Autism is a developmental disorder—typically diagnosed around age 3 years— that affects brain functions, specifically those areas that control social behaviors and communication skills. The National Institute of Child Health & Human Development uses the term autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to refer to a group of disorders that includes autistic disorder (also known as “classic autism”), Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified are also called “atypical autism” (National Institute of Child Health & Human Development,2010). However, the term autism is frequently used in the literature to describe all of the disorders in the ASD spectrum.
What Is the Focus of Occupational Therapy With Individuals With Autism?
Occupational therapy services focus on enhancing participation in the performance of activities of daily living (e.g., feeding, dressing), instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., community mobility, safety procedures), education, work, leisure, play, and social participation.
For an individual with an ASD, occupational therapy services are defined according to the person’s needs and desired goals and priorities for participation. Occupational therapy services for individuals with an ASD include evaluation, intervention, and measurement of outcomes. Throughout the process, collaboration with the child or adult with autism, family, caregivers, teachers, and other supporters is essential to understanding the daily life experiences of the individual and those with whom he or she interacts.
Occupational therapy services can focus on personal development, quality of life, and the needs of the family. The occupational therapy evaluation process is designed to gain an understanding of the individual’s skills—his or her strengths and challenges while engaging in daily activities (occupations). The occupational therapy intervention process is based on the results of the evaluation and is individualized to include a variety of strategies and techniques that help clients maximize their ability to participate in daily activities at home, school (if relevant), work, and in the community environment. Progress or a successful outcome is noted through improved performance (or adaptation), enhanced participation in necessary or meaningful daily activities, personal satisfaction, improved health and wellness, and successful transitions to new situations and roles.
What Can Occupational Therapy Practitioners Do for People with Autism?
- Evaluate an individual to determine whether he or she has accomplished developmentally appropriate skills needed in such areas as grooming and play and leisure skills.
- Provide interventions to help an individual respond to information coming through the senses. Intervention may include developmental activities, sensory integration or sensory processing, and play activities.
- Facilitate play activities that instruct as well as aid a child in interacting and communicating with others.
- Devise strategies to help the individual transition from one setting to another, from one person to another, and from one life phase to another.
- Collaborate with the individual and family to identify safe methods of community mobility.
- Identify, develop, or adapt work and other daily activities that are meaningful to enhance the individual’s quality of life.
This article was written by Nur Amirah Mohd Yusoff, an occupational therapist at UMMC in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month of October.
[This article belongs to The Malaysian Medical Gazette. Any republication (online or offline) without written permission from The Malaysian Medical Gazette is prohibited.]