CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Occupational therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder

Has your child been diagnosed with autism? If so, and you are trying to find the best ways to support your child and help them thrive, then you’ve come to the right place.

Our team of highly qualified paediatric occupational therapists are here to help you and your child navigate the varying and highly individual challenges that autism can present.

Enquire Today

Understanding autism spectrum disorder

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects an individual’s behaviour, particularly when it comes to socialisation, communication, and responding to sensory stimuli.

The word ‘spectrum’ refers to the wide range of presentations that autism can have. It can range from mild difficulties understanding social cues, or having intense interest in highly specialised topics, to greater challenges such as being nonverbal or severe sensory processing difficulties.

Here are just some of the many ways in which autism can present:

Difficulty understanding and responding to social cues such as tone of voice or facial expressions
Difficulty with verbal communication
Restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviours
Extreme aversion to changes in routine
Avoidant/restrictive food intake
Severe social anxiety
Special interest (intense, highly focused interest in a particular topic)
Difficulty with motor skills and coordination
Emotional dysregulation

The DSM-5 categorises autistic persons into three levels, according to the level of support they require:

Level 1: Requiring support
Level 2: Requiring substantial support
Level 3: Requiring very substantial support

Our OTs are qualified to work with children in different levels of autism.

How occupational therapy can support a child with autism spectrum disorder

Our paediatric occupational therapists are skilled at using evidence-based methods to help autistic children with:

Coping with sensory processing and hypersensitivities
Improving their communication and social skills
Understanding social concepts such as personal space, taking turns, and sharing
Training their coordination and motor skills
Learning to regulate their emotions and express them in healthy ways

Because autism presents differently from one person to another, our therapy approach is also individualised. Our paediatric occupational therapists will carefully design a therapy plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Paediatric OT support for children with autism spectrum disorder

Early intervention is key

Depending on the severity of symptoms, autism spectrum disorder may make it difficult for your child to make friends, do well at school, or even go about their day to day tasks.

Without proper support, these challenges can create long-term frustration, low self-esteem, and other negative attitudes towards themselves and others.

By providing them support during their early years when their minds are more malleable, you equip them with the life skills that will promote their independence and well-being, and which they will carry through adulthood.

Enquire Today

Need paediatric OT support for your child with autism spectrum disorder?

Our team will be happy to answer your enquiries and discuss your child’s specific needs. Call us at 02 8808 4000 or send us a message through the form linked below, and one of our therapists will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

Get in Touch Today