Ergotherapy in Autism

ERGOTHERAPY IN AUTISM

Ergotherapy improves the physical, cognitive, sensory, psychological, social skills and abilities of the person through meaningful and purposeful activities; It is a person-centered health profession that aims to increase the level of independence and participation in daily life activities and to improve health and well-being.

Occupational therapists in Autism work with methods such as sensory integration, daily life activities training, use of assistive devices, visual perception, cognitive therapies and family training with the aim of adapting individuals to their own living environments, improving their independence and social participation skills.

What can be done in the autism rehabilitation process?

By determining the sensory characteristics of the child with autism and improving their sensory skills, appropriate behaviors are taught to them. In addition, sensory integration therapy is used to prevent the anticipated negativity and the onset of anger attacks, to relax and relieve stress.

Daily life skills such as eating, toilet training, bathing, dressing, and self-care are developed.

Social interaction of the child is achieved through the development of the coordination of, , body awareness and play skills. Studies are carried out on the development of language and communication skills.

The child is helped to develop adaptation and learning skills.

For the development of success in preschool and school years, treatment programs are prepared to develop fine-gross motor, attention-memory, motor planning and pre-writing preparation skills for the sensory-motor characteristics of the child.

Studies in the field of occupational analysis and vocational rehabilitation are carried out in line with the demands of the family and the activity in individuals with autism who are older in age.

For the motor planning disorder seen in autism, studies are carried out to automate motor behavior by increasing attention and performance skills in the process of learning movement with sensory integration.

Studies are carried out to improve chewing and tongue movements, to control saliva, to solve behavioral problems such as spitting food in the mouth, to increase the participation in meal time and the acceptance of foods with various sensory characteristics.