According to Armelle Saillour, in charge of autism at the Perce-Neige Foundation, “being autistic means living in a world to which you don’t have the keys, a world that’s incomprehensible, unpredictable and chaotic“[1 ] Recently recognized as a disability, autism requires special support for each child, as its manifestations are extremely varied. Occupational therapists can play a key role…
Why do we talk about “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD)?
Belonging to the Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) category, autism manifests itself in early childhood (before the age of 3) and can have repercussions on autonomy, interaction and social participation.
Because its symptoms are so varied, it is referred to as “autism spectrum disorder” (ASD ): according to definitions, 1 in 100 people could be diagnosed with autism, with an unexplained prevalence among boys (4 boys for every girl)[2].
What are the symptoms of an autistic child?
According to the Pasteur Institute, autistic children may present all or some of these symptoms:
- A restricted field of activity or interest
- Social withdrawal or numerous but inappropriate solicitations
- Non-verbal communication disorder (avoidance of eye contact)
- Difficulty detecting and understanding other people’s feelings
- Absence or delay of language
- A tendency to repeat syllables or words
- Repetitive behaviors (twisting limbs, rocking, etc.)
- Hyper- or hypo-sensoriality (sounds, lights, smells, tastes…)
- Difficulty adapting to changes in environment or routine
Autism is often associated with
Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD)
as well as psychiatric disorders (anxiety, social phobia, depression…) or illnesses (epilepsy, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease…).
How can an occupational therapist help an autistic person?
As there is no medication to treat ASD, children must learn to live with it, but this does not prevent them from seeking the support of healthcare professionals. From child psychiatry and speech therapy to psychology and occupational therapy, children can be cared for in the various branches of mental and physical health.
Based on an assessment, the occupational therapist can evaluate the patient’s difficulties in the school environment, as well as at home. With re-education and rehabilitation exercises, he can help her improve her daily life.
In practical terms, the occupational therapist can suggest ways of adapting the child’s environment, both at home (bathroom, bedroom, living room, etc.) and at school. The aim is to bring greater well-being and serenity to the child, so that he or she can carry out more activities.
The family is usually actively involved in the rehabilitation process, to optimize results: together, they can set objectives and apply the techniques recommended by the occupational therapist, to help the child cope better with certain daily activities.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform: they are familiar with DYS disorders and autism, and can provide practical help for both your child and you, the parents. Available online, all you have to do is click to make an appointment with one of them!
[1 ] Quote: https://www.perce-neige.org/infos-handicap/comprendre-le-handicap/quest-ce-que-lautisme/
[2] Figures: https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical/fiches-maladies/autisme
