Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Children and Adolescents With Autism

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Practice guidelines have emerged in response to health care reform, serving as valuable tools for enhancing care quality, consumer satisfaction, service utilization, and cost reduction. The American Occupational Therapy Association, representing 140,000 professionals and students, is dedicated to providing information that supports decision-making for high-quality, affordable, and accessible health care and educational systems. This guideline offers an evidence-based overview of the occupational therapy process for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a condition whose prevalence is rapidly increasing in the U.S. It outlines the occupational therapy domain, process, and interventions, including sensory integration, relationship-based approaches, school programs, social skills training, and comprehensive behavioral strategies, all within acceptable practice boundaries. Designed for occupational therapists and assistants, this publication also aids those involved in managing, reimbursing, or setting policies for occupational therapy services. Additionally, it serves as a reference for parents, educators, health care managers, regulators, third-party payers, and managed care organizations, highlighting the role of occupational therapy in supporting children and adolescents with ASD.