How does Occupational Therapy Help Autistic Children?

Do you have a child with autism spectrum disorder, and you’re wondering how to help them thrive? An autism diagnosis can be daunting; but there are many services and therapies out there to help, including occupational therapy. So, how can occupational therapy help an autistic child?

Occupational therapy (OT) aims to help children with autism develop everyday skills to promote their engagement in daily activities and improve their wellbeing. For many, OT enables them to improve daily functioning and build skills to live an everyday life. Read our guide to autism diagnosis in children and the role occupational therapy plays, including tips on navigating the NDIS.

Diagnosing Autism in Children

Initially parents, primary healthcare providers and childcare educators may notice developmental differences between your child and other children.

They will note if your child is reaching developmental milestones in an average age range. If milestones aren’t reached within that expected age range, investigations into any causes may begin. While there could be many reasons why a child does not reach developmental milestones when expected, occasionally this may be due to autism.

The sooner a delay in development is recognised, the sooner your child may be able to access supports and services to benefit their development in the future ^[1].

An official diagnosis must be conducted by a Paediatrician, Child Psychiatrist/Psychologist, Speech Pathologist or combination of these professionals with additional training in autism spectrum disorder.

There is no one standard test to diagnose autism; it is usually diagnosed by trained clinicians, who observe certain characteristics, such as social, communication, particular behaviours or intense or focused interests ^[2].

How to Get an Autism Diagnosis

• Make an appointment with your child’s GP or maternal and child health nurse
• A screening test will be completed and referral for an autism assessment will be sent if required
• If you prefer, you can self-refer to a health professional with experience in autism for an assessment

You may seek an autism assessment from a government-funded or private service. Government funded services typically utilise a team of professionals for an autism diagnosis and will likely have a longer wait time.

How Can a Diagnosis Help?

While an official diagnosis is not necessary to begin accessing supports for young children, it can be beneficial for you and your child. A formal autism diagnosis can:

• Assist your child’s caregivers or teaching staff to better understand their strengths
• Encourage a better understanding of your child’s behaviours amongst family and friends, which may lead to more effective interactions
• Allow you to continue accessing NDIS funding and supports after your child turns nine

How Does Occupational Therapy Help With Autism?

We make sense of our world through our own sensory processing; sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. Autistic children may find it difficult to filter this sensory input, which could be overwhelming or even painful.

When a child experiences sensory overload, it can manifest as withdrawal, shutdown, or meltdown. These behaviours can create a barrier to engaging in learning, socialising and recreational activities.

Occupational therapists work with autistic children to ensure they have the right sensory outlets and environment to remove barriers for the child, helping them engage and improve their wellbeing.

Occupational therapy interventions target each sense to help regulate your child’s nervous system. Therapy for autism helps relieve anxiety, improve attention, and develop daily living skills.

The Benefits of OT for People on the Autism Spectrum

Occupational therapists work closely with your child to understand their unique needs. Your occupational therapist will determine your child’s sensory processing differences and assist them to develop the skills to function in an educational and everyday setting.

A qualified occupational therapist can help develop a sensory diet for your child to help regulate their sensory system, helping them focus and function throughout the day.

Some of the most frequently targeted skills of occupational therapy are:

1. Self-regulation strategies: assists your child to cope with the demands of different situations, for example; helping them complete a writing task rather than being distracted by a noise outside or the feeling of the seam on their socks. Self-regulation tasks prevent fatigue and stress in a child with autism.
2. Emotional regulation strategies, such as breathing exercises or engaging with sensory stimuli
3. Self care skills such as personal care, eg: getting dressed
4. Gross motor skills such as balance and coordination
5. Fine motor skills such as holding and using a pencil, cutting with scissors, buttoning clothes
6. Cognitive functions such as memory and attention, impulse control and problem solving
7. Communication and social skills, eg: turn-taking, social interaction, working in a group, cooperating with others
8. Your child’s increased confidence, independence, and a feeling of accomplishment from being able to participate in everyday activities

Occupational therapy sessions empower your child to develop skills to overcome their challenges, enabling them to participate fully in everyday life. Occupational therapists will monitor and review your child’s goals as they progress.

How to Get NDIS Funding for Occupational Therapy

To apply for funding for a child aged eight and under, you should contact an early childhood partner. These professionals are experienced in early childhood intervention and can help determine eligibility criteria. Your child does not need a formal diagnosis to access NDIS funding.

NDIS funding is available to children who have a developmental delay or disability as part of the early childhood approach.

Once your child is approved for NDIS funding, you may access early childhood supports.

Getting Started with Occupational Therapy and the NDIS

The sooner your child starts occupational therapy services the sooner they can start working towards positive outcomes. See your state or territory’s relevant Autism Support Service here.

Everyday Independence provides early childhood supports to NDIS funded participants aged under nine years. By combining the expertise of key workers and other therapists, such as an occupational therapist, children and their families, are best able to achieve positive outcomes.

Your child’s key worker will lead a team of allied health professionals and practitioners and deliver targeted occupational therapy sessions based on your child’s developmental needs to support positive life changes.

Using the key worker model helps your child achieve the best possible outcomes with their NDIS funding.

Ready to start your child’s therapy journey? Simply complete this form and one of our team members will be in contact shortly, or call us on 1300 179 131

References

[1] Amaze, 2024. Autism Assessment and Diagnosis. https://www.amaze.org.au/understand-autism/assessment-and-diagnosis/

[2] National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism in Australia, 2024. About the Guideline. https://www.autismcrc.com.au/best-practice/assessment-and-diagnosis/guideline