What is OT, and Why is it Essential for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition with a high prevalence characterized by restricted, repetitive behaviors and hindered social communication. The last ten years have seen a significant increase in understanding the neurological underpinnings causing ASD. Autism and changes in the brain are interrelated, and it’s evident in the behaviour of patients. ASD brains exhibit aberrant connections, according to several data.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of the treatment methods for Autism. Many reputable platforms like Brain Train offer various methods that help deal with Autism, like physiotherapy and exercise physiology. Autism needs acceptance parallel to treatment. OT helps people with Autism to adapt so they can perform daily work and live everyday life.

What Is OT?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a method that helps people with Autism to adapt and improve their reactions in social situations and work environments and learn daily routines and skills. These may include school, work, home, social interactions, etc. These professionals help them so they can easily lead an everyday life.

If a patient has undergone surgery, is recovering from a medical incident like a stroke, or has acquired a disability, their doctor may recommend that person seek occupational therapy services.

Occupational therapy seeks to enhance life satisfaction and promote health by assisting people with daily tasks. Occupational therapists help patients grow, recover, and progress while preserving the abilities they require to function in everyday life.

Occupational therapists (OTs) give people helpful suggestions and assistance so they can go about their daily lives. They specialize in changing people’s surroundings to accommodate their needs and wants better. OTs work with a wide range of age groups.

Hospitals or specialized facilities employ most occupational therapists in the US. Hospitals, schools, or nursing homes use the others. Most professional occupational therapists hold a master’s degree, and all must be licensed to practice.

Why Is It Important For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A coordinated approach and therapy can enable people with Autism and developmental delays to lead fulfilling lives. Several centres like Brain Train provide occupational therapy to children for overall development, a therapeutic approach for every child to develop their motor skills and learn daily life skills.

The OT uses the best multi-disciplinary therapies with a sensorimotor program for optimum results. It is based on assessing the children’s motor skills, behaviour, and other activities.

The whole approach of OT is based on the following idea:

• The idea is to make everything seem fun. Children love and are genuinely engaged when playing. So therapists try to do all activities playfully for maximum engagement and interest.
• Children with Autism suffer from a lack of motor skills. A Sensorimotor Program can assist them in building a foundation for better sensory integration and motor function.
• OT, complemented with physiotherapy, behaviour support, and exercise physiology, helps the children build a foundation to grow and improve their development.

The earliest you see intervention with your child’s developmental delays, the easier and smoother the treatment becomes. Otherwise, it may take a long time for the child to adapt to the condition and worsen over time.

As soon as you take your child to an Occupational therapist, they can help the child to develop a focus on academics and be more confident. It is the best way to improve communication skills, draw attention to minute details, and work to reach common goals.

Conclusion

According to some estimates, one in every hundred children has Autism. It is an average number that may differ substantially. Children with Autism not only face brain disability but face societal ignorance too. Understanding and supporting such children and their families is essential in their journey.

OT is a practical and effective way to help children improve their motor skills, communication, confidence, and focus. There are other ways too, but it is the most fun and engaging method to help children with Autism.