Occupational therapy (OT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop the skills they need to perform daily activities. This therapy focuses on improving a person’s ability to perform tasks that are important for their daily living, such as dressing, eating, and playing.
Occupational therapists are university-trained health professionals who help people improve their ability to do the everyday things that they want or need to do.
For example, an occupational therapist may work with a child with ASD to improve their hand-eye coordination, which can help them with activities like writing and drawing. They may also work on improving the child’s fine motor skills, which can help them with activities like buttoning clothes and tying shoelaces.
Occupational therapists help children to:
- Improve their ability to look after themselves – for example, feed themselves, dress themselves, wash themselves and clean their teeth.
- Take part in activities at home, work, school and preschool or in the community.
- Take part in play and leisure activities.
- Move around more easily in physical environments – for example, with ramps.
Occupational therapists work in community health centres, public and private hospitals, education facilities, private clinics including early intervention services, and people’s homes. If your child has a disability or health or development concerns, allied health professionals like occupational therapists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.
Your child might need to see an occupational therapist if they have difficulty doing everyday things because of physical disability, learning difficulties, psychological or emotional challenges, developmental delay or intellectual disability.
Occupational therapists can help with many areas of your child’s development including thinking, emotions, behaviour, sensory processing, social interactions, play, gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Occupational therapists will focus on your child’s strengths and work in a family-centred way. This means they consider the unique needs of your family when working with your child. You don’t need a GP referral to see an occupational therapist, but your GP is always a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. Your GP can help you decide about seeing an occupational therapist and help you find someone who’s right for your child.
If your GP refers your child to an occupational therapist, it’s a good idea to talk with your GP about things like the following:
- Why you’re going: talk about why your child needs to see an occupational therapist and what goals your child wants to work on.
- Appointments: do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you? Does the appointment need to be in person, or can it be via online.
- Waiting lists: how long before you can get an appointment to see the occupational therapist?
- Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, it might be a good idea to note any tasks your child has difficulty with and any support your child already gets.
- Locations: find out where you have to go to see the occupational therapist for example, a public or private hospital, or consulting rooms. Some occupational therapists might also come to you at home or to your child’s school.
- You can talk about these things and any other questions you have with your GP before your child goes to the occupational therapist. It’s a good idea to write down any questions you have, so you don’t forget.
The benefits of early intervention through OT –
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop the skills they need to succeed in daily life. Occupational therapy (OT) can be an effective form of early intervention for children with ASD, offering a range of benefits that can help set them up for success.
One key benefit of early intervention through OT is that it can help children develop social and communication skills. By working with an occupational therapist at a young age, children with ASD can learn how to communicate effectively and interact appropriately with others.
Finally, early intervention through OT offers parents and caregivers a sense of empowerment and support. It allows them to take an active role in their child’s development and provides them with valuable resources and tools they can use outside of therapy sessions.
Overall, early intervention through occupational therapy offers numerous benefits for children with ASD. By starting therapy at a young age, children have the opportunity to develop critical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.