Does your child struggle to make eye contact, avoid social interactions, or fixate on specific patterns of behavior? This could be an indication that your child has autism spectrum disorder, a common condition that can impact their overall development and wellbeing in life. Thankfully, our compassionate occupational therapists can help your child learn to overcome their developmental challenges and gain more independence. Keep reading to learn more about autism, how it can impact your child, and how our occupational therapists can help.
Pediatric Therapy for Autism in Monroe
& Ruston, LA
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can affect a child’s ability to socialize with others, communicate or understand others, and behave in socially appropriate ways. Children with autism tend to have a hard time making friends or handling changes in routine. Depending on the severity of the condition, your child may only struggle with a few developmental milestones, or they may struggle with many. At Building Futures, we work with children at all levels of the autism spectrum to empower their growth and overall well being.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The most common signs of autism spectrum disorder include:
- Difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions or body language
- Limited interest in or difficulty forming relationships with peers
- Challenges with understanding and reciprocating social cues
- Delayed speech or language development
- Limited use of gestures, such as pointing or waving
- Repetitive speech patterns
- Repetitive behaviors or stimming, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects
- Intense fixation on specific interests or topics
- Resistance to changes in routine or environment
- Aversions to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or smells
- Challenges in understanding and responding to the emotions of others
- Limited interest in or understanding of other people’s perspectives
- Motor coordination difficulties, such as challenges with handwriting or tying shoelaces
- Unusual body movements or postures
How Occupational Therapy Treats Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our pediatric occupational therapists specialize in play-based therapy techniques designed to help children acquire their developmental skills. Through engaging activities, we empower children with autism spectrum disorder to build independence, confidence, and the ability to handle daily tasks. We work with your child to help them overcome their unique challenges through simple exercises, games, and activities in a fun and supportive environment.
Hippotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
As part of our comprehensive approach, we may recommend hippotherapy to help your child build their developmental skills and overcome any sensory processing challenges they may have. This unique and enjoyable therapy involves interacting with horses, which gives children a delightful way to build physical strength, improve sensory processing, and so much more.
Free Developmental Screening
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, you can take advantage of our free online developmental screening. This tool is a convenient way for parents to know with certainty if your child is achieving their developmental milestones or if they need extra support to achieve their brightest future.