Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is common, according to the NMIH statistics. It means about 2.3% of the population becomes prey to mental disorders, and about 3.7% of them are of the male gender.
Characterised by restrictions and limitations in communication and daily lifestyle, it is quite a threatening disorder that has the potential to impair the child’s future. Towards this, many therapies like Brain Train’s occupational therapy for ASD have come to the surface to help these children develop a healthy lifestyle and become fully functional.
But what is occupational therapy? Here is the information if you want to be familiar with occupational therapy services and how they can influence children and adults with ASD to live a better lifestyle.
Table of Contents
What Is Occupational Therapy?
It is a healthcare practice, provided by the likes of this Cary occupational therapy practice, that utilises various tests and interventions to help people deal with mental issues. This process is done by therapists trained to function in groups, communities, and society. They also intervene in cases of disabilities, mental health disorders, and other injuries that hamper your occupation.
The term ‘occupation’ usually refers to various activities a human carries out daily. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, the definition highlights their ability to help in the following manner:
- Assist children with mental, physical, emotional, and social disorders to become self-reliant in their academic and social life.
- Enable rehabilitation of people in case of an injury.
- Assist the old demographic in going through physical inconveniences and emptiness syndrome.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Restrictions in development characterise Autism Spectrum Disorder due to abnormalities in certain parts of the brain. The term ‘spectrum’ refers to the broad range of symptoms determined through individual situations. The causes of ASD are unclear, as some scientists believe it is not a single symptom but a handful interacting with each other.
Symptoms Of ASD
Along with the mentioned trouble in communication and social interactions, they are also characterised by restricted learning abilities that require them to learn in ways different from the general public. They tend to repeat actions and mannerisms, making day-to-day living quite challenging.
The Function of Occupational Therapy in Treating ASD
OT plays a very crucial role in assisting them with difficulties in development. They start with specific tests and evaluations to assess the condition of the people. Although these evaluations are objective, they differ from therapy to therapy. For instance, Brain Train’s occupational therapy for ASD uses screening checklists that help the therapist understand what kind of ASD the person is suffering from. They are evaluated as follows:
- Social Life: Their daily interactions with people indicate their emotional status, preference to be left alone, and other symptoms.
- Communication: Includes verbal and non-verbal aspects.
- Cognitive: Children diagnosed with ASD may relate to ADHD, causing a loose attention span.
- Sensory: Their differences in response systems are also evaluated.
- Motor: Physical aspects are considered, like their body language.
Common Therapy Interventions For Autism
After the therapist makes an informed decision regarding the child’s condition, they will create a routine plan that revolves around treatment objectives. Early intervention would develop higher chances of assistance by OT professionals.
They may do the following:
- Sensory-based strategies: These interventions are used to enhance sensory responses to inputs. People with autism are diagnosed with an overwhelming or restricted flow of senses. Specific procedures are put into practice by these therapists that help these senses to flow more naturally.
- Physical therapies: Starting with general motor ability, the children are instructed to move body parts, like the legs and the trunk. Occupational Therapy can also help develop specific motor abilities, like the movement of fingers and toes.
- Creating a friendly environment for mental development: The environment plays an important role when treating autism. This therapy helps create an adaptive environment that promotes mental well-being and treatment.
- Fun-based learning: Incorporating modern approaches to develop children with autism is one of the primary strategies in occupational intervention.
- Multi-disciplinary approaches: Children with autism are given multidisciplinary practices that develop behaviour, social relations, academics, psychology, and emotions. These actions help develop multiple facets of life.
Others may include:
- Promoting emotional stability and balance
- Organising social activities
- Ensuring daily physical wellness
- Relationship Development Intervention
How Do Occupational Therapists Help?
Several research studies show that occupational therapeutic activities incorporate a modern and fun approach to help children benefit from ASD treatment. They include the following ways:
- Developing art and craft activities enables them to utilise their mind, body, and soul.
- Developing daily skills and occupational activities
- Helping them socialise through group activities
Some examples of these activities are tearing strips of paper, dropping coins in a bank, making things with play-dough, playing with blocks of legos, and punching holes onto paper.
Long-Term Benefits Of Occupational Therapy
- To help children with autism learn and develop
- To help children with autism gain independence and self-sufficiency.
- To enhance memory
- To make treatment fun and energetic
- To assist the guardians
- To promote patience and self-discipline
Conclusion
Getting the best therapeutic services can help you create relationships and become less anxious around people. OT is beneficial for improving and developing an ASD victim’s quality of life to a marginal extent. By focusing on academic development, emotional fitness, physical wellness, and mental balance, a therapist would help children achieve their goals.
