Occupational Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Experienced Occupational Therapists Specialized In Treating Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Why do parents choose Alta Pediatrics?

Personalized

At Alta Pediatrics you are not just another number. We value each patient as a unique individual and a member of our community. Your therapist knows you and your child's name, ask for updates on what you are observing, and provides updates on what they are observing during the session.

Play Focused

Play is at the center of our sessions and your child will improve over time through play-based therapy. Whether that is in the sensory gym, running through an obstacle course, playing games, or working on their fine-motor skills what feels like play is your child developing skills and enhancing their abilities.

Experienced

All therapists are trained and experienced in their specific field (occupational and speech therapy) and have specific experience with a pediatric population. Therapists have graduate level degrees, participate in research projects, and attend continuing education to ensure they stay up-to-date on the latest and most effective evaluation and treatment techniques.

Collaborative

We believe communication and collaboration are key. We work with you as the primary caregiver to provide clear updates on progress and goals each week after the session ends. In addition, we can communicate with other stakeholders that are providing care to your child. By coordinating with speech therapists, school staff, ABA, and other specialists we ensure that there is a holistic view of the care your child is receiving.

How do Occupational Therapists Help Children With Autism?

OT is often used as a treatment for the sensory integration issues associated with ASD. It is also used to help teach life skills that involve fine-motor movements, such as dressing, using utensils, cutting with scissors and writing. OT works to improve quality of life and the ability to participate fully in daily activities. Each OT program is based on individual evaluations and goals. OT for young children with ASD often focuses on improving sensory integration and sensorimotor issues. In older children, OT often focuses on improving social behavior and increasing independence.

What Are The Occupational Therapy Interventions For Autism?

After completing the evaluation, the occupational therapist works with the patient and family to develop an intervention plan and treatment goals. Occupational therapy interventions for autism may include:

Focusing on sensory integration and sensory-based strategies.

Implementing emotional development and self-regulation strategies and programs.

Organizing peer groups, social participation, and play activities.

Working on motor development.

Appropriately integrate and respond to sensory input.

Supporting an adolescent’s transition into adulthood and helping them build skills to enter the workforce.

Using cognitive behavioral approaches to support positive behaviors.

Which Skills Can An OT Address?

Emotional Regulation Skills

Emotion regulation skills involve the skills needed to successfully manage and cope with emotions. This can include identifying emotions in one’s self and in others, understanding different emotions, and being able to appropriately seek out a helpful coping skill. Children with autism generally have difficulties in this area. Often, they have a tough time reading emotions and utilizing ways to manage intense emotions.

Sensory Processing Skills

Children with autism often have over-reactive sensory systems, where their bodies are taking in or processing too much information from the environment. This can lead to the child feeling overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Pediatric occupational therapists have a thorough understanding of the sensory system and how sensory difficulties can affect participation in important activities, such as sleep, dressing, bathing, and eating.

An OT can recommend modifications to these activities, such as making modifications to the child’s bedroom environment to ensure sufficient sleep.
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Motor Skills

Gross motor skills involve large movements, such as running, walking, and moving our limbs. Fine motor skills involve the small movements of the hand, such as picking something up, writing, transferring objects between the fingers, etc. In many instances, children with autism or sensory processing difficulties have some delay in gross or fine motor skills or both.

During the assessment process, an occupational therapist will look at these areas and find ways to help your child build strength and endurance so that they can complete

Testimonials & Reviews

Hear why parents choose Alta Pediatrics

"The team at Alta Pediatrics are phenomenal. To say they have been life savers would not be an exaggeration. They go above and beyond to help you understand your child's needs and how to support them both in and out of the home. I recommend Alta Pediatrics without any hesitation."

JACQUE Q.

"Professional therapists with heart.
My son enjoys his sessions and the therapists always end the sessions with an update of how the session went and what was worked on."

DANA L.

"We have had an AMAZING experience at Alta. Kim and her staff are highly skilled and passionate about their work and we have seen immediate improvements in our child. Not to mention, he absolutely loves going! We are so grateful that we have found Alta Rehab and highly recommend it to anyone in need of OT services."

LIZ L.

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About Alta Pediatrics

Alta Pediatrics is a leading pediatric therapy clinic, offering pediatric therapy for babies, toddlers, and children of all ages. We are committed to helping children lead their happiest, healthiest lives. At Alta Pediatrics, we take an individualized approach to therapy because we understand that each child is unique with very specific needs. For this reason, no two therapeutic programs are alike. If your child needs our services, we will work closely with you to select the best therapies for them, creating a customized program specific to your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Let your child’s journey begin today by contacting us to learn more.

Our Practice

Developing skills. Enriching Abilities

Here's how we create real and lasting change

1 EVALUATE

Our team of therapists conduct a thorough evaluation of your baby to determine areas of strengths, areas of difficulty, and the root causes of these difficulties to focus therapy sessions accordingly and improve development of skills.

2 APPLY

Activities are created to engage the baby, address areas of difficulty, and practice new skills. Parents and caregivers are provided with strategies to work with their baby at home and school to ensure carryover of skills for quicker learning and development of these skills.

3 PROGRESS

We work together with parents to set realistic, measurable goals to address areas of difficulty and ensure progress. We use engaging and motivating toys, games, and play to create a positive environment for your baby, improve their confidence, learn new skills, and reach their goals.