The goal is to improve everyday skills which allow people to become more independent and participate in a wide range of activities. For people with autism, OT programs often focus on play skills, learning strategies, and self-care. OT strategies can also help to manage sensory issues.
Occupational therapists work with children and adults with autism to help them better perform activities of daily living. Occupational therapy is one of the three most commonly offered therapies in the school setting (along with speech therapy and behavioral therapy); occupational therapists may work toward a huge range of goals, from better handwriting to play skills to sensory integration.
A person who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has trouble communicating and interacting with other people; his or her activities, and play skills may be limited. Occupational therapy may help people with autism develop these skills at home/school.
These are some of the skills occupational therapy may foster:
• Daily living skills, such as toilet training, dressing, brushing teeth, and other grooming skills
• Fine motor skills required for holding objects while handwriting or cutting with scissors
• Gross motor skills used for walking, climbing stairs, or riding a bike
• Sitting, posture, or perceptual skills, such as telling the differences between colors, shapes, and sizes
• Awareness of his or her body and its relation to others
• Visual skills for reading and writing
• Play, coping, self-help, problem solving, communication, and social skills
• Develop peer and adult relationships
• Learn how to focus on tasks
• Learn how to delay gratification
• Express feelings in more appropriate ways
• Engage in play with peers
• Learn how to self-regulate
