Autism and Occupational Therapy

Did you know that in addition to being Occupational Therapy Month, April is also Autism Awareness Month? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is defined by Autism Speaks as, “a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.” There are many different types of autism. An estimate 1 in 68 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism, with boys being diagnosed more frequently than girls.

Occupational Therapy is a service often provided to individuals with Autism. This service focuses on enhancing participation in the performance of daily living activities (feeding or dressing oneself), education, work, leisure, play, and social participation (source). Throughout the Occupational Therapy process, an Occupational Therapist (OT) will provide services including: an evaluation, intervention, and measurement of outcomes.

Once an evaluation is completed, an OT will develop a program for the individual.  They will often use products made by FEI Retail during the course of treatment. Below are four ways OTs help patients with Autism:

1. A therapist may use a peg board or Puttycise tool kit to help the patient develop fine motor skills
2. A Cushy Air Ball may be used for sensory exercises or to help a child who has trouble focusing
3. A child may roll TheraPutty into a ball or snake in order to increase hand arch development
4. Balance stones may be used to improve the vestibular system

Occupational Therapy helps introduce, maintain, and improve fine motor skills so people with Autism can be as independent as possible.

Learn more about Occupational Therapy and Autism by clicking here.