What is autism and how is it treated? A comprehensive look at the role of occupational therapy and speech therapy

view Write your / Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech therapy (ST) / from Maryam Nasiri

Hearing the term `autism spectrum disorder' (ASD) for the first time can bring up a world of questions and concerns for any family. What is autism? What effect does it have on my child's future? And most importantly, what is the path of its treatment and rehabilitation? If these questions have occupied your mind, know that you are on the right path: the path of awareness and action.

The good news is that autism is not a dead end, but a different path to development. With a correct understanding of this disorder and the timely initiation of rehabilitation interventions, the unique potentials of each child can flourish. Saba Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Center as a specialized reference for rehabilitation in south of Tehran, under the management of Maryam Nasiri occupational therapy from Tehran University of Medical Sciences) is committed to be with you and your child on this path, from the first step to independence.

What is autism? Understanding differences instead of flaws

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that usually appears in early childhood. The term "spectrum" is used because the symptoms and their severity are completely unique to each person. However, the core of the challenges lies in two key areas:

Social interactions and communication: Difficulty starting and maintaining conversations, understanding non-verbal cues (such as body language and facial expressions), making eye contact and forming friendships.
Repetitive and restricted behavior patterns, interests, or activities: Repetitive body movements (such as wing flapping), insistence on monotony and specific routines, very intense and focused interests on specific subjects, and unusual sensitivities to sensory stimuli (such as sounds, smells, or textures).

It is important to know that autism is not a mental illness or mental disability. Many people on the autism spectrum have average or above average intelligence and have amazing abilities in areas such as music, mathematics and art.

What is autism and what is the way to treat it? A comprehensive look at the role of occupational therapy and speech therapy

A Deeper Look at Why Early Intervention: The Science Behind the 'Golden Time'

Why is there so much emphasis on starting treatment before the age of 5? The answer lies in an amazing concept called "neuroplasticity" or brain flexibility.

A baby's brain at birth is an unfinished masterpiece. In the first three years of life, more than a million new neural connections are formed every second! This period, called the "critical period of development," is a critical window in which the brain has the greatest capacity to learn, change, and reorganize.

In children on the autism spectrum, some of these neural connections may be formed differently, leading to communication and sensory challenges. Occupational and early speech therapy act as a road map for the developing brain. By providing targeted experiences and stimulation, therapists help the brain to:

Create alternative neural pathways: If a communication pathway is weak, a new and more efficient pathway can be created with practice.
Regulate sensory processing: The brain is taught how to properly filter and manage sensory information to avoid strong reactions.
Strengthen foundational skills: Skills such as joint attention (looking at what others are looking at) and imitation are the foundations of social learning that are best strengthened during this golden age.

Missing this period means that the treatment process will be harder and slower in the future. This is why immediate action is the greatest gift you can give to your child's future.

The role of occupational therapy and speech therapy: two wings of one flight

The path of autism rehabilitation is a team path, and occupational therapy and speech therapy are the two main members of this team, which work in an integrated manner at Saba Occupational Therapy Center.

Occupational Therapy (OT): Independence in Everyday Life

Occupational therapy helps the child acquire the skills necessary to participate in the daily "tasks" of life. The ultimate goal is independence and a better quality of life. This includes:

Sensory regulation: Using swings, big balls and play dough to help the child better understand and process the surrounding world.
Movement skills: strengthening hand muscles for writing and drawing.
Game skills: Learning how to play purposefully and interact with toys.
Self-care skills: Practicing dressing, eating and brushing teeth.

Speech therapy (ST): The power of communication

Speech therapy helps the child to be able to communicate his thoughts, needs and feelings to others, whether through words or other methods. This includes:

Strengthening language comprehension: Helping the child to understand commands and questions.
Increasing verbal expression: encouraging the use of words and sentences.
Non-verbal communication: Teaching the use of gestures, facial expressions and images.
Social skills: Practice taking turns in conversation and understanding the point of view of others.

What is autism and what is the path to its treatment? A comprehensive look at the role of occupational therapy and speech therapy

Frequently Asked Questions by Parents: We are here for you

We understand that there are many questions and concerns for you along the way. Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. What is my role as a parent in therapy sessions?

You are the most important and influential person in your child's life and therefore, you are considered the main member of his treatment team. At Saba Center, we believe in a family-centered therapy model. This means that you will not only be fully informed about the treatment program, but also learn the necessary techniques and exercises so that you can become a therapist for your child at home. Your active participation is the key to extending the skills learned from the clinic to everyday life.

2. How do I know if my child is progressing?

Progress in autistic children is often not a linear and direct path, but a series of small and large steps. At the beginning of the treatment, we share specific and measurable short-term and long-term goals with you. Progress reports will be provided to you on a regular basis. But more importantly, we help you see these improvements in everyday details: a longer eye contact, a new effort to use a word, or tolerating a previously impossible sensory situation.

3. Are your services covered by insurance?

Many supplementary insurances cover part of occupational therapy and speech therapy costs. At the Saba center, we will provide you with all the necessary documents and certificates to submit to the insurance company so that you can use this opportunity. We recommend that you consult with your insurance company to know the details of the coverage.

Special: specialized autism rehabilitation at your home (south of Tehran, Shahrari, Islamshahr)

For your convenience and more effective treatment, Saba Occupational Therapy Center offers all its specialized services at home. Treatment in the familiar environment of the home makes the child feel more secure and allows the therapist to implement practical solutions in your daily life. These services can be provided in all areas of southern Tehran (areas 16, 17, 18, 19, 10 and neighborhoods of Fallah, Yaftabad, etc.), Shahreri and Islamshahr.

The path ahead is clear

Recognizing autism is the first step and timely action is the most important step. Don't let the future remain in doubt. Our expert and compassionate team at Saba Occupational Therapy Center is ready to light this path for you by providing a clear and scientific treatment roadmap.

To receive a free consultation or schedule an expert evaluation, contact us today.

Center information:

Brand Name: Saba Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Center
Focal specialty: Specialized center for rehabilitation of children (autism, cerebral palsy) and hand therapy in south of Tehran
Management: Mariam Nasiri (Master of Occupational Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences)
Established year: 1393
Address: Saeedi Highway, Falah Three Roads, Propheti St., not reaching Shandiz Crossroads, No. 79, 1st Floor, Zang Do
Urgent call and consultation: 09351202087
Center fixed line: 02166209819

About the author

Maryam Nasiri

occupational therapy expert from the university Shahid Beheshti Medical Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy from Tehran University of Medical Sciences Clinical and rehabilitation experience since 2008