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Q.

What are the benefits of occupational therapy for autism?

Related Topics: Autism, Occupational Therapy
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A.

The overall goal of occupational therapy is to help the person with autism improve his or her quality of life. This includes life at home and at school. The therapist helps introduce, maintain, and improve skills. That way, people with autism can be as independent as possible.

These are some of the skills occupational therapy may foster:

  • daily living skills, such as toilet training, dressing, brushing teeth, and other grooming skills.
  • fine motor skills required for holding objects while handwriting or cutting with scissors.
  • gross motor skills used for walking or riding a bike.
  • sitting, posture, or perceptual skills, such as telling the differences between colors, shapes, and sizes.
  • visual skills for reading and writing.
  • play, coping, self-help, problem solving, communication, and social skills.

By working on these skills during occupational therapy, a child with autism may also do the following:

  • develop peer and adult relationships.
  • learn how to focus on tasks.
  • learn how to delay gratification.
  • express feelings in more appropriate ways.
  • engage in play with peers.
  • learn how to self-regulate.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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