Agency for Persons with Disabilities - Gainesville

Speech therapy is almost always recommended for autistic children since many people with autism have difficulty with social communication. Even if a child is very verbal and says a lot of words, they might need to work on communication skills like: 

• responding to questions
• starting or ending conversation
• changing conversation topics
• using gestures like pointing
• understanding other people's body language 

Speech therapy is a big focus in early intervention for autistic children and is usually the starting place for recently diagnosed kids. There is a critical period in the brain for language development and so, it's really important to teach language and communication skills as early as possible, especially if there are any delays in that area. Your child will learn effective ways to communicate which will help them grow into more independent and confident individuals.

It might be obvious when a child struggles with speaking —they are very quiet, say only a few words, or don't speak at all.

Spot speech and language delays like a doctor here.

The goal of speech therapy is to help your child communicate effectively with other people across all environments. This may take the form of using gestures, simple signs, verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Some other common things speech therapists can help with:

• Nonverbal skills, such as signs or gestures
• Forming speech in a clearer way
• Communicating thoughts and feelings clearly
• Understanding and responding to questions
• Discerning facial expressions and their corresponding emotions
• Noticing and understanding body language
• Feeding and swallowing
• Stuttering

1. Use visual aids. You can use picture schedules, videos, social stories, and other visual aids to show your child what to expect.
2. Take your child for a practice visit. This can be the same as the orientation visit, or it can be a “dry run” of an appointment where the dentist doesn’t actually work on your child’s teeth yet.
3. Bring items to fulfill sensory needs. Bringing your child’s favorite fidgets and toys so they can play during the appointment will be helpful.
4. Reduce unnecessary stress before and after. Reduce demands by wearing comfortable clothes, getting lots of rest, eliminating unnecessary activities (like grocery shopping — order for pick up!), and doing the things that relax your child. Your child will be able to regulate better when every day stressors are kept at a minimum.

Autistic adults, like all individuals, have diverse skills and interests. Here are six examples of popular jobs among autistic and neurodivergent adults:

1. Computer programming and IT: Many autistic adults have a natural aptitude for logical thinking and attention to detail, which can make them well-suited to careers in computer programming, software development, and other areas of IT.
2. Engineering: Roles in engineering also require logical thinking and attention to detail, as well as the ability to solve complex problems. Autistic individuals may find engineering particularly rewarding due to the opportunity to design and build structures or systems.
3. Science: Many autistic individuals have a fascination with science and may be particularly drawn to careers in fields such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
4. Art and design: Some autistic individuals have a keen eye for detail and a strong visual sense, which can make them well-suited to careers in art and design.
5. Writing and editing: Autistic individuals may have a strong attention to detail and the ability to focus intensely on a task for long periods, which can make them effective writers and editors.
6. Entrepreneurship: Some autistic individuals may be well-suited to entrepreneurship, as they may have a unique perspective on business and may be able to identify unmet needs in the marketplace.

It's important to note that these are just a few examples, and there are many other careers that may be well-suited to the strengths and preferences of autistic individuals. Ultimately, the best career for an autistic person will depend on their individual interests, skills, and abilities.

No, there are no jobs that autistic people should avoid. Autistic people, like neurotypical people, have a wide range of skills, interests, and abilities, and can excel in many different types of jobs.

However, some autistic people may find certain jobs more challenging than others, depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses. For example, jobs that require a lot of social interaction or have unpredictable schedules may be more difficult for some autistic individuals, while jobs that involve focused, detail-oriented work may be a better fit.

Ultimately, the best job for an autistic person will depend on their individual skills, interests, and needs, as well as the accommodations and support available in the workplace. It's important for employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments that allow all employees to thrive, including those with autism.

Check out The Beaming Health Transition to Adulthood Action Plan! It's a customizable step-by-step guide that walks you through the most important actions you can take as your child transitions to adulthood.

The occupational therapy process includes an OT evaluation before care starts. Here are the four steps your family can expect when starting occupational therapy:

1. Complete OT evaluation. An occupational therapist first identifies your child’s strengths and needs through a thorough OT evaluation, also known as an OT assessment or screening. You’ll answer questions about your child’s skills, and your child will most likely demonstrate their skills via hands-on activities with the therapist. Evaluations can last 30 minutes to a few hours.
2. Approve OT plan. The therapist develops a care plan with individualized goals and customized interventions based on your child’s needs. You can also share any specific goals or concerns before approving the OT plan.
3. Start therapy sessions. The therapist works directly with your child and your family, using various strategies and exercises to systematically improve areas of limitations and to build upon a child’s strengths. Some exercises your child might participate in are animal walks, obstacle courses, and therapy swing activities. Your family may learn strategies for supporting your child’s individualized needs at home, such as ways of supporting emotional regulation and sensory processing. The therapist may also recommend tools and techniques to use at home, in the community, or in the classroom to help your child succeed.
4. Monitor your child’s progress. Parents and caregivers can expect ongoing progress monitoring and communication to ensure the child is achieving their short and long-term goals.

Occupational therapy can also be provided virtually via telemedicine. Virtual therapy is a great option for families in rural areas who may not have access to in-person services, or for families who prefer to have therapy in their child’s home.

Virtual OT allows the opportunity for increased caregiver participation and understanding of a child’s strengths, areas of improvement, and generalization of skills in the child’s home environment. Virtual therapy also provides increased opportunities for caregiver and family education to support the child and the family based on each family’s needs.