العربية 
The main goal of the occupational therapy program for children with autism is to develop the individual's personal, social, and professional independence and integrate him into his community by enhancing his participation in daily life activities such as: eating, dressing, playing, learning, entertainment, work, and social participation. The goals of the intervention are determined according to the needs and priorities of the individual based on his environment, abilities, and age.
Definition of autism spectrum disorder
It is a neurodevelopmental disorder, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, that affects the child's development. It is characterized by difficulties in achieving skills (communication, social, emotional, and behavioral).
Symptoms of the disease
Autism spectrum disorder is a broad spectrum disorder, so the symptoms that children with it experience vary. These symptoms include the appearance of some limited and repetitive behavior patterns such as hand flapping, waving things without a specific purpose, and others.
When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder begin in early childhood, often appearing during the first three years of a child's life, and can be noticeable from birth.
Severity of disease symptoms
The severity of autism symptoms varies from child to child. Signs that may be noticed during early childhood include: indifference to caregiver, inability to start or sustain conversation, failure to respond to name, decreased eye contact, loss of some language skills, difficulty expressing emotions, resistance to hugs, preference for playing alone, adherence to a certain routine, preference for certain types of food, and over- or under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli such as sound or touch.
- Assessment: Case assessment is the cornerstone of building an intervention program. This involves gathering information in collaboration with the child’s family to assess the child’s daily functioning and participation in different contexts.
- Develop an individual treatment plan: Every child is different, so the treatment plan will vary for each case based on the evaluation results and specific goals.
- Fun Therapy Activities: The occupational therapist uses a variety of fun activities to make therapy sessions fun and encourage the child's participation.
- Collaborating with the care team: The occupational therapist works with teachers and specialists to ensure a supportive environment.
- Parent Training: Parents are trained on how to implement treatment strategies at home to promote the child's continued development.
Occupational therapy interventions for children with autism
After gathering information, the occupational therapist develops a treatment program based on the assessment results and includes strategies to enhance the child's ability to participate in daily activities.
- Play: A child with autism shows difficulties in different areas of play such as imaginative play, and often notices repetitive play patterns. Intervention is done by expanding the areas of play and developing sensory and motor abilities.
- Social engagement: The child has difficulties with social interaction, such as not initiating or responding to social interactions. Occupational therapy works to improve communication and social interaction skills.
- Independence in daily activities: The child is trained to depend on himself in daily activities such as brushing teeth and combing hair.
- Developing sensory skills: Occupational therapy works to regulate sensory responses.
- Improve motor skills: Includes the development of fine and gross motor skills.
- Enhancing social skills: Teaching the child social communication skills and interaction with others.
- Increasing independence in daily life: teaching the child personal care and life skills.
- Improving job performance in school: Developing the skills needed to succeed in the school environment.
