Occupational Therapy (OT) – A Complete Guide for Parents

 What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a specialized treatment designed to help children improve their physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities so they can live more independently.

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), OT is extremely important as it helps in:

• Increasing focus and attention

• Building motor skills

• Supporting overall development

Once a child is diagnosed with autism, a therapist performs a detailed assessment. Based on the child’s needs, a customized therapy plan is created, which often includes Occupational Therapy along with other supportive therapies.

Why is Occupational Therapy Important?

Occupational Therapy benefits children in many ways because it works on the whole body. Some key benefits include:

• Improves Fine Motor Skills – e.g., writing, buttoning clothes, holding objects.

• Builds Gross Motor Skills – such as crawling, posture control, and body coordination.

• Enhances Focus & Concentration – helping children stay attentive.

• Balances Mental & Physical Energy – enabling better activity participation.

• Supports Sensory Processing – by strengthening the five senses.

• Boosts Self-Awareness & Reduces Hyperactivity.

👉 Today, many children face challenges like short attention span, difficulty in sitting still, and poor concentration. OT directly addresses these concerns by working on the sensory system and improving overall learning and behavior.

How Can Parents Do Occupational Therapy at Home?

Parents often ask: “Can we do OT at home, and how much time should we give?”

✅ Yes, you can! Home-based OT activities, when guided by a therapist, can make a big difference.

Tips for Parents

• Daily Practice – 10–15 minutes of focused activity every day.

• Repetition with Variation – Use different approaches so your child doesn’t get bored.

• Frequency – If your child struggles, repeat the same activity 2–3 times daily.

Example Occupational Therapy Activities at Home

1. Alphabet Activity 

   • Write letters (A, L, M, N) on paper.

   • Ask your child to place small objects like buttons or beans on the letters.

   • Benefit: Improves fine motor skills & concentration.

2. Shape Activity 

   • Draw shapes (Circle, Triangle, Square).

   • The child places objects on the outlines.

   • Benefit: Builds eye-hand coordination.

3. Crawling Exercises 

   • Encourage crawling to support full-body movement.

   • Especially helpful for children with age delays.

4. Swing Therapy 

   • Install a swing at home.

   • Benefit: Reduces repetitive movements and enhances sensory regulation.

5. Household Activities 

   • Involve your child in sorting, picking, or carrying light items.

   • Benefit: Keeps them engaged & active, reducing hyperactivity.

Why Professional Assessment is Important

While home-based OT is valuable, a professional assessment at a reliable therapy center is essential.

A multi-disciplinary therapy center offers:

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Therapy

• Special Education

• Behavioral Therapy

This combined approach helps reduce sensory issues, hyperactivity, and developmental delays more effectively.

Key Advice for Parents

• Start therapy as early as possible.

• Continue guided home activities regularly.

• Choose a qualified multi-disciplinary therapy center for the best results.