Occupational Therapy and the Senses

Occupational Therapy or the term OT is very commonly used in the realm of special needs. Most children with autism, are asked to immediately seek OT sessions as it helps with various levels of Sensory Processing Issues. Once these issues are somewhat settled, on then can learning take place be it in a form of an Early Intervention Program (EIP) or Speech Therapy. However, it is important to note, that as a profession, occupational therapy covers a wide range of needs.

Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages who may have physical, developmental, social, or emotional challenges that impact their ability to engage in meaningful occupations (activities) in their daily lives. In order to address these challenges, occupational therapists consider the following key senses:

1. Vision: Occupational therapists assess and address visual perception, visual motor integration, and other visual processing skills that impact an individual’s ability to complete tasks.
2. Hearing: Occupational therapists may address hearing challenges that impact an individual’s ability to communicate, learn, or participate in activities.
3. Touch: Occupational therapists may address tactile defensiveness, which is an oversensitivity to touch, or sensory seeking behaviors, which involve seeking out tactile input, to improve an individual’s ability to participate in activities.
4. Proprioception: Occupational therapists may address proprioceptive challenges, which involve awareness of one’s body position and movement, to improve an individual’s ability to move and engage in activities.
5. Vestibular: Occupational therapists may address vestibular challenges, which involve balance and coordination, to improve an individual’s ability to move and participate in activities.
6. Smell and taste: While these senses are not often directly addressed by occupational therapists, they may impact an individual’s ability to engage in certain activities, such as eating or cooking.

Occupational therapists use a holistic and client-centered approach to assess and address challenges related to these senses in order to help individuals participate in meaningful occupations and improve their quality of life.

Typically for children with autism, Sensory Processing Disorder is something that some Occupational Therapists work hard to address. Here’s a video explaining about Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support is a Website with tons of information related to SPD from a very practical perspective.