According to recent data sets from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there’s been an exponential increase in the number of Americans diagnosed with developmental delays like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is due in large part to better testing and greater understanding of the condition.
One 2023 CDC report showed one in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD by eight years old. It’s a dramatic shift that highlights the importance of early intervention services and the need for specialized care. As more families seek help they need sooner, employment demand for trained professionals who can meet the needs of this unique patient population is skyrocketing.
OT Strategies for IDD and Autism Spectrum Disorder
OTs and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) learn how to incorporate a variety of specialized methods and strategies when treating patients with developmental delays. They use customized and often creative treatment plans to address the unique challenges of each individual.
Sensory Integration Therapy: Therapy teams use targeted activities to help individuals who have difficulty processing sensory information better respond to and manage sensory stimuli, a skill that’s essential for daily functioning in a busy society.
Behavioral Therapy: Particularly effective in young ASD patients, behavioral therapy reinforces positive behaviors and attempts to reduce negative ones. For these kids, it’s all about teaching new coping skills and improving communication methods while having fun in OT.
Social Skills Training: IDD and ASD individuals often need help enhancing social skills, which often means using techniques like role-playing and group activities to improve interaction, communication and understanding of social cues.
Motor Skills Development: OT addresses both fine (like writing or using utensils) and gross (like walking or throwing a ball) motor skills, helping patients with IDD or ASD improve their physical coordination and strength.
Daily Living Skills: Fostering independence and self-reliance is the goal when OT teams focus on helping patients master everyday activities like dressing, eating and personal hygiene.
Feeding Therapy: Sensory processing challenges or physical difficulties can make mealtime difficult. OT feeding therapy typically includes exercises to strengthen muscles used in eating, strategies to make trying new textures and flavors more enjoyable and teaching patients how to use adaptive utensils.
Visual and Auditory Supports: Scholarly research has shown that children with neurological vision or hearing problems are more likely to be diagnosed with autism. Tools like visual schedules, alternative communication devices and assistive software can be essential for helping individuals with ASD or IDD navigate daily life.
In addition to the established strategies, occupational therapy also focuses on empowering caregivers and family members with the necessary tools and knowledge to support individuals with developmental disorders like autism. This continuing education helps create a more supportive and nurturing environment at home, which is crucial for the continuation and effectiveness of skills learned in therapy.
Fulfilling Work Environments Where Teamwork Is Essential
Occupational therapists often work with a team of other healthcare professionals throughout the course of treatment. Consulting with patient psychologists, speech therapists and educators ensures each individual receives a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to care.
These collaborative strategies reinforce the overall therapeutic goals, providing a more holistic support system for individuals with developmental disorders. A care team that fully understands and addresses the broader social and environmental factors affecting these individuals is key to progress and development.
Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Children and Families by Pursuing an Education in Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists aim to improve the overall quality of life for individuals with IDD or ASD by equipping them with the tools and strategies to reach their full potential. Ready to meet your full potential?
The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at St. Louis College of Health Careers emphasize a broad variety of advanced OT training, from traditional behavioral therapies to innovative approaches designed to cater to the unique needs of each child.
Our Occupational Therapy training programs provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to make a profound impact in the lives of patients. Call 866-529-2070 to learn more or apply online.