Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 2.8 million children and their families in the UK (The National Autistic Society 2015); symptoms include persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities (American Psychiatric Association 2013). Occupational therapists (OTs) will often be involved in the care of children with ASD, focusing on how the condition affects the occupations and roles of a child and their family (College of Occupational Therapists 2009). The most common intervention for childhood ASD in the United Kingdom is Applied Behavioural Analysis; however there is beginning to be a move towards more holistic, child-centred treatment focused on relationship and play, often involving coaching parents to use techniques at home, rather than therapist-led treatment in clinical settings.
Smith, Lilly
Supervisors: Tune, K
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Year: 2016
© The Author(s) Published by Oxford Brookes University