Editorial image for "Paediatric OT for children on the autism spectrum" - clinical-but-warm tone.
What I work on
OT goals for autistic children are highly individual. Most of the goals I work toward sit in three categories: sensory regulation (sleep, mealtimes, transitions, classroom tolerance); self-care and routine independence; and participation in environments that matter to the family - school, kindy, community activities.
I do not work from a fixed program. Goals are negotiated with the family in plain language and reviewed at every block.
Approach
Neurodiversity-affirming. The aim is not to make the child behave more neurotypically - it is to expand the range of environments in which they can participate comfortably, with the goals the family has agreed to.
I work alongside speech therapists, psychologists, behaviour-support practitioners, and teaching teams where that makes sense.
What families typically receive
Initial assessment, a written goal plan, fortnightly sessions across an agreed block, and a progress summary at review. Written reports for plan reviews are quoted separately and aligned to the plan-review date.