Occupational Therapy helps autistic kids
In the Bay Area and Mountain View, there are a lot of choices of professionals to work with when your child has been diagnosed with autism. There are ABA behavior specialists, Speech therapists, Occupational Therapists- the list goes on and on. I have been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years. This means that I have worked with 100’s of families through various stages of treatment for their autistic child. The one thing Bay Area parents all have in common; doing what’s best for their child. Occupational Therapy helps autistic kids thrive!
Who should you see first?
You’ve been concerned about your child for a while now. Maybe they did not start talking on time, or they have massive tantrums, or they play in a way that seems like it is the same over and over. Who do you go to?A diagnosis of autism comes from your medical provider (pediatrician, developmental pediatrician or other specialist). Developmental therapists (OT, PT, SLP, BCBA) can not provide a diagnosis. I personally think the rule-out of other diagnoses are super important and being thoughtful about this process is essential. Here is a great resource for parents from Autism Speaks.
Why Occupational Therapy?
Your doctor recommends a bunch of different professionals to call and contact when they suspect or diagnose autism. Everyone has a role. The Occupational Therapist (OT) has a special role which is to work with YOU and your CHILD on everyday living skills. I know, that sounds a bit general. Actually, it’s pretty complex. OT’s look at all sorts of things and we do it in a very methodical, thoughtful way. We know that people are not just a behavior or words or motor skills. We see people as a whole being and we think about the family, culture, environment, as part of that person. Occupational Therapy helps autistic kids thrive.
What about a toddler?
Yes, toddlers definitely benefit from OT. Toddlers do have meltdowns; I mean I think that’s part of the definition of a toddler. There are occupations a toddler is expected to have- learning to self sooth, engaging with caregivers, sleeping, eating, toileting, toothbrushing, bathing, playing, and more. Being able to participate in these occupations in a regulated (calm) fashion is an important part of being a toddler. Being able to manage the sensory, social and cognitive demands is all a part of growing and developing.
Individual differences doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
We all know there are all sorts of kids. No kid is the same. Each child is an individual and each child has individual differences that make them whole. Often these are sensory differences. When a child has sensory differences it can make growing and developing harder. Having a sensory difference doesn’t necessarily mean it is dysfunctional. Yes, having a sensory difference is often seen as an aspect of the diagnostic criteria of autism. HOWEVER. you can have sensory differences that are not necessarily causing an impact in development or social interactions. There have been many times when I have said, “nope your kiddo doesn’t need OT”.
