Occupational therapy is a very useful and successful treatment.

Every day we perform different activities and occupations, small things like walking the dog, gardening or even driving and working. These occupations are part of life. When we’re unable to participate in our daily occupations, due to illness, disabilities, injuries, or environmental or social circumstances, occupational therapy is the best treatment to help us find a solution to those important activities in our daily life. OT also helps prevent illness or any disability and improves the way people participate in communities.

Occupational therapy is a treatment designed to help people reach total control of all areas of their lives. OT takes care of developing and recovering certain aspects that may be missing. The treatment in children is usually very loose and with minimum assignments because their main duty is to learn and play.

How do occupational therapists help?

Occupational therapists have good knowledge of sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional and behavioral regulation to support learning and participation. Occupational therapists are highly educated and experienced so they can share a comprehensive and valuable perspective in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. They evaluate and provide both direct treatment and consultation to families, educators, and caregivers, in physical, psychological, social-emotional health in all environments of a person with Autism. In addition, occupational therapists provide support to families through education, consultation, and assistance.

What do occupational therapists do?

Provide appropriate developmental goals relating all important aspects such as motor skills, self-care, attention or social interactions
Help patients achieve a total level of independence and well-being, always considering their personal interests, goals, and motivation.
Create plans to encourage participation of the person according to his daily routines.
Support all kinds of participation and learning process in any of the sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional, and behavioral regulation fields.
Recommend improvement or modifications of activities and environment to help people with ASD participate in any circumstance.
Support the patients and their families through education, consultation, and assistance.
Educate and help their patients develop intimate relationships through education about this topic.
Contribute to professionals such as educators, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, etc.

Where do occupational therapists work?

Occupational therapy usually takes place in the patient’s home, hospital, care facility, community support service, etc. Occupational therapists work with health care and other professionals, also with organizations, such as government, care providers, and community agencies to develop resources and programs.

Since occupational therapy covers sensory processing, fine/gross motor skills development, emotional and behavioral regulation to support learning and participation, it’s considered a very suitable treatment for Autism.

To know more about other treatments or topics in general about Autism, stay tuned to our blog and our social media.