Many children struggle with focus, coordination, and sensory challenges, making everyday tasks difficult. These struggles can affect their ability to learn, play, and build relationships.
Parents often wonder if their child’s difficulties are typical or if extra support is needed. Occupational therapy helps children develop essential skills for daily life. It focuses on fine and gross motor skills, attention, and sensory processing.
Julie Abrams, a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializes in helping children with ADHD, autism, and sensory challenges. She works with kids to improve focus, build confidence, and manage their sensory needs.
In this article, we will explore how occupational therapy helps children with ADHD and autism. We will cover sensory processing, movement challenges, and practical ways parents can support their child’s development.
How Does Occupational Therapy Help Kids with ADHD and Autism?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps kids develop their daily life skills. A child’s main jobs are learning, playing, and making friends. OT supports these areas by improving focus, social skills, and physical coordination.
What Do Occupational Therapists Work On?
OTs help kids build important skills by focusing on 3 key areas:
- Fine Motor Skills – Small movements like writing, using utensils, or buttoning a shirt.
- Gross Motor Skills – Larger movements like climbing, running, or sitting up straight.
- Attention and Focus – Helping kids stay engaged in learning and daily tasks.
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How Sensory Processing Affects Learning and Behavior
A child’s ability to focus and learn depends on how well their sensory system works. Most people know about the 5 senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
However, 3 lesser-known senses also play a big role in development:
- Tactile Sense – How the body reacts to touch, like clothing textures or holding objects.
- Vestibular Sense – The body’s sense of balance and movement.
- Proprioception – Awareness of body position, which helps with coordination and control.
Kids can sit still, pay attention, and interact comfortably when these senses work properly. If not, they may struggle with focus, movement, or sensitivity to touch.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids with Sensory Challenges
Every child is different. Some kids with ADHD or autism have trouble sitting still, while others may dislike certain textures or struggle with balance.
An occupational therapist finds these challenges and creates a plan to help. OT also teaches parents how to support their child’s sensory needs.
As kids grow, they learn ways to manage their challenges. With the right support, they can focus better, move confidently, and feel more comfortable in daily activities.
How Do Balance and Body Awareness Affect a Child’s Development?
A child’s ability to move, sit, and focus depends on two key systems: the vestibular system and the proprioceptive system. These systems help balance, coordinate, and know where the body is in space.
The Vestibular System
The vestibular system helps a child stay balanced and move smoothly. It activates when the head moves, like walking, jumping, or swaying from side to side. This system also helps with posture. A strong vestibular system makes sitting up straight, focusing, and moving confidently easier.
Signs of vestibular challenges:
- Difficulty sitting still or staying upright
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Fear of movement, like swinging or climbing
- Constantly seeking movement, like spinning or rocking
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ALT Text: How Do Balance and Body Awareness Affect a Child’s Development
The Proprioceptive System
The proprioceptive system helps a child feel where their body is in space. It sends signals through muscles, joints, and ligaments to help with movement and coordination. This system also helps kids control their strength so they don’t push too hard or bump into things.
Signs of proprioceptive challenges:
- Clumsiness or frequent falling
- Bumping into objects or people
- Seeking rough play, jumping, or crashing into things
- Chewing on shirt sleeves, fingernails, or other objects
Activities like running, jumping, or even chewing provide proprioceptive input, helping kids feel calm and focused. Many adults do this, too—some go for a run or chew gum to feel more balanced.
Can a Child Improve These Skills?
Yes, kids can strengthen their sensory systems. The brain adapts and learns, especially in early childhood. Some children may need sensory activities to improve balance and body awareness.
Others might benefit from small changes, like using chewable necklaces or cutting tags from clothing. With the right support, kids can feel more in control of their bodies, focus better, and move confidently.
How Can Parents Help Kids with Sensory Needs at Home?
Kids with sensory challenges need the right input to stay calm and focused. Some kids seek movement and stimulation, while others avoid it. Understanding their needs helps parents create simple routines to support them.
Helping Kids Who Seek More Sensory Input
Some kids have high energy and always need to move, chew, or fidget. These sensory seekers benefit from activities that give their bodies extra input. Since schools limit movement, parents can add small adjustments at home.
Ways To Help Sensory Seekers:
- Let them chew gum, use chewy pencil toppers, or eat chewy snacks like dried mango or jerky.
- Give drinks with straws, like smoothies or thick shakes, to provide calming oral input.
- Encourage walking or biking to school to get movement early in the day.
- Allow jumping on a mini trampoline or short exercises before school.
- Add light weights to their backpack for a calming effect.
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ALT Text: How Can Parents Help Kids with Sensory Needs at Home?
Helping Kids Who Avoid Movement
Some kids hesitate to move, climb, or try new activities. These sensory avoiders need a slow, gentle approach to feel safe.
Ways To Help Sensory Avoiders:
- Start with small, low-risk activities like holding hands while swinging or climbing.
- Use repetition and routine to help them build confidence.
- Introduce new activities calmly and predictably.
- Encourage small steps instead of forcing big changes.
Creating a Sensory Diet
A sensory diet is a daily routine that helps kids get the necessary input. Parents and therapists work together to find activities that help a child feel balanced.
Sensory diets can include movement, oral input, or calming strategies based on what works best for the child.
With patience and the right support, kids can learn to manage their sensory needs, feel more comfortable, and stay focused throughout the day.
When Should Parents Consider Occupational Therapy for Their Child?
Parents often wonder if their child’s struggles are typical or if they need extra support. While many kids benefit from routines and outdoor play, some face challenges that make daily life much harder.
Signs That a Child May Need Occupational Therapy
If everyday tasks feel exhausting or stressful, an occupational therapist may help. OT supports kids with activities of daily living (ADLs) like:
- Getting dressed and brushing teeth
- Taking a bath or shower
- Attending school and focusing on class
- Playing at the park or with friends
- Handling grocery store trips or family meals
If a child regularly avoids these activities or parents feel overwhelmed, it might be time to seek professional help.
How Long Does Occupational Therapy Last?
The length of therapy depends on the child. Some improve quickly, while others need ongoing support. Many therapists involve parents in sessions, teaching strategies that help at home.
Even if a child hasn’t fully reached their goals, parents with the right tools can continue supporting progress.
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Why Sensory Needs Change Throughout the Year
A child’s sensory needs shift with seasons and daily routines.
- Winter: Kids spend more indoors and may need extra movement to stay regulated.
- Summer: Outdoor play provides natural movement, reducing the need for structured sensory activities.
Using Everyday Chores for Sensory Input
Certain tasks provide proprioceptive input (heavy work), helping kids stay calm and focused. These activities include:
- Shoveling snow
- Mowing the lawn
- Carrying groceries
- Sweeping, vacuuming, or lifting laundry baskets
These tasks give kids the movement they need while teaching responsibility.
Movement is Essential for Learning
Many kids, especially those with ADHD, need movement to stay focused. Some schools limit recess, but sitting still for long periods makes learning harder. Parents can advocate for more movement at school and provide active time at home.
Understanding Your Child’s Sensory Needs
When parents understand their child’s sensory system, they can support them better. Many parents even realize they have challenges similar to those of their kids.
Occupational therapy provides guidance, but the most lasting impact comes from everyday support. With the right tools, kids can feel more confident, focused, and comfortable daily.
Conclusion
Occupational therapy helps Kids with ADHD and Autism gain the skills they need to learn, play, and handle daily tasks with ease. Some children seek movement, while others avoid it.
Understanding their needs helps parents create simple routines that keep them calm and focused. Small changes can make a big difference.
Letting a child chew gum, carry a weighted backpack, or do simple chores can help them feel more in control. Outdoor play, jumping, or squeezing a stress ball can also support their sensory needs.
If a child struggles with daily activities or avoids certain tasks, extra support may help. An occupational therapist can find challenges and create a plan that fits the child’s needs.
With the right tools and support, kids with ADHD and Autism can focus better, gain confidence, and feel more comfortable in their world.
FAQs
Can occupational therapy improve social skills?
Yes, therapists help kids learn how to take turns, understand body language, and play with others. They also teach strategies for handling social anxiety and making friends.
Does occupational therapy help only kids with ADHD and autism?
No, occupational therapy helps kids with developmental delays, sensory challenges, coordination issues, and other learning or movement difficulties.
Can occupational therapy help picky eaters?
Yes, therapists work with kids who struggle with food textures, chewing, or mealtime anxiety. They introduce new foods slowly and use fun activities to make eating easier.
Does insurance cover occupational therapy?
Coverage depends on the insurance plan. Some cover OT if a child has a medical diagnosis like ADHD or autism. Parents should check with their provider to see what is included.