Occupational Therapists: How to get one, and can they help?

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Hey.

I have AS and sensory defensiveness, and the latter in particular has been a major problem for me. (AS sucks, but it has benefits. I flat out hate sensory defensiveness though--I want to be able to eat more foods and be comfortable and live ONE SECOND without being itchy and either too hot or too cold and irritated by the environment around me.) I've read that OT's (Occupational Therapists) can help with sensory defensiveness, and I want to know...how can I get one? Where do I go?

Also, can they really help? Have any other members with sensory defensiveness gone through Occupational Therapy? Has it helped them?

Nobody knows anything about this? It's kind of important for me....

I wish I could help. Mostly I just want you to know that you're not being ignored. What if you called one of the elementary schools nearby and asked who the OT is there? Then call him/her and ask who she would reccommend for adult looking for an OT? Or would your family doctor be able to suggest someone? Or could you find OTs on the internet?

I understand a little but don't have that same extreme you are talking about. The closest thing I can really relate to is frequently changing how hot I keep the house. I think I like the noise of the heater so want it on often but then get too hot so turn it off and then want the noise so it's back on and then off again, on again, etc.

I'm interested to know if OT does help you.


Uhura

I have quite a bit of experience and knowledge in OT and wish you well in finding a good therapist. OTs and others trained in sensory integration techniques can provide valuable asistance in selecting and using strategies.

To give you an example of suggested strategies in the case of clothing and food issues:

Incident - Dislikes certain clothes

Interpretation - Certain textures or materials may be more irritating than others. Characteristics of specific items may be irritating and uncomfortable such as sleeve length or certain forms of waistbands. Some dislike the sound of nylon or corduroy pants when walking.

Intervention - Respect the desire for certain textures when appropriate. Consult a trained therapist regarding a brushing program. Rub lotion on the child/self. Massage the child/self with a vigorous towel rub to increase tolerance to certain textures of clothing items and then introduce a new item or texture. Remove clothing tags that may cause irritation. Use one detergent consistently. Consider a fragrance-free detergent.

Incident - Won't eat certain foods.

Interpretation - Texture of the food may not be pleasant. May be sensitive to the temperature of the food items. May be oversensitive to certain tastes.

Intervention - Allow the child/yourself to choose foods as long as nutrition is not compromised. Apply deep pressure to teeth and gums using a hard, yet pliable item. For example, chewing on rubber tubing or a straw in the case of a child. Introduce new foods by expanding one sensory characteristic at a time. For example, if you eat child/self eats yoghurt, introduce cornflakes, oat flakes, grape nuts, dried fruit etc into the yoghurt to provide texture.

Should you find a good therapist, he/she should provide you with a comprehensive "Sensory Profile" questionnaire.

Always important to remember that we all have complex needs when it comes to AS. Not everyone chooses or requires an OT as many self manage just fine, working around their own differences/difficulties on their own. But for those who request/require assistance via OT, it needs to be pointed out that due to these complex needs, startegies that are effective one day may not work the next. In addition, some strategies may be appropriate at all for a particular child/student. It's good to be creative and trust your instincts. It's also good to, where possible, consider tolerating sensory behaviours that are not keeping child/self from participating in daily activities or disrupting others, thereby respecting child's/your preferences and individual sensory system.
Best Wishes.

I'm nervous just thinking about getting an occupational therapist. The thought of having to work on opening something or trying to work on my physical coordination problems and probably having to try it until the task is completed is agonizing for me. That was my experience with one in first grade but it probably won't be like that for you. I suggest you ask about one at your school, if you still go to a school, or find one in a phonebook or on the internet that specializes in the autism spectrum, specifically Asperger's.