Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Autism

What is Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT assists people across the lifespan to participate in things they want and need to through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

What does Occupational Therapy do?

• Help children with disabilities participate in social activities
• Help people regain skills that are lost after injury
• Provide support for individuals who have physical or cognitive challenges

What are skills that Occupational Therapists may work on?

• Daily living
• Toilet training
• Dressing
• Brushing teeth
• Grooming skills
• Fine motor skills
• Holding objects
• Handwriting
• Cutting with scissors
• Gross motor skills
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Awareness of body and its relation to others
• Perception skills
• Telling the difference between colors, shapes, sizes
• Body awareness
• Riding a bike
• Social skills
• Play
• Sensory Integration

How do I find an Occupational Therapist?

Review the ASERT Resource on Finding and Choosing a Therapist that provides suggestions on how to find a provider, such as contacting your insurance company to get in-network providers, or reaching out to a local support group for suggestions as well as important questions to ask to ensure the provider will be the best one for your child.