What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps children with autism enhance their ability to perform meaningful activities and routines. These may include daily self-care tasks like dressing, eating, and hygiene, as well as improving fine motor skills, sensory processing, and social interactions.
Our occupational therapy program is tailored to each child’s unique needs and developmental goals. Through individualized sessions, we improve motor skills, sensory integration, and social interaction, helping children build the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
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How Occupational Therapy Supports Children on the Autism Spectrum
Children diagnosed with autism often experience difficulties with fine motor skills, sensory sensitivities, and challenges in managing daily activities. Occupational therapy is available only in our early intervention centers and is always provided in combination with ABA therapy. Occupational therapy services at Children’s Specialized ABA provide targeted support to address these issues, including:
- Fine motor skills development – Helping children improve their coordination and control for tasks like writing, using utensils, and manipulating small objects
- Sensory integration – Teaching children how to manage and respond to sensory stimuli in ways that are calming and effective
- Daily living skills – Helping children build independence and self-reliance in their daily routines
Additionally, through structured activities, we support children in developing the social and play skills they need to interact with peers and build relationships.
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Our Whole-Child Autism Care Approach
Our occupational therapy program is integrated with other services, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, and social skills training. By combining therapies, we provide comprehensive support that helps children make meaningful progress in all areas.
Our therapists collaborate with families, educators, and other care providers to ensure that every child receives consistent, well-rounded care. This team-based approach allows us to address the unique challenges of each child, helping them achieve greater independence and success.
At Children’s Specialized ABA, Occupational therapy services focus on supporting the functional skills children need to successfully participate in daily routines, play, learning, and social interactions. Our OTs work closely with other members of your child’s care team to provide individualized, evidence-based interventions to promote independence and enhance overall quality of life. Occupational therapy services can address skills such as:
- Self-care and daily living skills
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Sensory processing and regulation
- Visual-motor and visual-perceptual skills
- Social participation and play skills
Meet the
Director of Occupational Therapy
Alyson Niven, M.OTR/L
Director of Occupational Therapy
Contact Us Today for Occupational Therapy Services
If your child struggles with motor skills, sensory processing, or daily activities, occupational therapy at Children’s Specialized ABA can provide the specialized support they need.
Contact us today at 201-979-0772 or online to learn more about our occupational therapy services and how our whole-child autism care approach can help your child reach their full potential.
Need language assistance? We offer interpreter services to support your family. Contact us today by calling 201-979-0772 or reach out online. We are here to empower your child.
Miriam Newmark BCBA, LBAl