Occupational Therapy and ASD: A Map to the World

 Let’s imagine a scenario where everyone is sent into a maze with a set of instructions on how to get out. Simple right? But what if your instructions were written in a language you can’t read? How would you know how to get out? You could try and do it yourself with what little you do manage to glean, but you’re sure to make several wrong turns that way. Or you could get the tools you need to decode the instructions so you can make it through as easily as everyone else. For a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Occupational Therapy (OT) does just that — gives them the tools they need to navigate the world around them. But what is OT and why is it part of the best treatment for Autism in Bangalore? Let’s dig deeper and find out.

What is ASD?

First, it’s important to understand exactly what ASD is. Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. It exists from birth, does not develop during late childhood or adulthood, and is not caused by vaccines. To be given an Autism diagnosis, a person must show (or has shown) symptoms in early childhood (before the age of three). And just as each individual is different, ASD can present differently in different people. However, it is commonly characterized by social, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities — particularly in communication and interaction. There is no single cause of Autism, nor is there a cure. However, there are several treatment options for people with ASD, including OT.

What is OT?

OT is an important part of the treatment process for a variety of physical, sensory, or cognitive functions. It helps a patient learn or relearn how to navigate their day-to-day lives through therapeutic activities. It is especially helpful in:

• Improving visual perception skills
• Strengthening cognitive ability
• Dealing with sensory-processing problems

Occupational therapists teach patients how to build these skills and apply them in everyday life. They work closely with the patient’s support system (parents, teachers, caregivers, etc) to ensure that they can improve holistically, whether they’re at home or the clinic. For people with ASD, especially children, these activities and the context-setting provided by OT can make a big difference.

OT and ASD

When you look up the best treatment for Autism in Bangalore, you will notice that these treatment plans include OT. That’s because OT can be used to help a person with ASD improve coordination and focus.

OT for a person with ASD may include:

• Daily living skills 
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Awareness of their own body with relation to others
• Visual skills for reading and writing
• Play behavior
• Coping and self-help mechanisms such as creating a sensory diet
• Reduced sensitivity to external factors

Because every child with ASD is different, there is no one-treatment-fits-all approach to managing ASD symptoms. This applies to OT as well. A good OT clinic will tailor the treatment and activities to the patient’s specific needs. In the case of ASD, these sensory integrative activities may include things like:

• Physical activities, such as stringing beads or doing puzzles, to help a child develop coordination and body awareness
• Play activities to help with interaction and communication
• Developmental activities, such as brushing teeth and combing hair
• Adaptive strategies, including coping with transitions or changes in routine

A good treatment plan will mix and match these as needed to address the patient’s specific experience. For a person with ASD, navigating the world is a challenge all on its own. But they don’t have to do it alone or empty-handed. With a support system of loved ones and professionals, as well as the tools given to them by occupational therapy, they can decode the world around them to live fuller and richer lives. If you or your loved one has ASD, look for the best treatment for Autism in Bangalore, and get started on your treatment journey today!