What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are general terms for the same thing. Autism was not formally recognized until about 60 years ago. Classic Autism was first recognized in 1942 by Dr. Leo Kanner at John’s Hopkins Hospital. Previously, distinct subgroups existed, including Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndome was often considered “high functioning” autism, usually diagnosed at three years old or later into adulthood. In North America, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was published in May 2013 and is used by healthcare professionals to evaluate ASD. In this edition, Asperger Syndome is officially now placed under the umbrella of ASD.
Autism is commonly diagnosed early in childhood, at about 2-3 years of age. There are varying degrees of symptoms caused by Autism, including difficulties in social interaction as well as verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behavior, difficulties in motor coordination, short attention span, and more. Some children with Autism excel in activities such as math, music, and art. Approximately forty percent of children with ASD have average to above average intellectual abilities. Some children who are severely affected by Autism cannot live independently and require care and guidance at all times.
What Causes ASD?
There is no one single cause to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parenting styles do not cause Autism. Over the last few years, there has been a lot of research done by scientists indicating that rare gene changes (mutations) are associated with ASD. In most cases, a combination of risk genes and environmental factors are the leading causes. Environmental factors are non-genetic stresses such as events that take place before or during childbirth. For instance, advanced age of both parents, mental illness during pregnancy, or oxygen deprivation to the baby during childbirth can all contribute to Autism. Environmental factors increase the risk of developing ASD when seen in combination with genetic risk factors.
The Role of Occupational Therapy
An Occupational Therapist’s (OT) role includes getting a child back to engagement and participation in everyday life tasks. For instance, self-care routines such as brushing their teeth or getting dressed, leisure activities, and school. Our Occupational Therapists are well trained in knowledge gained from neurobiology and are well positioned to assist individuals, including teens, children and toddlers, with ASD. An OT can help you and your family understand how sensory challenges impact your child in everyday activities and can recommend customized environmental accommodations that will reduce negative reactions to sensory input. Treatment may include the use of a sensory integration framework to evaluate and address processing with children with Autism. In fact, this is found to be among the top three services requested by parents of children with ASD.
A pediatric Occupational Therapist will first assess your child’s occupational performance which includes school and play. Next, the OT will provide an interventional plan which will consist of fun yet challenging activities for your child in order to facilitate independence and participation in their activities. In addition, Occupational Therapists work with immediate and extended family members by recommending meaningful activities that the family can participate in with your child, as well as providing support through education, consultation, advocacy and connecting you to community resources.
Speech Language Therapy
About one in three people with Autism have problems with speech and non-verbal communication. Pediatric Occupational Therapists may work with a Speech Language Therapist, also referred to as Speech Language Pathologist, to help improve conversational skills, eye contact and gestures, understanding words in different contexts, understanding symbols, and more.
Speech therapy techniques may include:
- Electronic “talkers”
- Signing or typing
- Using picture boards with words
- Using sounds to which a person is over- or under-sensitive to expand and compress speech sounds
- Improving articulation of speech by massaging or exercising lips or facial muscles
By working with a pediatric OT and a Speech Language Therapist, your child will be able to build healthy relationships and improve function and communication in day-to-day life!
To learn more about occupational therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder, simply call Karp Rehabilitation at 604-420-7800!