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Autism

A young boy looking up at the sky

Autism and Asperger syndrome are both part of a range of related developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They begin in childhood and last through adulthood. ASD can cause a wide range of symptoms, which are grouped into three categories:

  • Problems and difficulties with social interaction – including lack of understanding and awareness of other people's emotions and feelings
  • Impaired language and communication skills – including delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly
  • Unusual patterns of thought and physical behaviour – including making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting (the child develops set routines of behaviour and can get upset if the routines are broken)

For more information on Autism see the NHS Choices website.  

How an Occupational Therapist may help?

Working closely with families and schools, Occupational Therapy (OT) aims to help a child/young person with an ASD to participate in activities within their daily lives that they need to do and/or want to do.  OT may recommend any of the following interventions depending on the individual’s and family’s needs and goals:

  • Sensory Assessment- Advice and equipment to help develop attention and concentration, address sensitivities and improve their ability to process sensory information for improved participation in activities;
  • Motor Skills Assessments - Many children with ASD experience difficulties with their balance, postural skills and coordination. Fine motor difficulties may also be present;
  • Advice and Strategies – To support their development and/or participation in self-care tasks.  This may include advice regarding sensory processing and ways of teaching skills and activities to help develop underlying skills e.g. fine motor skills or provision of equipment.

For long term change to be achieved, it is essential that advice and strategies are implemented consistently by the people closest to the child, be that at home or in nursery/school.

Useful Contacts:

http://www.autism.org.uk/  - National Autistic Society site including social stories about toileting as well as other resources such as Early Bird, a programme for parents whose child has received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is of pre-school age (not yet of statutory school age).

http://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/ - The Challenging Behaviour Foundation provides advice for children and adults with severe learning difficulties;

http://www.rompa.com, http://www.sensorydirect.com  and http://www.sensetoys.com for a variety of sensory toys and equipment.

Relevant Occupational Therapy Home Programmes available for members on this website:

  • Changing the Sensory Environment to Help Improve Attention and Concentration
  • Developing Shared Attention
  • Dressing Advice for Children with ASD
  • Fun with Food
  • Managing Oral Hygiene in Children with Oral Sensitivity
  • Overcoming Tactile Defensiveness
  • Shopping Advice for Children with ASD

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