Occupational therapy (OT) aims at helping individuals of all ages boost their capability to perform routine activities, or “occupations” (hence the name). These occupations can include a variety of tasks and activities essential for daily life, including self-care (getting dressed, eating, grooming), productivity (work, school, household chores), and leisure activities.
Occupational therapists offering the service can work in a variety of settings. These include the following fields:
These professionals collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide relevant care and support to individuals with diverse needs.
Generally, occupational therapy aims to empower individuals to lead fulfilling and independent lives. It works towards addressing barriers that may be a hindrance to engaging fully in the daily life activities that matter most to them.
Occupational therapy (OT) is often recommended by professionals as part of the treatment approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The therapy is found to be highly beneficial in addressing major challenges that autistic individuals experience in their daily lives.
The most common challenges faced by autistic individuals in their daily lives due to the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may vary. However, here are some common daily living challenges most autistic individuals may experience:
Verbal and nonverbal communication challenges are common among autistic individuals. These individuals often struggle with understanding social signals, maintaining eye contact, expressing their needs, and using gestures and thoughts effectively.
Heightened or weak sensory sensitivities are common among autistic individuals. This means the individual may experience extreme sensitivity to certain textures, smells, sounds, or lights. This may make their daily life experiences and environments overwhelming or uncomfortable.
Since autistic individuals face challenges in communication, social interactions, and executive functioning, it impacts their academic performances. They take time to adjust to academic environments. They might need professional support to succeed in vocational or service settings.
Autistic individuals may not be able to navigate social interactions. They usually have trouble understanding social norms, the emotions of others they interact with, and facial expressions. This may cause difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships.
This is known to be one of the most common traits of an autistic individual. They usually engage in repetitive behaviors or routines, which tend to soothe them. However, the behavior may cause a significant hindrance to day-to-day activities or social interactions.
Autistic individuals usually require additional support and guidance in developing independence. They need support with life skills, including the use of public transportation, money management, and cooking.
Individuals with autism have a hard time accepting or adapting to changes. They don’t appreciate any changes (even minor ones) in their daily routine or unexpected transitions. These situations may cause anxiety or make them distressed.
As mentioned above, autistic individuals do not like changes (major or minor) in their routine. Situations such as social demand and sensory overload can trigger anxiety, causing meltdowns or shutdowns. The individual becomes overwhelmed and faces trouble communicating or functioning.
It is not easy for autistic individuals to accomplish basic self-care tasks such as grooming, dressing up, brushing teeth, bathing, etc. This is because their sensory sensitivities, trouble understanding things, remembering various steps involved, and issues related to motor coordination tend to cause hindrance in these activities.
Autism may affect one’s ability to do executive functions such as time management, planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks. The challenges affect one’s day-to-day responsibilities and activities.
Autistic individuals face challenges with fine and gross motor skills. This makes it difficult for these individuals to undertake tasks such as tying shoelaces, handwriting, using utensils, and various other motor-related activities.
Each individual with autism is unique. The challenges and strengths may also vary. Addressing these challenges requires professional help. An experienced professional will create personalized strategies customized to the individual’s needs and preferences. The treatment and therapy involve creating a supportive environment for individuals, using visual supports, sensory accommodations, and clear communication to help autistic individuals accomplish their day-to-day lives easily.
Occupational therapists plan therapies for autistic individuals that can help them develop and improve self-care skills, including grooming, dressing, and eating. All of these skills are essential for achieving daily independence.
Occupational therapy, under the guidance of a professional, can target the development of fine motor skills. These may include improving one’s handwriting, buttoning up a shirt, zipping, tying shoelaces, using utensils, etc. Fine motor skills are important for achieving independence in essential tasks such as day-to-day activities and schoolwork.
Social skills development is important for individuals with autism. Professional occupational therapists will help individuals understand social cues. The therapy can boost communication skill and interactions with school pals and adults.
It is common for individuals with autism to experience difficulties with sensory processing. This means they may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli such as smell, touch, movement, or sound. Therapy is usually conducted by occupational therapists trained and experienced in sensory integration to regulate sensory responses. These professionals will also develop strategies to manage various sensory challenges.
This is a crucial part of one’s childhood development. Occupational therapy will help individuals with autism develop play skills. They can engage in various creative and imaginative play activities.
Most occupational therapists will work with individuals to develop behavior management strategies. These are helpful in regulating the emotions of autistic individuals and their responses to various situations.
Special strategies are designed by occupational therapists to help individuals with autism. It is important to adapt to varied environments and situations. These strategies are also helpful in reducing anxiety among individuals and promoting successful participation.
Speech therapy activities can encompass a wide range of approaches and techniques, meant to address specific speech therapy needs and the challenges faced by children.
Special education is a systematic way of teaching unique ideas by seeing the learner’s style e.g., Auditory, Visual, kinesthetic, or tactile where the learner enthusiastically participates.
Occupational therapy address serious health issues, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, & genetic disorders.
