Exploring Occupational Therapists' Approach to Treating Children with Autism in the School Setting

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans. In order to ensure that the autism population receives the highest quality of care, it is extremely important that health professionals be equipped with the knowledge to care for individuals with the disorder in an effective manner. Occupational therapists play an important role in assisting people on the autism spectrum. For many children with autism, occupational therapy services are primarily received in the school setting. This study explores occupational therapists' approach to managing the treatment of children on the autism spectrum in the school setting. Using in-depth interviews, it was found that collaboration with colleagues and parents, adapting to individual needs, problem solving, flexibility, and therapists' training were the most effective treatment approaches.

Union College Schaffer Library Digital Projects

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