If you have a child with autism or sensory processing disorder, you know how essential it is to provide them with the right tools and support to thrive in their everyday life.
Our son’s progress since starting occupational therapy has been nothing short of extraordinary. It all began when he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the tender age of 3. The evaluation revealed some functional concerns related to his autism, particularly in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social participation, and self-regulation. Santana’s incredible pediatric occupational therapists and the rest of his dedicated team have worked wonders over the past 4 years.
I know you must be curious about what happens after an autism diagnosis, and I’m thrilled to take you on this journey. Sensory integration therapy has been an absolute game-changer for our little one, and I can’t wait to share how autism occupational therapy activities have transformed his daily life! So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of occupational therapy for autism. It’s a story of growth, determination, and endless possibilities!
What is occupational therapy for autism?
Autism occupational therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals with autism develop the skills they need to participate in daily activities successfully. These activities are tailored to each child’s unique strengths, sensory challenges, and interests, making them both enjoyable and effective.
Prior to beginning occupational therapy (OT), he had to get an occupational therapy evaluation.
During our evaluation, the occupational therapist used two methods of assessment.
Formal methods of assessment:
Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire (SP)
Peabody Developmental Motor Scales – Second Edition (PDMS2)
Grasping & Visual-Motor Integration subtests
Informal Methods of Assessment:
- Clinical observation & a parent interview
The Benefits of Autism Occupational Therapy Activities
Sensory Integration:
Many children with autism have sensory processing difficulties, which can make everyday sensations overwhelming or confusing. Occupational therapy activities provide a safe and structured environment to help children explore and regulate their sensory experiences.
Example Activity: Sensory Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of sensory items for your child to find around the house, such as something soft, something rough, something with a strong scent, etc. Guide them as they explore each item, describing the sensory experience. This activity helps improve sensory integration and descriptive language skills.
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Fine motor skills are crucial for daily tasks like dressing, writing, and eating. Occupational therapy activities focus on strengthening hand muscles and coordination.
Example Activity: Playdough Play
Set up a playdough station with various colors and child-friendly tools like rolling pins and cookie cutters. Encourage your child to mold shapes and use the tools to enhance hand-eye coordination and finger strength.
Social Skills Enhancement:
Many children with autism struggle with social interactions. Occupational therapy activities create opportunities for children to practice social skills in a supportive environment.
Example Activity: Pretend Play with Dress-Up
Create a dress-up corner with various costumes and props. Play along with your child, taking on different roles and scenarios. Pretend to be pirates on a high-seas adventure or doctors in a busy hospital. This activity encourages communication, social interaction, and imaginative thinking.
Cognitive Development:
Autism occupational therapy activities can also stimulate cognitive skills like problem-solving and shape recognition.
Example Activity: Shape Sorting Fun
Provide your child with a shape sorting box and different cut-out shapes. Encourage them to match each shape to its corresponding slot, promoting cognitive development and hand-eye coordination.
What are some occupational therapy activities?
Occupational therapy doesn’t have to be limited to therapy sessions in a clinic. A great way to get some proprioceptive inputs is to easily incorporate these activities into your daily routines at home. For us occupational therapy usually starts with visual schedules. Being able to see what he has to do helps him feel more in control and eases transitions. They then go on to some heavy work activities via trampoline crashes. Some of our son’s favorite fine motor activities include:
- different ways of manipulating therapy putty
- heavy work
- drawing & writing
- bouncing on his therapy ball
- obstacle course
- having a dance party
Does occupational therapy help autism?
Throughout the years, Santana’s treatment plans have been a dynamic journey, always evolving as he conquers his goals. Progress is the name of the game, and it’s crucial to keep an eye on your child’s growth. If they aren’t making strides, it might be time to tweak the specific goals or the plan itself. We’ve witnessed the most incredible transformations in Santana over time, and it warms our hearts.
Now, Santana can articulate his needs and desires, making our interactions with him a true joy. At home and school, he has become his own advocate, which is nothing short of empowering. When his engine is running a little too hot, he’s learned to ask for movement breaks! His relationships with classmates have blossomed, too. Gone are the days of just parallel play; now, he’s independent and oozing with confidence.
“Occupational therapy plays a vital role in supporting the development and well-being of autistic children. By focusing on their unique sensory, motor, and social needs, occupational therapists help foster meaningful participation in everyday activities. Through a holistic and individualized approach, occupational therapy equips children with the skills and strategies necessary to navigate their environment, enhance their independence, and optimize their overall quality of life.”
Michael Lantigua, Director of Community Relations at Children’s Rehab PPEC
What do occupational therapists do for autism?
Communication is the heartbeat of our journey, and it all began with the evaluation, where trust and rapport with our qualified occupational therapist took root. It’s essential to find the right fit because, depending on your child’s needs, this partnership might last for quite a while. Lucky for us, we’ve been with our amazing therapist for four years now, and she’s practically family. She crafted a tailored sensory diet, addressing Santana’s unique set of sensory needs, and we’ve been attending therapy sessions once a week, an hour at a time.
During these sessions, your OT should walk you through your child’s goals, recommended activities, and behavior supports. It’s your chance to ask questions, seek clarity, and understand why specific activities are part of the plan. Never hesitate to seek answers because knowledge empowers you on this journey.
Santana’s evaluation pointed out some areas of concern, such as auditory, vestibular input (movement), and touch systems. Armed with this valuable insight, his occupational therapy sessions became a collaborative effort to provide him with the right sensory input to make his body feel “just right.” It’s incredible to see how these carefully designed activities work wonders for our little ones!
Why is occupational therapy used for treating autism?
Occupational therapy is widely used for treating autism because it addresses the specific challenges and needs that individuals with autism face in their daily lives. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication, social interaction, and behavior. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals with autism develop essential skills and overcome difficulties to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Overall, occupational therapy is a holistic approach that considers the individual’s unique strengths and challenges. By tailoring interventions to meet their individual needs, ot sessions can significantly improve the quality of life for autistic people and help them achieve their fullest potential.
Why occupational therapy is important for autism
Occupational therapy activities can be a game-changer for children on the autism spectrum, helping them build crucial skills, improve sensory processing, and unlock their full potential. Autism occupational therapy activities are like magic wands that can empower your child and help them flourish. By engaging in these activities, you’ll not only witness their progress but also create lasting memories together. Remember, every child is unique, so don’t be afraid to try different activities and find what works best for your little one.
This content is exceptional! I appreciate how clear and concise it is. It has been very informative, especially in helping me understand autism in children.