What is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession which helps people of all ages to do the things they want through use of their valued occupations. OTs take a whole-person approach to helping people to achieve greater quality of life and satisfaction through their daily activities. OTs promote health and try to prevent illness and injury. If people are injured or ill, OTs help people to live better through return to their valued activities.
Why Occupational Therapy
OT can help caregivers of children who have Autism because we understand the needs of caregivers from a physical, mental, and emotional perspective. We also understand the demanding nature of caregiving and how to adapt the tasks involved to help people be successful.
How can Occupational Therapists Help Caregivers
Some symptoms of children with autism usually have social interaction and communication impairments with decreased interests, activities, and play skills. Raising a child with autism is often overwhelming task, but occupational therapy can assist in overcoming the barriers as caregivers.
"Occupational therapists have a unique role with working with caregivers to children diagnosed with Autism by being able to work towards health promotion and healthy lifestyles. Occupational therapists are able to help clients work towards overall well-being and the prevention of physical, mental, social, and cognitive impairments." (AOTA, 2013)
Practice Model
Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP)
When caregiving for a child with autism it is important to consider that their needs are constantly changing. In order to effectively use the PEOP model for caregivers and their children there are three things that must be assessed. The environment, who they are as a person, and daily tasks. Each of these elements influences how an individual is performing in meaningful activities. Modifications to these factors can enable improved satisfaction in performance of responsibilities and reduce caregiver burnout.
When caregiving for a child with autism it is important to consider that their needs are constantly changing. In order to effectively use the PEOP model for caregivers and their children there are three things that must be assessed. The environment, who they are as a person, and daily tasks. Each of these elements influences how an individual is performing in meaningful activities. Modifications to these factors can enable improved satisfaction in performance of responsibilities and reduce caregiver burnout.