If your child has autism spectrum disorder, pediatric occupational therapy can provide tailored support, nurture their unique strengths, and empower them to achieve the highest level of independence possible. Keep reading to learn more about autism spectrum disorder and how occupational therapy can help children who have this condition thrive.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can impact the way a child communicates, behaves, and processes sensory information. Not everyone with autism spectrum disorder will experience the same challenges. For some children, the symptoms of this condition are very mild and don’t require much intervention or support. Other children can experience more severe symptoms that require ongoing support to empower them to achieve more independence and improve their overall wellbeing.
What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There is no known, singular cause for autism spectrum disorder. Researchers have found several common risk factors that can increase a child’s chance of developing this condition, such as premature birth or certain genetic factors, but more research is needed to fully understand the causes of this condition.
How Will Autism Spectrum Disorder Impact My Child’s Development?
Children with autism spectrum disorder may experience a range of developmental challenges depending on the severity of their condition. Some common challenges include:
- Trouble making and maintaining friendships
- Difficulty understanding and using nonverbal communication
- Struggles expressing their ideas or understanding others
- Engaging in repetitive movements or speech
- Trouble handling changes in routine
- Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input
- Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills
- Trouble making or holding eye contact with others
- Struggles with speech in general or not speaking at all
- Difficulty regulating emotional reactions or behavior
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism
Occupational therapy is designed to help children build their cognitive, social, fine motor, and sensory processing skills. By working closely with children who have autism spectrum disorder, occupational therapists help children achieve more independence and be able to participate in daily activities like attending school or playing with others. We use play-based, proven techniques to build the vital skills children need for success in life, such as:
- Regulating emotional responses to sensory input
- Understanding verbal and nonverbal language
- Expressing their ideas in a way that can be easily understood
- Improving social skills for making friends
- Building hand-eye coordination, handwriting, and other fine motor skills
- Managing repetitive behaviors
- Regulating emotional responses to changes in routine
- Participating in their own self-care
Schedule an Evaluation
If your child has autism spectrum disorder, Little Hands at Play can help them build their skills to improve their overall quality of life. Call us at (479) 226-3409 to schedule an evaluation with our occupational therapists today.
