Occupational therapy to manage Autism

Most of the people are not aware about autism. Autistic children are increasing day by day. Parents are very anxious about their children and also proper treatment.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). It is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by enabling people to do things that will enhance their ability to participate or by modifying the environment to better support participation.

The aim of occupational therapist is to increase the persons as much as possible. Occupational Therapist provide following treatment for autism:

* Self help skills training (Dressing, feeding, brushing, toileting etc)

* Increase attention skills 

* Increase communication

* Facilitate play activities that instruct as well as aid a child in interacting and communicating with others.

* Sensory integration therapy

* Behavioural Modification

* Develop adaptive techniques and strategies to get around apparent disabilities (for example, teaching keyboarding when handwriting is simply impossible; selecting a weighted vest to enhance focus; etc.)

There is presently no known cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, early intervention, specialised education and structured support can help develop an individual's skills. Every individual with ASD will make progress, although each individual's progress will be different. Progress depends on a number of factors including the unique make up of the individual and the type and intensity of intervention. With the support of family, friends and service providers, individuals with ASD can achieve a good quality of life.

Rabeya Ferdous is a Clinical Occupational Therapist.

Email: [email protected]