Also known as an autism spectrum disorder, the term autism represents a range of conditions making a speech and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors and social skills challenging. 1 out of 59 children in the US is suffering from this condition. There are different types of this condition which are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Two persons with autism may show a different set of challenges and strengths.
Medical issues like sleep disorder, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, or seizures and mental health conditions such as depression, attention issues and anxiety paired with sensory sensitivities can lead to the development of autism.
A patient with autism often needs personalized attention. Personalized Outpatient occupational therapy can help patients in developing these skills.
Role occupational therapy plays in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder
A therapist studies the growth and development of the patient and also the way the patient is interacting with his environment while performing day to day activities. The therapist can identify, assess and treat the physiological, emotional and social effects of injury or illness. The occupational therapist uses his knowledge to develop essential skills so that the patient can live independently with developmental disorders such as autism.
When a patient goes for outpatient occupational therapy in Rochester Hills Michigan, parents, teachers, the therapist, and other professionals work as a team. This team sets some social interaction, classroom performance and behavior goals for the patient.
Outpatient occupational therapy in Rochester Hills Michigan helps the patient in the following two ways:
- Evaluation
- Therapy
Occupational therapy and ASD evaluation
During the evaluation, the therapist sees if the patient can perform the tasks normally or not. The evaluation may include videotaping the activities of the patient to see how the patient is interacting with the environment to perform different tasks. This helps in better assessment of the care the patient needs. The therapist will note:
- Play skills
- Attention span
- Stamina
- Need for personal space
- Response to stimuli such as touch
- Transition to new activities
- Motor skills
- Behavior
- Interaction with people and the environment
How can an occupational therapist help a patient with autism spectrum disorder?
The therapist gathers some useful information during the evaluation. Based on this information, the therapist develops a program for the patient. It is not easy to create an ideal treatment plan. However, when given early, well-structured and individualized occupational therapy can help the patient.
The therapist may use a combination of different strategies that will help the patient in responding better to the environment.
Strategies used in the care include:
- Physical activities can help the patient in the development of coordination and body awareness. These activities include doing puzzles, stringing beads and a lot more.
- Play activities that can help in communication and interaction.
- Combing hair, brushing teeth and other developmental activities.
- Adaptive strategies
If there is someone in your family suffering from autism, find someone offering outpatient occupational therapy in Rochester Hills Michigan