An occupational therapist can help an individual on the autism spectrum by providing a number of different interventions that help develop appropriate social, play, and learning skills. The therapist evaluates the child to determine if he/she has accomplished tasks appropriate to the child’s age (i.e. dressing and play skills) and can help determine whether or not a child is responding to sensory information inappropriately. This type of intervention may include developmental activities and sensory integration.
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Locate a service provider
Questions To Ask Your Provider:
- What education and certificates do you have? Occupational therapists must be licensed, requiring a master’s degree in occupational therapy, six months of supervised fieldwork, and passing scores on national and state examinations. 2
- How much experience do you have working with individuals on the autism spectrum?
- Do you have a list of references I can contact?
- What does the initial evaluation entail and will we receive a written report?
- How long does a session last, how much does it cost?
- Is there a waiting list?
- What types of payment plans do you offer?
- Will the same therapist be with my child each visit?
- Will the sessions be one-on-one or will there be other children involved?
- Describe a typical session.
- How will results be measured? Will we receive written reports or updates?
- How will our family be involved?
- Explain specific issues that you are having with your child (i.e. biting, tantrums, etc.) Ask the therapist how he/she will handle these situations.
- What if I want to stop this therapy? Are there any contracts? 2,3
1 The American Occupational Therapy Association Inc.(AOTA), “Understanding Autism,” May 16, 2007. http://www.aota.org/featured/area6/links/link02d.asp (21 November 2008)
2 Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation (MMI), “Developmental Medicine,” n.d. http://www.unmc.edu/dept/mmi/index.cfm?L2_ID=33&L1_ID=29&CONREF=25 (22 December 2008)
3 Cambridge Center For Behavioral Studies, “Autism and ABA,” n.d. http://www.behavior.org/autism/ (19 November 2008)