Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In the United States, approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Control and Prevention, ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. In addition, boys are four times more likely than girls to be on the spectrum.

What is ASD?

ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave. While autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

What are the Symptoms?

According to the National Institutes of Health, people with ASD have a wide range of symptoms, which can include differences in social and communication behaviors, intellectual disabilities as well as other physical and mental health conditions. People with autism also have many health care and service needs. Research shows that access to needed services early in life can promote people’s health and well-being over the long term. Some symptoms include:

• Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues

• Reduced eye contact and limited use of gestures

• Challenges with initiating and maintaining conversations

• Difficulty understanding social rules and norms

• Lack of interest in sharing experiences or emotions

• Repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping

• Intense and restricted interests in specific topics or activities

• Insistence on routines and resistance to change

• Sensory sensitivities, such as over or under sensitivity to sounds, textures or lights

• Delayed or absent language development

• Unusual use of language, such as repetitive phrases or echolalia (repeating words or phrases)

• Difficulty understanding or using nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or body language

• Challenges with problem-solving and planning

• Difficulty with coordination or motor skills

• Unusual reactions to stimuli, such as intense excitement or fear

• Aggressive or self-injurious behaviors

• Sleep disturbances or gastrointestinal issues

How is ASD Diagnosed?

Currently, there is not a single medical test for autism. An ASD diagnosis typically relies on two primary sources – observations from parents or caregivers regarding the child’s development as well as comprehensive assessments from physicians, child neurologists, geneticists and early intervention programs specific to their behavior. Most children are diagnosed between ages 2 and 3.

What Role Does Occupational Therapy Play?

Many children with ASD have occupational therapy (OT) to help address sensory processing challenges, improve fine and gross motor skills, promote self-care and daily living skills and enhance social interaction and communication -- ultimately increasing independence.

Occupational therapy can include applied behavior analysis (ABA) to aid those with ASD learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors that are important in daily life. ABA uses positive reinforcement, prompting, visual aids and small manageable tasks.

“Every child on the spectrum has a different level of skills primarily in their sensory processing and how they communicate,” explained Michelle Fell, OTR-L, Senior Staff Occupational Therapist at the Penn Highlands Center for Children’s Rehabilitation in Monongahela, PA. “Occupational therapy can help them learn to adapt to changing environments.”

Michelle cited the examples of how occupational therapy can help children who may experience meltdowns when they face a transition, new environment or challenging situation. Some methods taught include deep breathing exercises and lowering the lights to help calm the child. She also discussed how something as common as popcorn can help people understand children with sensory challenges. Imagine the smell making you feel sick and sound of popping popcorn hurting your ears. What if you don't like the feel of the unusual shape of popcorn?

“It is important to assess the child’s individual needs and develop step-by-step achievable goals. As they develop, their plan of care can change to life skills to help them become more independent,” added Michelle.

Many children with ASD have occupational therapy sessions for 30 minutes once or twice a week. Most insurances cover their visits.

Penn Highlands Healthcare provides outpatient rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and physical therapy for adults and children throughout Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/rehab.