Occupational therapists help people participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Occupational therapy teaches skills or provides alternate strategies that help the person live as independently as possible. Skills might include dressing, eating, bathing, managing emotions, making plans, and relating to people.
When an injury, illness, disability or other problem limits a persons ability to:
• Take care of himself or herself,
• Participate in learning or paid or unpaid work, or
• Enjoy leisure time, e.g. hobbies, sports, spending time with family,
then they may want to learn some new skills from an occupational therapist.
Occupational therapists will often work with individuals who have ASD to help in areas like supporting early childhood development, creating schedules, providing strategies and treatments for daily functioning, or using sensory integration therapy.
This video provides an excellent explanation along with examples of how an occupational therapist can help people achieve their goals.
