Occupational Therapy
One of the best resources for children with autism is
occupational therapy.
Of the different types of therapy, occupational therapy
is one of the more practical and easy to understand
therapies a child can benefit from.
Autistic children often lack basic skills, such as
self care, dressing themselves, eating skills and
other life skills that occupational therapy can
address.
Often, occupational therapy uses play therapy and
other kinds of skills to address areas involving
fine motor and gross motor skills.
One of the advantages of occupational therapy is
that it is very practical and can be tailored directly
to the child’s specific needs.
The therapist initially does an assessment on the
child and decides what areas of self care and
activities of daily living need to be addressed.
A treatment plan is made up and, through play and
practice; the child can learn skills like brushing
one’s teeth, combing one’s hair and dressing with
clothing.
These things have a direct impact on the child’s
life skills.
Unlike physical therapy, occupational therapy has
goals that directly affect activities the child might
do during a given day.
It can make a big difference in what the parent has
to do for the child when the child can learn to do
those things for him or herself.
Occupational therapy can be done in specific
outpatient clinics or as departments within a hospital
setting.
You’ll want to choose an occupational therapist that
has experience with children and with autistic children
in particular.
You’ll want to make sure the environment is relatively
quiet with few distractions so that the therapist
can work directly with the child in an environment
that is not over stimulating.
Any time a child with autism is lacking in basic
life skills, consider enrolling your child in a
course of occupational therapy.
Results are usually seen in just a few weeks and can
last a lifetime.
0 comments:
Post a Comment