Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder manifesting as difficulties with social interaction, communication and restricted/ repetitive behavior.
We recognize that ASD affects each child and family differently and aim to provide a bespoke approach to help children and families manage in everyday life.
OT strategies
Our autism services are target at children and adolescents between 3-18 years old. Cases may be referred to us from other hospitals, general practitioners, schools or through self-referrals.
- Teaching parents and school staff how to identify a child’s strengths & weaknesses and to recognize early signs of distress
- Social stories to help teach the child how to act in certain situations such as initiating social communication with classmates
- Support in transitions such as starting school
- Sensory processing to identify difficulties and their impact on daily life
- Visual cues to support routines, and introduce new activities or a change in task.
- Introduce routines to provide structure, manage daily life and cope with changes in routine
- Physical skills to help develop strength and coordination and enable a child to participate in activities with their peers
Processes
Our team works collaboratively with parents and caregivers. We conduct parent education and workshops to empower them to support their children’s needs. Our approach is centered on client goals. Interventions are developed in line with client goals after assessment/evaluation.
We provide the following assessment services:
- Diagnostic assessments for ASD;
- Psychological assessments;
- Psycho-educational assessment;
- Occupational therapy assessment;
- Speech therapy assessment.
Intervention
We focus on providing evidence-based intervention programs for children and adolescents with ASD with co-morbid mental health disorders, such as:
- Attention deficit;
- Hyperactivity/impulsivity;
- Anxiety;
- Depression;
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD);
- Tics disorders;
- Difficulties with emotional regulation.
These services include parent education, individual intervention, group intervention and pharmacological management
Individual Behavior Therapy (IBT)
First session: Intake Assessment
- Parent interview to assess the extent and severity of the presenting behavioral concerns;
- Interaction with patient;
- Parent psycho-education and behavior management strategies;
- Design an intervention plan.
Subsequent IBT sessions may focus on one or more of the following, depending on the needs of the patient and family:
- Anger management strategies;
- Problem-solving, conflict management skills;
- Social skills;
- Coping skills;
- Parenting skills.
Group intervention
- Classroom behavior skills;
- Conflict management;
- Social skills;
- Study skills;
- ADHD camp.
Occupational Therapy Intervention
- Sensory integration
- Motor skills and coordination
- Handwriting, attention and visual perception
- Dyspraxia
- Self-regulation