How Can Occupational Therapy Help Those with Autism?

Roughly one in 44 children in the United States is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. And while they might all fall under the one diagnosis, the challenges faced can differ greatly from person-to-person. Here at Comprehensive Rehab, we understand this and work with each of our clients to find the combination of occupational therapy programs for Autism that will prove most beneficial. 

Occupational Therapy for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder often focuses on play skills, learning strategies and self-care. 

Occupational Therapy Strategies for Autism

Self Care

For those who have difficulties with some of the aspects of day-to-day life such as eating, using the bathroom or grooming, Comprehensive Rehab offers a safe space to work with an occupational therapist.

We offer ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Apartments at all four of our locations. These “apartments” offer simulated living spaces to allow our clients to practice and build confidence in these areas under the guidance of our occupational therapists.

Zones of Regulation®

While its application has spread through the years, the Zones of Regulation® Behavior Approach that we use at Comprehensive Rehab was initially developed to help children with a set of neurobiological disorders that included Autism.

Our Occupational Therapy staff, through this curriculum, teach self-regulation by categorizing all the different ways we feel into four zones. This can help students better regulate their emotions and impulses as well as improve problem solving skills.

Students also learn to interpret others’ facial expressions and recognize a wider range of emotions.

Sensory Integration Therapy

One of the symptoms of Autism is often a difficulty processing information. This can make otherwise ordinary situations overwhelming.

That is where Sensory Integration Therapy can help.

Play activities are designed in ways that can help change the way the brain responds to sensory information. 

And it has proven to be effective.

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showed that the therapy could help improve the daily function of children diagnosed with Autism.

Using music

While the impacts of The Listening Program® can benefit a wide variety of people, it can be particularly useful for those with Autism.

The Listening Program involves listening to acoustically-modified instrumental music that can help assist with the symptoms of Autism.

It can help children who are overly sensitive to sound become more comfortable with their environment.