A note on language: At Mable, we use ‘identity-first’ language when referring to autism and autistic people. We’ve made this decision based on feedback from our community. We understand different people have different preferences, and we recognise and respect every individual’s right to choose how their identity is described.
Occupational therapy (OT) can play a key role in supporting autistic individuals to build life skills, participate in their community and live more independently.
For many families, the scope of occupational therapy for autism isn’t always clear.
Is it about play or behaviour? Does it include help with dressing, eating or emotional regulation? The answer is all the above and more.
Whether you’re a parent, support worker or educator, understanding the role of occupational therapy in autism can help you better support the person in your care.
Key insights on how occupational therapy helps with autism
- Occupational therapy helps autistic individuals develop everyday life skills, from getting dressed and playing games to socialising or managing emotions.
- Benefits of occupational therapy for autism can include improved sensory regulation, communication, social participation and emotional wellbeing.
- Occupational therapy goals for autism often focus on motor coordination, routines, self-care and environmental adaptations.
- Occupational therapists work alongside families and support care teams to assess a person’s needs and create a personalised plan.
- Support workers on Mable can reinforce OT strategies by practising skills, setting up routines and adapting environments at home and in the community.
- Depending on your NDIS plan and eligibility, NDIS funding under Improved Daily Living or Social & Community Participation may support therapy sessions or at-home reinforcement.
What is occupational therapy for autism?
Occupational therapy and autism go hand in hand. Occupational therapy focuses on helping autistic people build the practical skills they need to make everyday life easier.
Therapy may include anything from tying shoelaces to managing sensory input or practising mealtime routines.
Key areas of focus include as follows.
- Participation in daily routines (e.g., getting ready for school)
- Sensory processing and emotional regulation
- Motor skill development
- Social and play skills
- Organisational and self-care skills
- Transition readiness for school, community life or employment.
Each therapy plan is tailored. For example, one child might need help brushing their teeth independently, while another might benefit from strategies to stay calm during noisy group activities.
What are the benefits of occupational therapy for autism?
The benefits of OT for autism are wide-ranging and practical. OT helps with mastering a skill and making life easier and more enjoyable, both for the individual and their support network.
Enhances sensory regulation
Autistic children may experience sensory challenges, from hypersensitivity to sound, light and/or touch to seeking sensory input like spinning or pressure.
Occupational therapy can help children regulate their sensory experiences, so they can better engage with daily activities.
Techniques might include:
- Sensory diets (customised routines of sensory activities)
- Weighted blankets or pressure vests
- Fidget tools and noise-cancelling headphones
- Calm-down corners or sensory-friendly spaces.
Strategies are often simple but powerful, like dimming the lights or using a visual timer during transitions.
Improves fine and gross motor skills
Some autistic children may have difficulties with fine motor tasks (for example using cutlery, writing and buttoning clothes) and gross motor coordination (such as running, jumping or catching a ball).
Occupational therapy can help to target these skills through fun and purposeful activities, like play-based therapy using obstacle courses, adapted games or arts and crafts.
Builds essential self-care and daily living skills
Life is made up of routines, and caring for someone with autism often means supporting those routines. Occupational therapy can help children build independence in daily tasks like:
- Dressing
- Brushing teeth
- Toileting
- Preparing simple meals
- Managing time.
A common approach is task breakdown, which involves splitting a routine into manageable steps and using visual checklists or prompts. Repetition, encouragement and consistency are key.
Encourages social participation and focus
Navigating social situations can be difficult for many autistic individuals. Occupational therapy is a great support in learning to recognise social cues, initiating or sustaining conversations and gaining the ability to manage emotions, especially in group settings.
Activities might include turn-taking games, role-playing conversations or using social stories to prepare for new experiences.
A support worker is a fantastic way to manage the logistics of accompanying a child to a community group and helping them feel safe and included. There may be NDIS funding available to support these kinds of social activities.
Fosters long-term independence
Ultimately, occupational therapy in autism aims to support individuals to live a more independent and fulfilling life. That doesn’t have to mean performing all tasks by themselves, it can provide a focus on developing the confidence and skills needed for participation that is meaningful for them.
From early childhood to adolescence and beyond, OT helps individuals to develop independence in a number of ways.
- Develop coping strategies for daily stressors
- Maintain good mental wellbeing
- Gain skills for managing transitions
- Prepare for school, work and community life.
What can an occupational therapist do for autism?
So, what does a qualified occupational therapist actually do?
- Conducts an individualised assessment
- Identifies goals based on abilities and priorities
- Designs a therapy plan using evidence-based strategies
- Supports skill-building in the home, school and social environments
- Collaborates with families, teachers and support teams.
For example, an occupational therapist might help with the following activities.
- Creating a sensory-friendly morning routine
- Suggesting equipment like pencil grips or chewable jewellery
- Supporting a teacher in adapting classroom tasks
- Helping parents adjust mealtime expectations.
Occupational therapy strategies for autism and how support workers can assist
Occupational therapy is most effective when it’s consistent, practical and tailored to daily life. While only qualified occupational therapists can assess needs and create a treatment plan, other types of independent support workers on Mable can play a vital role in helping children and adults on the spectrum to apply and maintain those strategies at home, in the community and across everyday routines.
Learn more about the services you can find on Mable.
Together, therapists, families and support workers create a collaborative system that promotes skill-building, independence and emotional wellbeing.
Supporting sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing
Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences. Sounds may feel overwhelming, fabrics may irritate the skin and bright lights might trigger anxiety.
Emotional wellbeing is closely linked to these challenges, given that sensory overload can lead to stress, shutdowns or behavioural challenges.
Occupational therapy strategies for sensory regulation
- Creating calming routines using visual schedules or storyboards.
- Using tools like noise-cancelling headphones or fidget toys.
- Incorporating regular sensory breaks with deep pressure, movement or quiet time.
- Encouraging emotional expression through art, social stories or mindfulness techniques.
How a support worker can help
- Collaborate with families and therapists to identify triggers and track patterns.
- Create and maintain sensory-friendly spaces at home, such as sensory corners with textured items and tactile paths.
- Prompt and guide individuals through sensory regulation routines throughout the day.
- Use calming tools to reinforce emotional regulation like social stories or a visual tool used to understand and navigate social situations.
You can find independent support workers on Mable that have experience or specialisation in autism support.
Relevant NDIS categories: Improved Daily Living, Core Supports
Assisting with fine and gross motor skills development
Children with autism may experience coordination challenges that affect school, play and everyday tasks.
Fine motor skills, like writing or using cutlery, and gross motor skills, like climbing or balancing, feel essential for independence.
Occupational therapy strategies for fine motor skills
- Engaging in arts, crafts, puzzles and adapted handwriting.
- Building obstacle courses or using playground equipment to improve strength and balance.
- Using repetitive, structured movement activities to improve coordination and motor planning.
How support workers can help
- Join in or guide movement games and creative activities.
- Reinforce motor skills practice through play-based learning or home routines.
- Encourage correct technique, provide encouragement and adapt activities as needed.
- Communicate with therapists and families to share progress and suggest adjustments.
Note: Some motor coordination supports may require specific training or qualifications. Always check a support worker’s profile to ensure the right fit.
Relevant NDIS categories: Improved Daily Living, Social & Community Participation
Practising daily living skills and self-care
From brushing teeth to getting dressed, daily living skills form the backbone of independence. Occupational therapy is designed to help break tasks into manageable steps and supports routines that boost confidence.
Occupational therapy strategies for daily living
- Using checklists, visual aids or task charts to structure routines.
- Demonstrating personal care skills through step-by-step modelling.
- Establishing consistent, predictable routines such as for mornings, mealtime and bedtime.
How support workers can help
- Support individuals and their families with personal care tasks such as toileting, grooming or eating.
- Reinforce consistent routines, using visual cues and positive reinforcement.
- Use therapist-recommended tools (like adaptive utensils or dressing aids) in daily practice.
Support workers offering personal care on Mable must have appropriate qualifications or 2+ years of experience. You can filter for independent support workers approved to provide personal care services on the Mable platform.
Relevant NDIS categories: Improved Daily Living, Core Supports
Facilitating social interaction and communication exercises
Social communication,whether verbal, non-verbal or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)-supported, is a skill that helps reduce isolation and build relationships. Occupational therapy supports the development of interaction skills in safe and supportive environments.
Occupational therapy strategies
- Role-playing conversations to practise turn-taking and perspective-taking.
- Using social stories to explain common social situations or feelings.
- Encouraging group games and collaborative play.
- Incorporating AAC devices or visuals.
How support workers can help
- Use role-play or structured games to practise social skills.
- Accompany individuals to social groups, school or events, helping with transport, transitions and prompts.
- Use AAC tools or visuals to reinforce communication strategies during outings or daily tasks.
- Observe and provide feedback to therapists and families on social interactions.
Relevant NDIS categories: Increased Social & Community Participation, Improved Daily Living
Assisting with environmental adaptations across settings
Occupational therapy strategies
- Using visual supports like timers, task boards or routines to guide expectations.
- Minimising environmental triggers such as loud sounds, clutter or harsh lighting.
- Preparing for transitions with social stories or visual cues.
How support workers can help
- Set up structured spaces at home or in community settings with task boards, labels or visual schedules.
- Adapt spaces for accessibility or sensory needs (e.g. noise-cancelling headphones, calm corners).
- Prompt individuals through transitions, using agreed-upon cues or tools.
- Coordinate with families, teachers and therapists to maintain consistent strategies across environments.
Relevant NDIS categories: Improved Daily Living, Core Supports, Social & Community Participation
More resources about occupational therapy for autism support
Looking to learn more about supporting autistic people? These trusted Australian organisations offer helpful resources:
- OT Australia: Occupational Therapy and Autism provides professional guidance on how occupational therapists support autistic individuals across daily life, development and participation.
- Raising Children Network offers evidence-based parenting advice and practical tips on autism, therapy options and family wellbeing.
- Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) delivers support, education and resources tailored to autistic people and their families throughout all life stages.
- Mable Topic Library features real-life stories, practical guides and support articles for families and support workers navigating autism care.
FAQs
What is the main goal of occupational therapy for autism?
To help individuals participate in daily life more independently and comfortably by developing functional skills in areas like self-care, play, learning and social interaction.
What is an occupational therapy assessment for autism?
An occupational therapy assessment identifies strengths and challenges through observation, interaction and standardised or informal tools. It helps shape personalised therapy plans.
What is social skills training in occupational therapy for autism?
It involves structured activities to teach skills like turn-taking, initiating conversations and recognising emotions, often through games, role-play and social stories.
How can occupational therapy help with sensory issues in autism?
Occupational therapy can help with sensory issues by identifying sensory triggers and developing coping strategies (e.g., sensory diets, calming techniques) to support participation in everyday tasks.
Is occupational therapy covered by NDIS funding for autism?
Yes, it can be under categories like Improved Daily Living or Social and Community Participation. Depending on your specifc needs and goals in your NDIS Support Plan, NDIS funding may be used on both occupational therapy sessions and support workers to implement occupational therapy goals.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent medical advice relative to your circumstances. If you wish to use your NDIS funding on any of the services outlined above, Mable recommends that you check your NDIS Support Plan or speak with your Plan Manager to ensure that the appropriate services are coverable.