What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that appears early in life. It is characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, cognitive challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptoms vary widely from person to person and can also change over time.
When does it appear and how can it be recognized?
It is estimated that autism affects between 1% and 3% of the population. While symptoms differ greatly, some of the most common signs include:
- Avoidance of eye contact and difficulties with non-verbal communication;
- Repetitive behaviors such as repeating syllables or words;
- Limited verbal communication, with delayed or absent speech;
- Poor social skills and difficulty understanding group play rules, leading to unusual behaviors and social withdrawal;
- Sensitivity to stimuli such as sounds, lights, smells, or tastes, often with a strong reaction to loud noises;
- Need for routines and difficulty adapting to changes;
- Restricted activities or interests, with limited imagination and creativity.
Living with autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects every aspect of development and daily life — from managing routines to participating in school or work — and may also limit recreational activities.
Why occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists provide support to children and adults with autism: this approach helps strengthen social and communication skills, develop daily living abilities, and promote greater independence in everyday life.
The therapist evaluates challenges at school and at home for children, or in the workplace for adults, and uses targeted re-education activities to improve daily functioning.
They can also suggest modifications to the physical environment to enhance wellbeing. Interventions can extend to the home through a personalized environmental assessment. Families are directly involved in the process, setting goals and applying strategies to support the child in daily life.
Would you like to know if occupational therapy can help your child? Contact us for a personalized consultation.
What does the treatment involve?
The occupational therapist assesses current developmental levels in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing on improving emotional self-regulation and social participation. Through tailored interventions, occupational therapy can help strengthen abilities and overcome challenges.
After an evaluation, the therapist collaborates with the patient and their family to set therapeutic goals and create a treatment plan, which may include:
- Sensory integration strategies to help children process and respond to sensory input, promoting self-regulation. Complementary activities such as art therapy can also support emotional expression and regulation;
- Social activities and play to develop communication skills and encourage social participation;
- Daily self-care routines to increase independence in activities such as bathing and hygiene;
- Motor development techniques to enhance both motor and cognitive skills;
- Mental health and wellbeing programs, including strategies for self-regulation and anxiety management;
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches to encourage positive behaviors in daily activities;
- Support for transition to adulthood, helping develop skills needed for work and independent living.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that appears early in life. It is characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, cognitive difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may also change over time.When does it appear and how can it be recognized?
It is estimated that autism is diagnosed in between 1% and 3% of the population. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:- avoiding eye contact and difficulty with non-verbal communication;
- repetitive behaviors and repetition of sounds, syllables, or words;
- limited verbal communication, with speech delays or absence of language;
- poor social skills and difficulty understanding group play rules, leading to unusual behaviors and social withdrawal;
- heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as sounds, lights, smells, or tastes, often with fear of loud noises;
- strong need for routines and difficulty adapting to changes;
- limited activities or interests, with reduced use of imagination and creativity.
Living with autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder impacts every aspect of development and daily life, from managing personal routines to participating in school or work, and can also limit recreational activities.
Want to better understand how to manage autism? Get in touch with our team of professionals.
FAQs
What are the benefits of occupational therapy for children with autism?
Occupational therapy helps improve motor, social, and communication skills, promoting independence in daily activities.
At what age is it recommended to start occupational therapy for autism?
It is recommended to start as early as possible, even in preschool age, to maximize developmental benefits.
Is occupational therapy also suitable for adults with autism?
Yes, it can support adults with autism in improving independence and developing the skills needed for daily life and work.
