Can OT help my child with autism?

Rachel Cohen, OTR/L

The overall goal of occupational therapy is to improve a person’s participation in meaningful activities (occupations) for improved quality of life. A main occupation for children of all abilities is play! OT interventions with a play-based approach can be particularly beneficial for a child with ASD. The benefits include enriched opportunities and supports to expand upon social interaction skills and interests. OT also addresses attention, flexibility, regulation, motor movements, and other skills that may be challenging for a child on the autism spectrum. Through play and other approaches used in OT, children with ASD gain skills to improve independence in school, home, and the community!