.
Here at Therapy Partners, we use evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) practices to ensure participants receiving autism occupational therapy receive relevant, trusted support. We have seen first-hand how occupational therapy and autism treatment can benefit people with autism and believe in its power to change lives.
If you’re curious to learn more about the benefits of occupational therapy (OT) for people with autism, keep reading. This post will explore some of the most important ways occupational therapy treatment for autism can help your child thrive.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (“Autism”, ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It can also affect how a person sees and understands the world around them.
People with autism often have problems with sensory processing. This means that they may be overwhelmed by stimulation from lights, sounds, or textures. They may also have difficulty with self-care tasks like dressing or bathing. Occupational therapists can help people with autism better manage sensory stimuli by building on their strengths and overcoming their limitations, with sessions often focusing on play skills, learning strategies, and self-care.
What Are the Symptoms of Autism?
When you think of autism, what comes to mind? For some, it’s the idea of a child who is withdrawn, doesn’t socialize well with others, or struggles to focus. However, autism is a condition that can look very different from person to person.
There are many symptoms of autism, which can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include delayed language or movement skills, hyperactive or impulsive behaviour, unusual habits or emotional reactions, and difficulty adjusting to different sensory stimuli.
If you think your child may have autism, it’s important to get them evaluated by a professional.
What Are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy for People with Autism?
Autism occupational therapy can be an extremely helpful treatment for people on the autism spectrum. It can help them understand and better manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. OT can help people at all points along the autism spectrum develop the skills they need to communicate better and participate in daily activities that are meaningful to them.
Interventions for autism include sensory integration, motor developmental activities, and play activities. Each intervention is evidence-based and proven effective in improving the lives of people with autism; these interventions are designed to target a specific skill that will help the individual be more successful in their daily life.
Occupational therapists play a key role in addressing the broad range of challenges experienced by people with autism, setting occupational therapy autism goals, and developing a variety of skills such as handwriting, daily living, and fine motor skills. Some of the challenges experienced by people with autism can include the following:
- Social phobia
- Excessive worry
- Obsessive or avoidance behaviours
- Rigid routines/resistant to change, and more.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help People with Autism Overcome These Challenges?
Occupational therapy can be incredibly effective in helping people with autism overcome their challenges. OT practitioners focus on developing skills needed for individuals on the autism spectrum throughout their lives. They can help people with autism reach their full potential by building on existing areas of strength and overcoming their limitations. OT programs often focus on play skills, learning strategies, and self-care.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Occupational Therapy for People with Autism?
You may be wondering if there are any risks associated with occupational therapy for people with autism. The good news is that occupational therapy is a safe and effective treatment for people on the autism spectrum. Therapy Partners uses evidence-based occupational therapy practices to ensure participants with autism receive relevant, trusted support.
How Can I Find an Evidence-Based Occupational Therapist in My Area?
The good news is that occupational therapy is a well-researched field, and there is a lot of evidence on how it can help people with autism.
All our therapists at Therapist Partners employ evidence-based practices when working with participants. We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible, which means using the best research available to provide much-needed support and relief for people who need it.
If your child or loved one is struggling with any challenges associated with autism, OT may be the perfect solution. Therapy Partners does not have extended waiting lists, so contact us today to discuss how our occupational therapists could help.
