OT for autistic children in Ottawa

Occupational therapy (OT) looks at the everyday things your child needs and wants to do. That can be getting dressed, eating, playing, sleeping or taking part at school. Our registered occupational therapists come to you. We see children and youth at home, at school or online across Ottawa.

What OT can work on

OT goals are set with you and your child. They are based on what matters in your child's day. Areas we often look at include:

• Daily living skills. Dressing, toileting, brushing teeth, mealtimes and bedtime routines.

• Motor skills. Fine motor skills like using a pencil, scissors or utensils. Gross motor skills like balance, climbing and ball play.

• Sensory processing. How your child takes in and responds to sound, touch, movement, taste and light. We look for ways to make daily life more comfortable. See our sensory processing page.

• Regulation. Strategies that help your child feel calm, alert and ready, and that fit your child's own way of being.

• Routines and transitions. Visual supports and predictable steps that can make changes in the day easier.

• School participation. Printing, seating, desk work, recess and getting around the classroom. With your consent, we can share ideas with your child's school team.

• Play and leisure. Building on your child's interests to support play, joy and connection.

We respect your child's strengths and interests. Our aim is to support participation and comfort, not to change who your child is.

Signs you may want to discuss with an OT

You may want to talk to an OT if your child:

• Finds certain sounds, textures, clothing or foods very hard to manage

• Has a very limited range of foods

• Has trouble with dressing, toileting or other self-care for their age

• Finds handwriting, cutting or other hand skills hard

• Seems clumsy, or avoids playground or sports activities

• Has big reactions to changes in routine or transitions

• Has trouble taking part in class or school routines

• Has sleep routines that are hard for the family

These are only examples. If something in daily life is hard for your child or family, it is worth a conversation.

A diagnosis is not required

You do not need an autism diagnosis to see an OT. You also do not need a doctor's referral. We focus on your child's daily needs, with or without a diagnosis.

Occupational therapists do not diagnose autism. In Ontario, an autism diagnosis is made by other professionals, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or psychologist. If you have questions about a diagnosis, please speak with your family doctor or paediatrician.

How our process works

1. Free 15-minute call. We talk about your concerns and answer your questions.

2. Initial assessment. A registered OT meets your child at home, at school or online. We learn about your child's strengths, needs and goals.

3. A planned block of 10 sessions. We plan the sessions around your child's goals. We do not offer single sessions. Planned blocks let us track progress over time.

4. A written debrief after every session. You get a summary of what we worked on and ideas to try between sessions.

5. Bingo Books. As part of care, we create custom OT activity guides for your child. They turn home practice into simple, playful activities.

6. Review and next steps. At the end of each block, we review progress with you and talk about what comes next.

Written OT reports for insurance or school are available.

Paying for OT

Families use a range of options, such as health benefits plans and some government programs. The Ontario Autism Program lists occupational therapy as one of its core clinical services. Please confirm eligibility with AccessOAP. See our funding page for details. See our funding page.

Frequently asked questions

Do you only see autistic children?

No. We see children and youth with a range of needs, with or without a diagnosis. See our how we help page.

Can you see my child at school?

Yes, with the school's agreement. We can also see your child at home or online. Many families choose a mix.

Can OAP funding be used for your sessions?

OT is listed as a core clinical service in the Ontario Autism Program. Each family's eligibility and funding is set by the program. Please check with AccessOAP. See our funding page.

What is a Bingo Book?

A Bingo Book is a custom activity guide we make for your child. It is part of your child's care. It helps you carry the work into everyday life. See our Bingo Books page.

Will I need to be there for sessions?

For young children, we usually ask a parent or caregiver to be nearby. We talk about what suits your child during the initial assessment.

Talk to us

Have questions about OT for your child? We are happy to help you decide if OT is a good fit.

Book a free 15-minute call

Related: sensory processing · ADHD · DCD · funding