Powerful Physical Therapy

3 Benefits Of Occupational Therapy For Autistic Children

15 December 2018 by Clifford Ramos

Parenting is challenging. Not only do you need to teach your child right from wrong, but you also need to ensure they are both healthy and happy. This is overwhelming in most cases, but it can be much more difficult if you have a child with special needs. If your child is one of the 1 in 59 children the CDC states has autism, you may be confused and stressed. Occupational therapy is an option many parents of autistic children are utilizing. This guide will help you understand the benefits of this therapy, so your child can get the help they need.

Teach/Improve Life Skills

Depending on your child's age, you will want them to learn and follow certain skills that are crucial for their daily life. Unfortunately, even the most basic of these skills can be a challenge for a child who has autism.

Occupational therapy not only teaches your child life skills, but they also help improve the skills they are already using and following.

Skills such as dressing, bathing, brushing their teeth, putting shoes on, and even eating are all important skills your child will learn and be able to accomplish on their own without any physical or emotional stress.

Improve Fine Motor Skills

Many children, no matter what their age, with autism struggle with fine motor skills. They may not be able to use their hands properly or they may have a delay in their motor skills. Either way, without proper fine motor skills, your child will struggle through their daily life.

Therapists will use toys and different games to help improve your child's fine motor skills. Simple tasks, such as building a tower with blocks or tracing shapes, can help improve how your child's brain operates their arms, hands, and fingers.

These skills can help your child with playtime, but they are also essential for your child's basic life skills. Without fine motor skills, your child will not be able to tie their shoes, pack their backpack, or brush their teeth.

Improve Social Skills

Another area where autistic children struggle is socially. Your child may not know how to interact with classmates and other children. A basic classroom lesson or day at the park can turn into a nightmare for many parents who have autistic children.

Thankfully, pediatric occupational therapy also helps your child learn the proper way to behave in social situations. They will learn how to talk to others and manage their emotions.

Learning how to act in social situations is a benefit that will follow them throughout their life. 

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