Occupational Therapy and Autism  

Occupational therapy (OT) in autism is concerned with the evaluation and development of a variety of skills to enhance a child's ability to function and learn. These include gross motor (walking, running, climbing, jumping, catching a ball), fine motor (picking up small objects, reaching, grasping, holding utensils, buttoning a shirt), cognitive and perceptual (attention span, stamina, transition, memory, social interaction), self-care (daily dressing, feeding, toileting, self hygiene) and sensory integration skills.

Occupational therapy uses remedial games and purposeful activities in a fun and motivating manner to enhance, encourage, improve, maintain and restore skill development. It also offers creative modifications, adaptations and assistive devices for the child as needed.

Occupational therapy uses a variety of theories and treatment approaches such as play, developmental and learning theories, models of occupational performance, sensory integration, and others. The choice of therapeutic methods depends upon the specific needs of the individual child. It is usually part of a collaborative effort of medical and educational professionals, as well as parents and other family members. In such collaboration a person with autism can move towards the appropriate social, play and learning skills needed to function successfully in everyday life.