Occupational Therapy Essay
Occupational Therapy and its role in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Occupational Therapy plays a significant role in helping individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder become more self-reliant. Many individuals start receiving Occupational Therapy as children to “enhance motor skill development as well as to address sensory integration issues.” (IAN Research Findings: Occupational Therapy) “Occupational Therapy services are defined according to the person’s needs and desired goals and priorities for participation.” (Janie B. Scott, 2011) It is important for the families and caregivers of Autism Spectrum Disorder patients to work together with the Occupational Therapist in forming the care plan and follow through. In order for the Occupational Therapy to be considered a success the Autistic patient does need to work on therapy on his or her own, as well as with the Therapist or the therapist’s assistant.
Furthermore Occupational therapy helps individuals become self-reliant in teaching them how to do activities that most people …show more content…
(Janie B. Scott, 2011) Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to several different classifications, because there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people. Because ASD affects brain function sensory issues are most prevalent, social behaviors are affected and communication is often an issue. In trying to explain Autism Spectrum disorder to someone who is not familiar with this diagnosis, Brooke Mack, COTA, describes is as a person who has “difficulty processing the world around them, understanding social cues, and environmental stimuli.” (Mack, 2014) Patients with ASD do not like things to change. This can be a problem because the world is constantly changing and we have to adjust to these changes. Occupational therapy can help children adjust and transition from one activity to another and to accept the changes that come with everyday
Occupational Therapy plays a significant role in helping individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorder become more self-reliant. Many individuals start receiving Occupational Therapy as children to “enhance motor skill development as well as to address sensory integration issues.” (IAN Research Findings: Occupational Therapy) “Occupational Therapy services are defined according to the person’s needs and desired goals and priorities for participation.” (Janie B. Scott, 2011) It is important for the families and caregivers of Autism Spectrum Disorder patients to work together with the Occupational Therapist in forming the care plan and follow through. In order for the Occupational Therapy to be considered a success the Autistic patient does need to work on therapy on his or her own, as well as with the Therapist or the therapist’s assistant.
Furthermore Occupational therapy helps individuals become self-reliant in teaching them how to do activities that most people …show more content…
(Janie B. Scott, 2011) Autism Spectrum Disorder refers to several different classifications, because there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people. Because ASD affects brain function sensory issues are most prevalent, social behaviors are affected and communication is often an issue. In trying to explain Autism Spectrum disorder to someone who is not familiar with this diagnosis, Brooke Mack, COTA, describes is as a person who has “difficulty processing the world around them, understanding social cues, and environmental stimuli.” (Mack, 2014) Patients with ASD do not like things to change. This can be a problem because the world is constantly changing and we have to adjust to these changes. Occupational therapy can help children adjust and transition from one activity to another and to accept the changes that come with everyday