Autism is a common cognitive disorder faced by roughly 1 in 50 children here in the United States. Despite being so common, many people do not know what autism is or how it affects those who have it. Autism comes in many forms and can manifest differently from person to person. It can be recognized in children as early as 2, but as late as 4 for some. Early diagnosis can greatly improve developmental outcomes, and occupational therapy can help refine those skills later on.
What Is Autism?
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is characterized by a varying degree of challenges with social skills, repetitive behavior, speech, and nonverbal communication. There are many autism subtypes, and they are experienced on a spectrum. The ways that people with autism learn can range from severely challenged to highly skilled. Some people with ASD might require significant levels of help to get through the day, while others may be perfectly capable of living on their own. Several factors influence the development of autism, and often autism can be accompanied by other health challenges such as anxiety or depression. Scientifically speaking, the four social regions of the brain, the amygdala, OFC TPC, and insula, are disrupted in ASD. These regions are primarily involved in social learning, and symptoms of ASD can be explained as direct effects of the disrupted brain regions.
The Role Of Occupational Therapy For Autism ASD
Occupational therapy is a field of health care that treats those with injuries, disabilities, and other conditions through the completion of specific tasks or occupations. The goal of OT is to help patients recover, develop, and maintain their ability to engage in and enjoy day-to-day activities. During OT, a therapist will assess the patient’s physical and cognitive needs and develop a recovery plan tailored to fit those needs. Occupational therapists can evaluate the current developmental levels of patients with autism and through interventions, help strengthen areas of weakness so they can overcome their limitations. Here at Theradynmics, our interactive metronome device is used to help those with cognitive impairments develop the skills they need to be successful. IM training is overseen by a professional and can be completed both at home and in the office.
Find Occupational Therapy Near Me
At Theradynamics New Jersey, we offer occupational therapy for autism, learning disabilities, head injuries, and more. We provide you with the latest in medical technology, and we are dedicated to boosting human performance. If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, please visit one of our locations in Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, and New Jersey, or book an appointment online.