Occupational Therapy Principles and Techniques
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Skill Certificate in Occupational Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
ABA #
Applied Behavior Analysis is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior, often used in conjunction with occupational therapy to address sensory and motor skills in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Related terms include behavioral analysis, behavioral modification, and positive reinforcement. ABA focuses on breaking down complex behaviors into smaller, more manageable parts, and using reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
ADL #
Activities of Daily Living are the essential tasks individuals perform on a daily basis, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Occupational therapists help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder develop the skills necessary to perform ADLs, often using assistive technology and adaptive equipment. Related terms include daily living skills, self-care skills, and instrumental activities of daily living.
Anxiety is a common comorbidity in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disor… #
Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, to help individuals manage anxiety and develop coping strategies. Related terms include stress management, coping skills, and emotional regulation.
Asperger's Syndrome is a subtype of Autism Spectrum Disorder, characteriz… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Asperger's Syndrome to develop social skills, such as initiating and maintaining conversations, and to address sensory and motor challenges.
Assessment is the process of evaluating an individual's skills, abilities… #
Occupational therapists use a variety of assessment tools, such as the Sensory Profile and the Beery Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Skills, to assess individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Related terms include evaluation, testing, and screening.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication refers to the use of alternati… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop augmentative and alternative communication systems, and to integrate them into daily life. Related terms include alternative communication, augmentative communication, and assistive technology.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized b… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop skills, such as social skills, self-care skills, and adaptive behaviors, and to address sensory and motor challenges. Related terms include autism, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger's Syndrome.
Behavioral Intervention refers to the use of behavioral techniques, such… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop behavioral interventions, and to integrate them into daily life. Related terms include behavioral analysis, behavioral modification, and applied behavior analysis.
Cognitive #
Behavioral Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Occupational therapists may use cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder manage anxiety and develop coping strategies. Related terms include cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy.
Developmental Coordination Disorder is a neurological disorder characteri… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with developmental coordination disorder to develop motor skills, such as handwriting, cutting, and dressing. Related terms include dyspraxia, motor skills disorder, and coordination disorder.
Discrete Trial Training is a type of behavioral intervention that involve… #
Occupational therapists may use discrete trial training to teach individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder new skills, such as imitation and matching. Related terms include applied behavior analysis, behavioral modification, and positive reinforcement.
Early Intervention refers to the provision of services and support to inf… #
Occupational therapists work with families and caregivers to develop early intervention strategies, such as sensory integration and play therapy. Related terms include early childhood intervention, infant intervention, and toddler intervention.
Emotional Regulation refers to the ability to manage and regulate emotion… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop emotional regulation strategies, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Related terms include stress management, coping skills, and self-regulation.
Executive Function refers to the set of cognitive skills, such as plannin… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop executive function skills, such as time management and task completion. Related terms include cognitive skills, executive skills, and self-regulation.
Fine Motor Skills refer to the ability to use the small muscles of the ha… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop fine motor skills, often using adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Related terms include dexterity, hand function, and motor skills.
Gross Motor Skills refer to the ability to use the large muscles of the b… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop gross motor skills, often using play therapy and sports activities. Related terms include locomotion, mobility, and motor skills.
ICF #
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is a framework used to classify and describe the functioning and disability of individuals, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occupational therapists use the ICF to develop treatment plans and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Related terms include functional classification, disability classification, and health classification.
IEP #
Individualized Education Program is a document that outlines the educational goals and objectives for a child with a disability, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occupational therapists work with educators and families to develop IEPs, and to integrate occupational therapy services into the educational program. Related terms include individualized plan, education plan, and treatment plan.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living refer to the tasks individuals pe… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop instrumental activities of daily living, such as meal preparation and household management. Related terms include daily living skills, self-care skills, and life skills.
Intervention refers to the process of providing services and support to i… #
Occupational therapists work with families and caregivers to develop interventions, such as sensory integration and play therapy. Related terms include treatment, therapy, and service provision.
LEisure Activities refer to the activities individuals engage in for enjo… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop leisure activities, such as arts and crafts or music therapy. Related terms include recreational activities, hobbies, and play.
Mindfulness refers to the practice of being present and aware in the mome… #
Occupational therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder manage anxiety and develop coping strategies. Related terms include mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based therapy, and meditation.
Motor Planning refers to the ability to plan and execute motor actions, s… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop motor planning skills, often using play therapy and sports activities. Related terms include motor control, motor coordination, and praxis.
Occupational Performance refers to the ability to perform daily activitie… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop occupational performance, often using adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Related terms include functional performance, daily living skills, and life skills.
OT #
Occupational Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on developing the skills and abilities necessary for daily life, such as self-care, communication, and social skills. Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop skills, such as sensory integration and motor planning, and to address sensory and motor challenges. Related terms include occupational performance, daily living skills, and life skills.
PECS #
Picture Exchange Communication System is a type of augmentative and alternative communication system that uses pictures to support communication. Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop PECS systems, and to integrate them into daily life. Related terms include picture communication symbols, augmentative communication, and alternative communication.
Play Therapy refers to the use of play activities to promote development… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop play skills, such as imitation and symbolic play, and to integrate play therapy into daily life. Related terms include play-based intervention, play-based therapy, and recreational therapy.
Praxis refers to the ability to plan and execute motor actions, such as r… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop praxis skills, often using play therapy and sports activities. Related terms include motor planning, motor control, and motor coordination.
Recreational Activities refer to the activities individuals engage in for… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop recreational activities, such as arts and crafts or music therapy. Related terms include leisure activities, hobbies, and play.
Self #
Care Skills refer to the ability to perform daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop self-care skills, often using adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Related terms include daily living skills, adaptive behavior, and life skills.
Self #
Regulation refers to the ability to manage and regulate emotions, such as anxiety, anger, and frustration. Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop self-regulation strategies, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Related terms include emotional regulation, stress management, and coping skills.
Sensory Integration refers to the process of integrating and processing s… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop sensory integration skills, often using sensory integration therapy and sensory play activities. Related terms include sensory processing, sensory modulation, and sensory integration disorder.
Sensory Modulation refers to the ability to regulate and manage sensory i… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop sensory modulation skills, often using sensory integration therapy and sensory play activities. Related terms include sensory integration, sensory processing, and sensory regulation.
Social Skills refer to the ability to interact and communicate with other… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop social skills, often using social skills training and play therapy. Related terms include social interaction, social communication, and social relationships.
Splinter Skills refer to the ability to perform specific, isolated skills… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop splinter skills, and to integrate them into daily life. Related terms include isolated skills, fragmented skills, and exceptional skills.
TEACCH #
Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children is a type of behavioral intervention that focuses on developing skills and abilities, such as communication and social skills, in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occupational therapists may use TEACCH techniques, such as structured teaching and visual supports, to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder develop skills and abilities. Related terms include behavioral intervention, applied behavior analysis, and positive reinforcement.
Theory of Mind refers to the ability to understand and interpret the thou… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop theory of mind skills, often using social skills training and play therapy. Related terms include social cognition, social understanding, and mental state understanding.
Visual Supports refer to the use of visual aids, such as pictures, schedu… #
Occupational therapists work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop visual supports, and to integrate them into daily life. Related terms include visual aids, visual communication, and visual schedules.