For the child who cannot sit still, include regular movement breaks, try alternative seating e.g. Alerting activities (e.g. Each session includes: Occupational therapy intervention is proven to impact on improving the communication, interaction skills and motor skills of some of the most complex and hard-to-reach children. wall pushes, push ups, using weights) to give an awareness of their body in space and increases the ability to self-regulate sensory input. For the child who struggles at the black print on a white background, change the paper to a buff colour and consider the font. For a child with Autism, this means, doing child things; being able to learn, play, VAT registration number: 653370050. With so many children potentially benefiting from Occupational Therapy, it is important that parents seek out a therapist who is experienced with their individual childs needs. Occupational therapy essentially means assisting people of any age group, that are disabled either cognitively or physically, to achieve their full potential in doing age appropriate 'jobs'. Every child will have a unique set of sensory needs and these needs will alter depending on mood, environment and therapeutic intervention. If a child is overwhelmed by smell, use a sweatband with a drop of oil, shampoo, aftershave etc. Children are more regulated following intervention which reduces anxiety and increases these childrens opportunities to thrive and achieve in the overwhelming environment in which we now live. Just as the body needs the correct food evenly spaced throughout the day, so does the body need activities to keep its arousal level optimal. They assist the student to regulate their alertness and increase attention span. Occupational Therapy for Adults With Autism . Alerting activities (e.g. Occupational therapy (OT) helps people work on cognitive, physical, social, and motor skills. Children are often prescribed a sensory diet/lifestyle by the occupational therapist. Sensory integration therapy is based on the assumption that the child is either over stimulated or under stimulated by the environment. For the child who struggles at the black print on a white background, change the paper to a buff colour and consider the font. Occupational therapists will often recommend starting the day with a sensory circuit: a sensorymotor activity programme which helps children achieve a ready to learn state. The use of a quiet, calming room/space within the classrooms and at home are essential for calming. Well, in addition to the social communication deficits and repetitive behaviours that are key to obtaining a diagnosis, most people with autism also experience significant difficulties with processing sensory input. Occupational therapists work to promote, maintain, and develop the skills needed by students to be functional in a school setting and beyond. Most of us unconsciously learn to combine our senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, balance, body in space), in order to make sense of our environment. However, the most essential role is also to assess and target the childs sensory processing disorders. Allow them to transition to the next lesson 3 minutes before others to avoid corridor collisions. Occupational therapy at Little Wonders Pediatric Therapy helps improve your childs fine and gross motor skills, coping skills when frustrated and angry or when making transitions, social-emotional skills in recognizing others feelings and being able to communicate in a reciprocal manner, better adaptation to sensory challenges, and more. For children who dislike having their teeth brushed, try a vibrating toothbrush, Collis Curve toothbrush (this cleans all surfaces in one movement) and use unflavoured toothpaste such as Oralnurse. This type of therapy improves the quality of life in those with autism disorder by teaching and strengthening various skills that were most likely lacking due to developmental delays. However, the most essential role is also to assess and target the childs sensory processing disorders.