Children with autism frequently struggle to master social skills such as greeting others appropriately and reading social cues, which an occupational therapist can assist them with by helping to build these abilities.
Autism occupational therapy Adelaide services are typically covered by insurance plans and can be provided both at home and school. Occupational therapists work closely with parents and caregivers to promote practice of skills outside sessions as well as provide invaluable feedback on progress.
Adaptive behavior
Children with autism typically struggle to transition between activities and environments, and may struggle with visual perceptual skills which are essential for everyday tasks such as reading, writing, and playing. Occupational therapy can assist these children by teaching them visual aids as well as improving attention spans and memories.
Parents and caregivers play an integral role in occupational therapy’s success. By encouraging and motivating their child, they can increase progress. Furthermore, they can practice skills outside sessions with their therapist and report back their child’s development to him/her.
Adaptive behaviour is an integral component of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet few longitudinal studies exist that examine its relationship to symptoms or IQ in those living with ASD. This research replicates and extends previous findings by tracking changes in adaptive behaviours from preschool through school-age years; adaptive scores appear either stable or declining over time, reflecting widening discrepancies between age-expected adaptive abilities and observed abilities.
Sensory processing
Sensory processing refers to how your child’s brain absorbs information about the world around them, including through five senses and interoception (how your child feels about their bodies). Proprioception helps children know what they’re doing.
Children who struggle with sensory processing issues typically struggle to adapt to sights, sounds, touch, taste, scent and body position and movement – affecting daily tasks such as brushing their teeth or engaging with family at dinnertime and recess at school. This makes everyday tasks like these more challenging to complete than they otherwise might.
Autism occupational therapy Adelaide uses play and sensory tactics to help your child overcome his or her challenges. Beginning with simple activities and gradually intensifying stimulation to adapt their nervous system over time.
Many studies demonstrate that children who undergo sensory integration therapy experience improvement in areas like touch, sensory avoidance, and hypersensitivity to loud noises. But more research must be conducted on this approach in relation to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Social skills
Children diagnosed with autism or related conditions like pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, Asperger’s syndrome or childhood disintegrative disorder typically exhibit difficulty developing social skills – including verbal and nonverbal communication, emotional regulation and understanding written and implied rules.
A qualified therapist can work with your child in their natural settings and use various techniques to foster interaction and achieve goals such as happiness, friendships and independence. Look for one who has license, certification and experience working with autistic patients.
A great therapist should also be familiar with programs that teach social skills, like peer mentorship and video modelling. A combination of these approaches may often prove more successful. These programs help children understand the variety of social interactions they experience at home, school and community venues, their emotions impact others, etc. For instance, Zones of Regulation utilises color-coding as a teaching aid in self-regulation techniques and their effect on those around them.
Motor skills
Delay in motor development is one of the hallmarks of autism, but Autism occupational therapy Adelaide can assist individuals living with this disorder to strengthen both gross and fine motor skills, helping them enjoy leisure activities more comfortably as well as increase their chances of finding employment.
A therapist will obtain details regarding an individual’s medical and growth history as well as observe them during everyday activities, to conduct comprehensive assessments that assess an individual’s motor abilities and allow early identification of problems.
Therapists can assist individuals with autism to develop their motor skills by breaking tasks down into manageable steps, providing motivational activities and minimising sensory distractions during practice. Therapists may offer options and choices within tasks to increase engagement. Visual supports like daily schedules or task lists may assist in planning and sequencing; assistive technology like pencil grips or weighted vests may support motor skill practice as well.