Do you think parents putting autistic children in occupational therapy is wrong?

loriandmiaxo:

butterflyinthewell:

Any therapy that doesn’t aim to extinguish stimming or force an autistic child into something they aren’t is okay. 

Any therapy that helps with speech, but doesn’t make speech the end communication goal and offers alternatives(AAC, picture boards, sign language, etc) to help a child communicate in a more understandable way is okay. 

Any therapy to help improve motor skills is good and doesn’t aim to cover up autism symptoms and behaviors is okay.

Any therapy to help a child manage their sensory issues as best as they can is okay. 

Any therapy to help a child understand social situations without teaching them that they’re broken for not inherently knowing those things is okay.

Any therapy that teaches a child how to advocate for themselves and respects their “no” is okay.

Any therapy that moves at the child’s pace and respects their agency, autonomy and dignity is great.

It’s possible to help an autistic child branch out without forcing them to look neurotypical.

Ah yes! My 13 year old daughter goes to a social skills/ot group/basically a mish mosh of lots of things

This group is all about helping and protecting them and not at all about changing them or making them feel less.

They always have a different topic. One week it was about teeth brushing. They explained why teeth brushing is important and that they understand that it can be difficult. They offered little tips and options on how to make it a little more bearable, like using a softer tooth brush or better flavored toothpaste, easier ways to hold the toothbrush.

This week the topic was something like “My body is mine”, where they discussed what is good touch and what is bad touch. They informed them who they can talk to if they feel like someone has violated them or made them uncomfortable.

My daughter was in a similar group when she was younger for speech. They never forced her to talk, she was offered picture books and sign language. I never cared how she communicated or how correct it was, just always had those mom fears of something being wrong and her not being able to communicate.

I am awful at explaining things, but it really is an awesome group. My daughter learns new things and practically runs to the car so she can tell me all about what she learned. It’s very fun and is wholeheartedly about letting the kids set their own goals and move at their own pace. It really is about the kids and helping them be happy and comfortable with themselves.

I was also carpal tunnel mom, so thanks again for the suggestions!