Occupational Therapist Perspective on Autism | Cadabam’s CDC
If you’re a parent navigating an autism diagnosis, you’ve probably asked: “How can therapy really help my child thrive?” This article brings you a clear occupational therapist perspective on autism—backed by science, centred on hope, and tailored to real families. At Cadabams CDC, our mission is simple: empower your child to live, learn, and play with confidence.
Why Occupational Therapy Matters for Autism
The Link Between Autism and Mental Health
Autism is not just a set of behaviours; it shapes how the brain processes sensations, routines, and social cues. When sensory overload or motor challenges arise, anxiety and frustration often follow. Early occupational therapy (OT) addresses these links, lowering stress and boosting mental well-being.
Occupational Therapy’s Holistic Approach (Person-Environment-Occupation)
We see three circles:
- Person – your child’s unique strengths and needs
- Environment – home, school, playground
- Occupation – daily tasks like dressing, writing, or joining a game By balancing all three, we create sustainable progress that lasts beyond the clinic walls.
Proven Benefits for Sensory, Social, and Daily-Life Skills
- 70 % of children in our 2023 cohort improved sensory tolerance within 12 weeks
- Marked gains in self-feeding, handwriting, and turn-taking after an average of 20 sessions
Core Areas Occupational Therapists Address
Sensory Regulation & Sensory Diets
- Custom “sensory menus” outline calming or alerting activities
- Tools include weighted blankets, fidget bands, and noise-reducing headphones
Fine & Gross Motor Development
- Fine motor: pincer grip, scissor use, buttoning shirts
- Gross motor: balance beams, obstacle courses, core-strength games
Executive Function & Self-Care Skills
- Visual schedules teach morning routines
- Timers and checklists build planning skills
Social Participation & Play
- Role-play games boost greetings and sharing
- Group sessions teach turn-taking in board games, sports drills, and Lego® clubs
Our Evidence-Based Treatment Process
Initial Assessment (Sensory Profile, ADL Checklist, Goal Setting)
- 1-hour parent interview + 1-hour child observation
- Standardised tools: SPM-2, BOT-2, and ADL-Q
- Joint goal-setting: “Independently tie shoes in 8 weeks”
Individualized Plan Design
- SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Therapy roadmap shared via secure parent portal
Therapy Sessions (Clinic & Home-Based)
- 45-minute sessions, 1–3 times per week
- Hybrid model: clinic for specialised equipment, home for real-life practice
Progress Reviews & Family Training
- Monthly review meetings with graphs and video clips
- Parent coaching videos sent to your phone for quick refreshers
Meet Our Pediatric Occupational Therapy Team
Qualifications & Certifications
- All therapists hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Occupational Therapy
- Registered with the All India Occupational Therapists’ Association
Specialized Autism Training
- Additional certifications in Ayres Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime, and PEERS®
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Weekly case conferences with speech therapists, psychologists, and special educators ensure seamless care