This post will use identify-first language, e.g., Autistic person, as the community overwhelmingly prefers this language, and the capital A is in accordance with APA recommendations. You may or may not have heard of the term ‘stimming’, which is a colloquial term for motor stereotyped behaviors such as finger-flicking, hand flapping, and rocking back and … Read more
Purpose The purpose of this article is to propose a model of practice for occupational therapy based on research that includes the voices of those who are Autistic, including Autistic adults with the lived experience of autism combined along with their neurotypical counterparts, e.g., parents, caregivers, and society. Language Based on a majority of the … Read more
Incorrect Use? Sensory strategies are often incorrectly used with sensory integration interventions. One way to distinguish sensory integration methods involve active client participation, whereas sensory strategies involve passive sensations. Sensory integration treatment is based on sensory integration theory which was proposed by Dr. Jean Ayres. The core theory was built on what Ayres new at … Read more
Introduction Social skills interventions are designed to address barriers in social skills for clients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These social skills interventions can be facilitated by the occupational therapist or educator and may involve training peers to interact with those who have ASD to improve their social skills. Furthermore, social skills training may be … Read more
People with autism may have difficulty with social skills from childhood all the way through adulthood. In terms of advocacy for those with autism, a better understanding and acceptance of these people is my hope. Still, people with autism can benefit from therapy such as occupational therapy to help them function for everyday tasks in … Read more
Q: How can occupational therapy help adults with autism? Q: How is occupational therapy different for adults than children? Q: Can occupational therapy help with employment? Q: What areas do occupational therapists work with for adults who have autism? Q: Is occupational therapy for adults successful? Q: Do adults with autism benefit from a combined … Read more
Not all Sensory Integration interventions are effective or supported by the latest evidence. Introduction This is not to say that sensory integration as a whole is not effective. Even still, as occupational therapists should strive to be holistic – research suggests that a top-down approach/perspective instead should at least be considered in addition to SI … Read more
Introduction As the omicron variant is on the rise in the US, reports of it affecting the younger population are a concern. Adults with ASD continue to face difficulties in managing their day-to-day life due to factors such as economic instability, job security, mental health, physical health, and overall uncertainty. Here are some ways you … Read more
One of my viewers brought my attention to the topic of ‘virtual autism’. I was not familiar with this exact term, but I was familiar with the association between the negative effects of screen time and decreased psychological well-being. So I conducted more research into this topic. Related post: Digital Play vs. Traditional Play for … Read more
Cognition Poor attention, highly distractible Preoccupation for specific activities, repetitive actions Difficulty with teamwork Poor memory Difficulty with complex cognitive tasks Sequencing Imitation Generalizing concepts Symbolism Reading comprehension Executive function Language delay, verbal skills Sensory Stimuli Sensory-perceptual abilities Tactile defensiveness Hypersensitivity Hyposensitivity Postural stability without visual cues Visual Seeing images as a whole Visual fascination … Read more