Occupational Therapy for Autism in Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides expert occupational therapy services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across Adelaide. Our experienced team tailors therapy to each client’s unique needs, helping them navigate challenges, enhance independence, and achieve meaningful participation in daily life. Whether you are seeking support for your child or an adult, our evidence-based, neuroaffirming approach ensures a supportive environment that values individuality and empowers neurodiverse individuals to thrive.
Thrive Health Therapies uses both identity-first and person-first language interchangeably to show respect for the diverse identities and terms of reference preferred within the community.
What is Occupational Therapy for Autism?
Occupational therapy (OT) for autism focuses on helping individuals build the skills needed to engage in everyday activities, such as self-care, school, work, and social interactions. Occupational therapists address the unique sensory, motor, and behavioural challenges associated with autism, using strategies that foster independence and improve quality of life.
Key Areas of Focus:
Sensory Integration: Helping individuals process and respond to sensory input effectively.
Daily Living Skills: Supporting self-care tasks like dressing, eating, and hygiene.
Social and Emotional Skills: Enhancing communication, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Improving coordination, balance, and strength for tasks like handwriting or climbing stairs.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Autistic Individuals
Occupational therapy offers many benefits for individuals with autism and their families:
Enhanced Independence: Build skills for completing everyday tasks with confidence.
Improved Sensory Regulation: Manage sensory sensitivities and develop coping mechanisms.
Strengthened Motor Skills: Improve fine and gross motor coordination for tasks like writing, tying shoelaces, or playing sports.
Social Engagement: Develop communication and play skills to foster relationships.
Emotional Well-Being: Promote self-regulation and reduce anxiety or behavioural challenges.
Family Support: Empower families with strategies to support their loved one’s growth and development.
How OT Supports Individuals with Autism in Adelaide
Our occupational therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing their unique needs in key areas:
1. Sensory Integration
Many individuals with autism experience sensory processing challenges, such as hypersensitivity to sound or touch. OT helps by:
Identifying sensory preferences and triggers.
Creating tailored sensory diets to support regulation.
Incorporating sensory strategies to reduce overwhelm and improve focus.
2. Daily Living Skills
Occupational therapists assist with building the skills needed for greater independence in daily life, such as:
Dressing and grooming.
Meal preparation and eating.
Toileting and hygiene.
Time management and organisation.
3. Play and Social Skills
Play is critical for learning and development in children. OT supports:
Developing play skills, such as turn-taking and imaginative play.
Building social communication and interaction skills.
Enhancing emotional regulation to foster positive relationships.
4. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Physical coordination can be a challenge for individuals with autism. Our therapists help improve:
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like handwriting, using scissors, or manipulating small objects.
Gross Motor Skills: Skills like running, jumping, and climbing.
Strength, balance, and posture for overall physical well-being.
5. Emotional and Behavioural Regulation
Occupational therapists support emotional well-being by:
Teaching self-regulation strategies to manage anxiety or frustration.
Creating calming routines to prevent sensory overload.
Offering tools to express emotions effectively.
6. School and Community Participation
For children with autism, OT can improve their ability to participate in school and community activities by:
Developing skills for classroom tasks like sitting still, following instructions, or using school supplies.
Enhancing social interactions with peers and teachers.
Providing strategies for community engagement, such as attending events or using public transport.
Our Occupational Therapy Services for Autistic Individuals in Adelaide
We offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to individuals with autism:
1. Assessments and Reports
Thorough assessments are the foundation of effective occupational therapy. Our experienced therapists evaluate each individual’s abilities, challenges, and environment to create customised support plans.
Sensory Assessments
Sensory processing challenges are common in individuals with autism. Our sensory assessments identify sensory preferences and sensitivities, helping us develop strategies to improve regulation, focus, and comfort in daily life. For example, we might address sensitivities to noise or light or introduce tools like weighted blankets or noise-cancelling headphones.Functional Capacity Assessments
These assessments evaluate an individual’s ability to perform essential daily activities and recommend the appropriate supports to promote independence. Functional capacity assessments are especially helpful for securing NDIS funding and ensuring that individuals receive the resources they need.School-Based Assessments
Collaboration with schools is key to helping children with autism succeed in the classroom. Our school-based assessments focus on academic and social skills, fine motor abilities, and sensory needs. We work closely with educators to create tailored learning plans and strategies that enable students to thrive in the educational environment.
2. Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions are highly personalised and designed to address specific goals and challenges. We provide a variety of therapy options to ensure accessibility and convenience for all families:
Clinic-Based Therapy
Our Findon clinic has been specially designed and equipped with resources and tools to support sensory integration, motor development, and cognitive growth. The clinic offers a controlled environment where individuals can engage in structured therapy sessions that are fun, interactive, and goal-oriented.Home and Community Therapy
For many individuals, practicing skills in familiar settings can enhance progress and confidence. Our therapists provide therapy at home, in schools, or in community environments, focusing on practical skill development such as navigating public spaces, participating in group activities, or managing routines at home.Telehealth Services
Our telehealth services make occupational therapy accessible for families who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. Using secure video conferencing, therapists provide interactive, engaging therapy sessions tailored to the individual’s goals. Telehealth is particularly useful for families in remote areas or those seeking flexible scheduling options.
3. Family and Caregiver Support
At Thrive Health Therapies, we believe that families and caregivers are essential partners in the therapy process. We work closely with them to ensure they have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support their loved one’s growth and development.
Empowering Families
We provide practical strategies to help families integrate therapeutic activities into daily routines. For example, we might suggest games that improve fine motor skills, calming techniques for sensory overload, or visual schedules to improve transitions between activities.Caregiver Training
Our therapists offer training sessions to caregivers, helping them understand their loved one’s unique needs and how to best support them. This includes guidance on communication techniques, sensory regulation strategies, and ways to foster independence.Ongoing Collaboration
Therapy doesn’t end when the session is over. We maintain ongoing communication with families to track progress, adjust goals, and address any concerns. Families are encouraged to provide input, ensuring that therapy remains aligned with their needs and priorities.
How We Deliver Occupational Therapy at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers community-based, clinic-based, and telehealth occupational therapy services across Adelaide.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home, school or kindergarten, or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised rehabilitation clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations & disabilities.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Occupational Therapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making occupational therapy for autism accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Learn more about the funding options we accept.
Why Choose Our Occupational Therapists?
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric or adult clients straight away!
Experienced: Our occupational therapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing occupational therapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs About Occupational Therapy for Autism in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and focused areas of interest. While ASD can be recognised as early as age two, it is often diagnosed after age five. The condition varies widely in its presentation, with each individual displaying unique strengths and challenges.
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Occupational therapy (OT) helps individuals with autism develop the skills needed to engage in daily activities, such as self-care, learning, socialising, and working. OTs address sensory processing challenges, motor skills, social-emotional development, and behavioural regulation, empowering individuals to participate more fully and independently in life.
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Many individuals with autism experience sensory processing difficulties, such as hypersensitivity to sound, light, or touch. Occupational therapy helps by:
Identifying sensory preferences and sensitivities.
Developing sensory diets tailored to the individual’s needs.
Teaching strategies to manage sensory input, such as using noise-cancelling headphones or creating calming routines.
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OT can support a wide range of daily living skills, including:
Dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene.
Meal preparation and feeding.
Organising routines and managing time.
Navigating public spaces and engaging in community activities.
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Occupational therapists help individuals with autism build social and emotional skills by:
Teaching effective communication techniques.
Encouraging cooperative play and turn-taking.
Supporting emotional regulation through calming strategies and routines.
Enhancing interpersonal skills to foster relationships with peers and family members.
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Yes! Occupational therapy can address common school-related challenges for children with autism, such as:
Improving fine motor skills for tasks like handwriting and using scissors.
Enhancing focus and attention during lessons.
Managing transitions between activities or environments.
Collaborating with teachers to create tailored learning plans and classroom accommodations.
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Signs that OT could be beneficial include:
Difficulties with self-care tasks, like dressing or eating.
Challenges with sensory processing, such as avoiding certain textures or being overwhelmed by noise.
Struggles with fine or gross motor skills, such as handwriting or climbing stairs.
Behavioural or emotional regulation issues, like frequent meltdowns or difficulty transitioning between activities.
If you notice any of these challenges, a consultation with an occupational therapist can help determine whether OT is the right support. Contact us to find out more.
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An OT session is tailored to the individual’s needs and may include:
Sensory activities to improve regulation and focus.
Motor skill exercises, such as puzzles or obstacle courses in our specially designed therapy space.
Social skills practice through role-playing or interactive games.
Support for daily living tasks, such as practising dressing or using utensils.
Sessions may take place in a clinic, at home, in school, or via telehealth, depending on your preferences and therapy goals.
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We offer:
Experienced therapists skilled in working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
A neuroaffirming, individualised approach tailored to each person’s strengths and needs.
Flexible therapy delivery (clinic, home, school, or telehealth).
Family-centered care with ongoing collaboration and support.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants. As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
Ready to get started with occupational therapy for autism?
It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
