In summer 2008, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (IACC) requested feedback on their strategic plan for research. AOTA submitted comments in August 2008, expressing concerns about how occupational therapy was only mentioned once, in the same sentence as speech therapy. As a result, the new strategic plan now includes acknolwedgement of occupational therapy's role for treatment and research (see excerpt below).
One of the aspirational goals of the plan is to have children with or at-risk for ASD be identified by 24 months. Do you think this is feasible?
I have always thought that OTs with their great observational skills and holistic view of clients could contribute to earlier identification of children with ASD symptoms. We don't diagnose but we can recommend that families make an appoinment with a pediatric neurologist or another physician.
Excerpt:
A wide range of treatment and intervention options are available for children and adults with ASD that can target core symptoms, ameliorate associated symptoms, and prevent further disability. For example, interventions such as speech therapy facilitate language development, pragmatic communication and social interaction. Occupational therapy can improve functioning in everyday activities (e.g., eating, bathing, and learning) as well as sensory integration. Both types of therapy can promote the development of life skills, which help people with ASD to gain more independence. People with ASD can benefit from adaptive technologies....
To see the release of the federal strategic plan for autism research:
advisory panel releases first federal strategic plan for autism research.shtml
To see the full research plan:
iacc strategic plan for autism spectrum disorder research jan26.shtml
Susan H. Lin, ScD, OTR/L
Director of Research, AOTA
Dr. Lin,
I believe this to be completely feasible, if not now, then aspirationally in the near future. My wife is in clincial psychology graduate school, getting a specialty certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Much of what she does is very sensory and OT related (from our many conversations about therapetic intervention). OT definitely have a large role in collaboration, research, identification, and certainly intervention (transition, SI, areas of occupation). Additionally, I am in a rotation with a pediatric specialist doing a community transition to preschool program. Several of our kiddos has already been diagnosed with ASD, and the symptoms are very evident to even our stduent-therapist. This is great food for thought. Thanks!