When a child with autism works with a Lee County occupational therapist, it’s about so much more than “occupations” in the traditional sense. For children, occupations are the everyday activities that shape their growth and development—things like playing, eating, dressing, making friends, and learning at school. And for many children with autism, these daily activities can feel like climbing a mountain without the right gear.

But here’s the good news: A Lee County occupational therapist can give children with autism the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to navigate the world around them—on their terms, at their pace, and in a way that celebrates their unique strengths.

Occupational therapy (also known as “OT”) is probably one of the most misunderstood of early intervention therapy disciplines. It’s important that parents of our patients understand what OT really looks like for children with autism, how it helps them thrive in daily life, and why it’s such a powerful part of early intervention and long-term support.

Why Children with Autism May Benefit from OT

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how children interact with others, communicate, and experience the world through their senses. While every child with autism is wonderfully unique, many share common challenges with:

• Sensory processing
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor coordination
• Self-regulation and attention
• Daily living tasks (like feeding, toileting, and dressing)
• Social participation and play

Occupational therapy is designed to address each of these areas in a personalized, child-centered way—helping kids build skills, adapt to their environments, and feel more confident in their routines.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD, and research continues to show that early intervention, including OT, leads to better developmental outcomes.

How Lee County Occupational Therapist Helps in Daily Life

Let’s explore some of the specific ways occupational therapy supports children with autism in everyday routines.

1. Sensory Integration and Regulation

Many children with autism have sensory processing differences—meaning they may be over-sensitive (hypersensitive) or under-sensitive (hyposensitive) to things like sounds, textures, lights, smells, or movement.

You might see this if your child:

• Covers their ears at loud noises
• Refuses certain clothing or food textures
• Constantly seeks movement (jumping, spinning, crashing into things)
• Struggles to stay calm in busy or bright environments

A Lee County occupational therapist will use sensory integration therapy to help children better interpret and respond to sensory input. Through play-based activities like swinging, jumping, brushing, or tactile play, children gradually learn to tolerate and regulate their sensory experiences.

This helps them feel calmer, more focused, and more in control—making it easier to learn, play, and socialize.

2. Fine Motor and Hand Skills

From holding a crayon to buttoning a shirt, fine motor skills are essential for independence. Many children with autism have delays in these areas, which can affect school performance and self-care tasks.

Occupational therapists work on strengthening:

• Hand and finger muscles
• Grasp patterns and pencil control
• Bilateral coordination (using both hands together)
• Hand-eye coordination

At FOCUS Therapy in Lee County, FL, we make it fun—using games, crafts, building blocks, and everyday materials that motivate kids to practice their skills in meaningful ways.

3. Self-Care and Independence

OT also targets Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like feeding, dressing, toileting, and hygiene. These tasks can be particularly challenging for children with autism, especially if there are sensory or motor difficulties involved.

With structured routines, visual supports, adaptive tools, and lots of encouragement, we help children learn to:

• Brush their teeth
• Wash hands
• Put on shoes
• Use utensils
• Toilet independently

Each small step toward independence builds confidence—and relieves stress for the whole family.

4. Social Participation and Play Skills

Play is the work of childhood, but children with autism often need extra support developing imaginative, cooperative, or reciprocal play skills. OT sessions often include guided play that encourages:

• Turn-taking
• Problem-solving
• Shared attention
• Pretend play

These skills lay the foundation for meaningful peer relationships and smoother transitions into group learning environments like preschool or kindergarten.

5. Emotional Regulation and Attention

Self-regulation—the ability to manage emotions, stay focused, and shift attention—is often difficult for children on the spectrum. OT helps kids recognize their feelings and learn coping strategies such as:

• Deep breathing
• Movement breaks
• Fidget tools
• Visual schedules

We might use Zones of Regulation, a widely used approach that helps children understand their emotional “zones” and choose tools to help them return to a calm, alert state.

The Evidence Behind OT for Autism

Occupational therapy is evidence-based and backed by research. Studies have shown that sensory integration therapy, a core part of OT, leads to measurable improvements in sensory-related behaviors, motor skills, and daily functioning in children with ASD.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) emphasizes the value of early OT intervention in improving a child’s ability to participate in school, home, and community life.

What OT Looks Like in a Multidisciplinary Clinic

In our multidisciplinary clinic in Fort Myers, your child’s occupational therapy is part of a larger team effort—working closely with speech therapists, behavior analysts (ABA), and sometimes physical therapists to support the whole child.

This collaborative approach allows us to:

• Coordinate goals across therapies
• Share insights and strategies
• Support every aspect of your child’s development in one place

Whether your child is just starting early intervention or continuing through school-age milestones, OT plays a vital role in helping them build confidence, independence, and joy in everyday life.

You Are Your Child’s Greatest Advocate

If you’re wondering whether OT is right for your child with autism, trust your instincts. You know your child best. Early support can make a lifelong difference—not just in skills, but in self-esteem, relationships, and family well-being.

At FOCUS Therapy, we’re here to walk alongside you—celebrating every small win, offering guidance, and helping your child thrive.

If you’re looking for a Lee County occupational therapist to help your child with autism, we’d love to hear from you!

FOCUS offers pediatric occupational therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

A Guide to Occupational Therapy for Autism, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

More Blog Entries:

ABA, Occupational Therapy Helps Address Safety Concerns for Florida Children With Autism