Why Occupational Therapy Works for Kids on the Spectrum

Occupational Therapy is one of the treatments for kids on the Autism Spectrum.  The main reason for occupational therapy is that children can work on fine and gross motor skills, as well as overcome some of their sensory processing difficulties.

A developmental delay in gross motor skills might mean the child can't ride a bike, may run in an awkward manner, or may have difficulty kicking a ball.  Therapists use organized play to work on these gross motor skills.  If a child has severe delay with gross motor skills, then physical therapy would work better.

A developmental delay in fine motor skills might mean the child has trouble feeding themselves, getting dressed, or writing.

Occupational Therapy can help with self care issues and academic skills.  They may work on writing, cutting with scissors, as well as developing the muscles required for those skills by playing with play dough, stringing beads, and squeezing sponges. 

The goal of Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy is not to teach behaviors or skills, but to help with neurological processing deficits, teaching them to adapt to the environment around them. This could include teaching tolerance to different textures, loud noises, and bright lights.  It involves determining what kind of sensory issues a child has and helping him/her get the sensory input they seek in a controlled environment.

With Sensory Integration, the therapist will be helping the child manage his/her body in space.  An OT can also help the child with communication and interaction with others through therapy known as Floortime, where the therapist gets down on the floor and Plays with the child.  The therapist works on transitions from one activity to another if transitioning is an issue with the child. Determining strategies that work can help outside of the therapy session when the child is at home, at school, and in the community.