Definition
Occupational therapy, often shortened to OT, supports people in doing the everyday activities that matter to them. For autistic children this can mean help with fine motor skills, self-care routines like dressing or eating, handwriting, coordination, and strategies for managing sensory experiences at home and school.
Why It Matters
Many autistic children work with an occupational therapist, so parents encounter OT often. Affirming therapists adapt the environment and honor sensory needs, helping a child participate in daily life more comfortably rather than forcing them to suppress who they are.
Common Misconception
OT is not about fixing a child or eliminating stimming. Good practice supports genuine independence and comfort, respecting sensory differences instead of treating them as problems to erase.