Occupational Therapy
Daily living skills, fine motor skills and independence.
What is it?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps children do the everyday “occupations” of childhood — playing, eating, dressing, writing, and taking part at school. OT therapists also work closely on sensory needs.
How it helps
- Fine motor skills: holding a pencil, using scissors, buttons
- Gross motor skills: balance, coordination, climbing
- Self-care: dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, eating
- Handwriting and school readiness
- Body awareness and attention to tasks
What a session looks like
A session may include obstacle courses, play-dough, threading beads, swings and practising real tasks like putting on socks. The therapist breaks each skill into small steps and builds up slowly.
Video lessons
Follow along with our step-by-step videos. New lessons are added regularly.
Try this at home
- Play-dough, clay and tearing paper to strengthen little hands
- Pick up small items with tongs or fingers into a cup
- Practise dressing with loose clothes and big buttons first
- Use visual step cards for routines like handwashing
- Outdoor play: climbing, jumping and swinging
Tip: Teach one step at a time. Often it helps to do every step for your child except the last one, let them finish it, then slowly hand over more steps (“backward chaining”).
Finding the right therapist
- Look for a qualified, licensed professional with experience with autistic children
- Ask how they will involve you and what goals they will set
- Choose someone your child is happy and comfortable with
- Expect regular progress updates you can understand
Please note: The information on this website is for general education and support. It is not medical advice. Every child is different — please work with a qualified doctor, developmental paediatrician or licensed therapist for assessment and treatment.