Occupational Therapy

Building skills for everyday success and independence.

Everyday tasks that feel simple to adults — getting dressed, brushing teeth, using utensils, writing, playing with friends — can be genuinely difficult for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ACT's Occupational Therapy (OT) services help children build these skills so they can participate more confidently at home, at school, and in the community.

📞 Call (855) 528-8476 or Register Your Child — no waitlist, most insurance accepted, and Medicaid accepted in Illinois.

 

What OT helps with

Our Occupational Therapists work on fine motor skills like writing, buttoning, and using scissors; gross motor skills including balance, coordination, and body awareness; and sensory processing, helping children who are sensitive to sounds, textures, lights, or movement. We also support self-care and daily living skills — dressing, feeding, hygiene, toileting routines — along with play and social participation, emotional regulation, and school readiness skills like handwriting and classroom routines. When appropriate, we address feeding-related challenges as well.

 

Why sensory support matters

Many children with autism experience the world differently through their senses — some are easily overwhelmed by sound, light, or texture, while others seek out extra movement or pressure to feel regulated. These differences can affect everything from mealtime to sleep to how a child handles a busy classroom. Our therapists help both children and families understand these sensory needs and build practical strategies that make daily routines easier.

 

How OT works at ACT

Each child starts with a detailed evaluation covering motor skills, sensory patterns, self-care, and school readiness. We use that to build an individualized treatment plan focused on the goals that matter most to your family — whether that's independence with morning routines or comfort during a busy classroom day. Sessions are play-based and purposeful, using movement, sensory activities, and hands-on practice so skills build naturally. We also work directly with families, offering practical strategies for home routines, and coordinate with ABA and Speech Therapy teams when your child receives multiple services, so care stays connected across every area of development.

 

Signs your child may benefit from OT

Look for difficulty with handwriting or scissors, trouble with utensils or small objects, strong reactions to sound, texture, or clothing, frequent seeking of movement or deep pressure, difficulty with balance or transitions, or avoidance of certain foods or self-care tasks.

📞 Start today: (855) 528-8476 or Register Your Child

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OT only for handwriting or fine motor skills? No — OT supports many areas of daily life, including dressing, feeding, sensory regulation, play, and coordination.

Can OT help with sensory sensitivities? Yes. OT helps children and families understand sensory needs and build strategies that support comfort and participation.

Can OT help with feeding challenges? In some cases, yes, when clinically appropriate. Children with swallowing or medical feeding concerns may need additional evaluation.

Does OT work alongside ABA and Speech Therapy? Yes — our teams coordinate when a child receives multiple services, for a more complete, consistent plan.