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What is Occupational Therapy

Children on the autism spectrum often face challenges in sensory processing, communication, motor coordination, and social skills. Our occupational therapists work closely with families to create individualized programs that support your child’s unique strengths and needs.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with Autism

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a holistic, evidence-based approach that helps individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and meaningful activities. For children with autism, OT focuses on building independence, confidence, and functional abilities in everyday tasks.

Common Goals for Children with Autism

  • Improve fine and gross motor skills

  • Enhance sensory processing and integration

  • Develop self-care and life skills (e.g., dressing, feeding, toileting)

  • Support communication and social interaction

  • Increase focus, attention, and task completion

  • Promote emotional regulation and coping strategies

What to Expect in an OT Session
  • Each OT session is tailored to your child’s goals and developmental level. Therapy may include:

  • Play-based activities to encourage motor and social development

  • Sensory integration techniques to help manage overstimulation or sensory-seeking behaviors

  • Adaptive strategies and tools for daily routines

  • Parent coaching and support to reinforce progress at home and school

  • Therapy sessions may be conducted in a clinic, home, school, or community setting, depending on what works best for the child and family.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit from OT
  • Difficulty with handwriting, drawing, or using scissors

  • Challenges with dressing, brushing teeth, or using utensils

  • Avoids certain textures, sounds, or movement

  • Struggles to focus or transition between activities

  • Limited play or social interaction with peers

  • Early intervention can make a big difference. The sooner your child gets the support they need, the more opportunities they have to thrive.

Our Approach

Our licensed occupational therapists specialize in pediatric care and autism spectrum disorders. We use a child-centered, strengths-based approach that encourages learning through meaningful activity and play.

We collaborate with:

  • Parents and caregivers

  • Speech and behavioral therapists

  • Educators and school staff

  • Physicians and other healthcare providers
Ready to Get Started?

We’re here to help your child reach their full potential.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our services.

Contact us

Developing Minds

Aba Therapy 

www.developingminds.ca

info@developingminds.ca

Head office: (905) 442-1922​

Toronto: (416) 907-0431

Ottawa: (613) 686 4413

Corporate Address:

1225 Kennedy Road, 

Suite 2000

Scarborough, M1P 4Y1

Contact Us:

If you are concerned and have questions about aba therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy for children call:

(905) 442-1922​

Monday-Sunday: 9am to 6pm

Service Areas:

 

Toronto & GTA

  • Scarborough

  • North York

  • East York

  • Etobicoke

Halton-Peel

Durham Region

York Region

Hamilton-Wentworth

Niagara Region

Kitchener-Waterloo

Greater Ottawa

London

Services:

 

Aba assessment

Parent training

Behaviour Intervention

OAP Clinical Supervision

ABA Therapy

Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Academic Programs

Life Skills Programs

Social Skills Programs

© 2025, Developing Minds ABA Therapy. All Rights Reserved.

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