According to Armelle Saillour, autism programme manager at the Fondation Perce-Neige, « being autistic means living in a world without the keys to understand it, a world that feels incomprehensible, unpredictable, and chaotic ».[1] Only recently recognised as a disability, autism calls for support tailored to each child, as its presentations vary enormously. Occupational therapists can play a decisive role here…

Why do we talk about “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD)?

As part of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) family, autism appears from early childhood (before age 3) and can affect independence, interaction, and social participation.

Because its symptoms are so varied, we speak of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD) : depending on the definition used, 1 person in 100 could meet the criteria for an autism diagnosis, with an unexplained higher prevalence in boys (4 boys for every girl)[2].

What are the symptoms of an autistic child?

According to the Institut Pasteur, an autistic child may show all or some of these symptoms:

  • A restricted range of activities or interests
  • Social withdrawal, or frequent but poorly-adapted attempts to seek contact
  • A non-verbal communication difficulty (avoiding eye contact)
  • Difficulty picking up on and understanding others’ feelings
  • An absence of, or delay in, language
  • A tendency to repeat syllables or words
  • Repetitive behaviours (twisting limbs, rocking…)
  • Hyper- or hypo-sensitivity (to sounds, light, smells, tastes…)
  • Difficulty adapting to changes in environment or routine

Note that autism is often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as psychiatric conditions (anxiety, social phobia, depression…) or illnesses (epilepsy, gastro-oesophageal reflux…).

How can an occupational therapist help an autistic child?

As there’s no medication to cure ASD, the child has to learn to live with it, but this doesn’t stop them from being supported by health professionals. Child psychiatry, speech and language therapy, psychology, occupational therapy: their care can involve various branches of mental and physical health.

Based on an assessment, an occupational therapist can evaluate their patient’s difficulties both at school and at home. With rehabilitation and adaptation exercises, they can help improve the child’s daily life.

In practice, an occupational therapist can suggest adjustments to living spaces, both at home (bathroom, bedroom, living room…) and at school. The goal is to bring the child greater wellbeing and calm, so they can take part in more activities.

Generally, the family is actively involved in this rehabilitation process to get the best results: together, they can set goals and apply the techniques recommended by the occupational therapist, to help the child better cope with certain everyday activities.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform: trained in DYS disorders and autism, they can offer concrete help, both to your child and to you as parents. Available online, all you need to do is click here to book 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