Occupational Therapy (O.T.)

Occupational therapy is a training system that teaches an individual the skills necessary for them to adapt to the independence of everyday life. Occupational therapy gives individuals the skills that they need to carry out life on their own and to live their lives to the greatest of their capabilities. More commonly, occupational therapists are seen working with individuals who are injured and need assistance in regaining the motor functions within their body, but recently many occupational therapists have begun working with people with ASDs to develop sensory capabilities, play skills, and social skills.

Occupational therapy includes aspects of sensory integration therapy, which is implemented to help those children who have difficulties processing sensory information. Many of those who are diagnosed with an ASD have heightened senses or sensitivities to certain sounds/sights/smells, and because of that, can be easily disturbed or experience discomfort as a result of the environment around them. It is likely that some of the social, behavioral, and/or attention problems that affect a child with ASD could be related to his or her sensory issues. Some of the exercises taught by an occupational therapist can help with sensory integration and can aid children in feeling less discomfort as a result of the sensations that previously bothered them.

The therapy combines a number of different games and activities. An occupational therapist and a child will spend time doing activities such as putting together puzzles and stringing beads to help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and body awareness. Turn-taking games and multi-player activities, such as passing a ball back and forth or building with legos, are aimed at helping a child with their social and communicational capabilities. Physical activities such as running or bike riding are implemented to help improve gross motor skills. 

As a child gets older and closer to the age when they are expected to live life more independently, (college or in the job-world) skills that are important for maintaining good hygiene and other aspects of independent functioning become the main focus of the therapy. Developmental activities such as brushing teeth and grooming have a strong focus as well, and it becomes the therapist’s goal to develop the child’s habits to perform these tasks on their own. Occupational therapists work with parents and teachers to set goals for a child’s future and create strategies for reaching these goals.

Parents can find occupational therapy either through a private company or through the child’s school. The law requires that schools provide occupational therapy to those students who are in need of it. Private insurance companies usually cover occupational therapy (see financial issues), and Medicaid may cover occupational therapy even for those families who have higher incomes.