Disclaimer: In this blogpost we have utilised identify-first language in line with current preferences in the Autistic community. However, we acknowledge that everyone is on their own journey, and they have the right to choose if they prefer person-first language.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how someone thinks, feels and sees the world around them. It is characterised by difficulties in communication, social skills and repetitive behaviours. It is called a spectrum, as every autistic individual has different strengths, goals and specific support needs.
Occupational Therapists play an important role in the journey of an autistic child, as they can support them to engage in meaningful activities of daily living and life roles. Life roles of a child may include being a sibling, friend and student. Occupational therapy most commonly focuses on developing social skills, play skills, emotional regulation, fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, transitions, organisational skills, attention and cognition. The Occupational Therapist will work with the child and their support unit, to develop child-centred goals to target in therapy sessions. Therapy can be conducted in many settings such as 1:1, group sessions and school environments.
In addition to the child, Occupational Therapists also significantly support the family. They can provide parent coaching sessions in a 1:1 setting, or explain our clinical reasoning during, or after the session with the child. The Occupational Therapist will recommend activities to work on outside of the clinical setting that align with the child’s goals and specific support needs. Many OT’s have undertaken professional development courses to gain essential knowledge and insight into autistic children and their day-to-day experiences.
So what does an Occupational Therapist do to support autistic children?
- Support the family through the diagnosis process. This can be an overwhelming stage of your child’s development, however there are many supports that we can recommend and put in place. An OT can also help families navigate funding systems such as the NDIS by writing supporting letters, reports and goals for NDIS meetings.
- Develop child-centered goals for the OT and child to work on in therapy sessions. These goals are frequently reviewed, monitored and modified as the child progresses.
- Provide assessments which will help the OT tailor activities to enable a just right challenge for the child.
- Provide evidence-based interventions that are targeted at a child’s goals. The OT will support the child to increase participation and independence in meaningful occupations, such as play or self-care.
- Support the family in the transition to school. The OT may recommend a mainstream school, support unit, satellite class or Autism specific school.
- Liaise with preschools, day cares and schools
- Liaise with other health professionals such as Speech Therapists or Psychologists.
- Recommend equipment such as noise-cancelling headphones or fidget tools.
- Modify the child’s environment such as flexible seating in the classroom or a sensory corner in the classroom.
Occupational Therapy is one of many support services that can provide the child and their family with strategies to reach their unique potential and enable them to live a meaningful life.
Check out our other blog on Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder
If you would like to learn more about how we can help your child, please call us on 9913 3823 or email hello@occupationaltherapy.com.au.
