Occupational Therapy in Autism: Helping Children Build Everyday Skills
Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of the most widely recommended interventions for children on the Autism Spectrum. International guidelines—including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE-UK)—consistently emphasise the importance of early, structured, and individualised OT to support development, independence, and participation in daily life.
OT focuses on functional skills—the abilities children need to live, learn, play, and interact with their environment. For autistic children, these skills may develop differently or require targeted support due to differences in sensory processing, motor planning, communication, or behaviour.
Why Occupational Therapy Helps in Autism
Children with autism often face challenges in areas such as sensory regulation, attention, self-care, and fine motor skills. OT helps by breaking down tasks into achievable steps and using structured, evidence-based strategies to build skills gradually.
Core Areas Occupational Therapy Addresses
- Sensory Integration
Many autistic children experience sensory processing differences—they may be over-responsive (e.g., covering ears), under-responsive (e.g., not noticing name call), or sensory-seeking (e.g., jumping, spinning).
OT uses sensory integration therapy to help children:
- Improve tolerance to sounds, textures, movements
- Stay calm and regulated
- Participate better in daily activities
- Develop body awareness
Techniques may include swings, gym balls, deep pressure activities, tactile play, and movement-based tasks.
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Motor differences are common in autism. OT helps strengthen:
- Hand strength and pencil grasp
- Writing and drawing skills
- Coordination and balance
- Hand-eye coordination
- Playground skills such as climbing or catching
Building these skills increases participation at home and school.
- Daily Living Skills (ADLs)
As recommended by WHO and AAP, building independence is a key OT goal. Children learn:
- Dressing and grooming
- Feeding, holding cutlery, drinking from a cup
- Toileting routines
- Organising their belongings
OT uses structured visuals, modelling, and repetition to support learning.
- Behaviour Regulation and Attention
NICE guidelines highlight the role of OT in supporting regulation. Therapists teach:
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Waiting, turn-taking and task completion
- Following routines
- Using visual supports and schedules
Improved regulation increases confidence and reduces daily stress for both child and family.