Do you want to know how Occupational Therapy can help adults with Autism and ADHD? These are ten uncommon yet evidenced-based ways OT can help adults with Autism and ADHD.
Occupational Therapy is an incredibly impactful and effective method for Autism and ADHD because of its holistic approach. Though OT is more common for Autistic children and kids with ADHD, there are limited resources for adults with these diagnoses.
As an Occupational Therapist myself, I am giving you the best resources and educating you on the ten surprising ways OT can help adults with Autism and ADHD.
You will learn about occupations impacted, different intervention approaches, symptoms, why it’s important, and more.
After learning about these surprising ways Occupational Therapy can help adults with Autism and ADHD, you will better understand treatment options and clinical reasoning behind each approach.
This blog post is all about the ten surprising ways Occupational Therapy can help adults with Autism and ADHD.
If you are interested in listening to the podcast where I go into detail on the 10 surprising ways OT can help adults with Autism & ADHD, here is the link below:
Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment and informational purposes only. I cannot offer specific advice for your specific situation.
Disclosure:There are some affiliate links below, and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything I haven’t verified or personally used on this page. This is all at no extra cost to you but helps support my small business.
10. Pelvic Floor Therapy
What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor specialists (typically physical and occupational therapists) will teach you how to strengthen and relax the proper pelvic floor muscles.
Occupation(s)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Sexual Activity
Toileting and Toileting Hygiene
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Why It’s Important
The University of Iowa reviewed medical charts of 25,000 adult women and found that 32% had a pelvic floor disorder diagnosis.
9 in 10 Autistic women have been victims of sexual violence, which is 2-3x higher than non-neurodivergent women.
Symptoms
Pain during intercourse
Vestibular vulvodynia is the nervous system interpreting pain in the vulva even if it doesn’t match the situation.
Hypertonic muscles are pelvic floor muscles that are too tight which can result in conditions like vaginismus.
Hypotonic muscles are pelvic floor muscles that are too weak which can result in vaginal prolapse and peeing while you sneeze.
Constipation
Less than three bowel movements are released per week. Stools are often hard and strained, which can lead to hemorrhoids.
Frequently needing to urinate in the middle of the night.
Disrupts REM sleep cycle leading to fatigue and low energy the next day.
Erectile Dysfunction
Difficulty initiating and maintaining an erect penis is likely due to inadequate blood flow.
OT Intervention
Recommend adaptive equipment such as:
Lubricant (don’t use KY lube…)
Vibrators
Vaginal dilators to stretch a tight pelvic floor
Pillows to adjust the positioning
Comfortable seating if sitting for extended periods for work.
Educate on the following:
Self-advocacy
Setting boundaries
Consent
Labeling anatomical parts
Rape kits and legal because sexual abuse is a crime
Sex
Proper hygiene
Create a home exercise program to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles like:
Kegels
Yoga
Proper breathing form
Physical therapists can administer botox injections to hypertonic muscles.
If you suffer from tight or hypertonic pelvic floor muscles, these specific vaginal dilators help ease pain and aid in relaxation with a gentle stretch. There are five options to start small and work up to the largest size.
The design of this water-based lubricant feels non-sticky and is easy to clean up afterward. This specific lube also won’t leave you dry or prone to chafing. Astroglide enhances the ease of penetration and comfort during sexual acts with self or a partner (it’s condom friendly, too!).
9. Hippotherapy
What Is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is therapeutic horseback riding. An emotional component of bonding and caring for the horse creates a trusting relationship.
Hippotherapy uses the natural gait and movement of the horse to improve:
Sensory processing
Nervous system regulation
Muscle strengthening
Balance
Endurance
Core engagement
Emotional regulation
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma, etc.
Occupation(s)
Health Management and Maintenance (IADL)
Leisure Exploration
Leisure Participation
Why It’s Important
Neurodivergence causes joint hypermobility (i.e., moving the joints beyond typical normal limits), which can be a symptom of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). 8% of Autistics have been diagnosed with EDS.
It’s essential to strengthen muscles to prevent joint laxity and injury.
8 in 10 ADHDers have been exposed to trauma in their lifetime, which is higher than the non-neurodivergence population.
Symptoms
Poor posture
Tongue
Neck
Shoulders
Core
Imbalance
Relying on and utilizing one leg more than the other.
Improper alignment
Difficulty balancing
Super flexible, especially at these joints
Shoulder
Elbow
Wrist
Hip
Knees
Ankles
OT Intervention
Sensory integration
Emotion processing
Exercises to strengthen muscles
8. Aquatic Therapy
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses the water’s viscosity and resistance to strengthen muscles and improve endurance via low impact.
If the water’s temperature is warm, it can have additional benefits like relaxation and improved blood circulation.
Occupation(s)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Health Management and Maintenance
Safety Maintenance
Leisure Exploration
Leisure Participation
Social Participation
Why It’s Important
Neurodivergence causes joint hypermobility (i.e., moving the joints beyond normal limits), which can be a symptom of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
8% of Autistics have been diagnosed with EDS.
It’s essential to strengthen muscles to prevent joint laxity and injury.
Symptoms
Poor posture
Tongue
Neck
Shoulders
Core
Weak muscles
Arms
Core
Legs
Endurance issues
Walking
Running
Riding a bike
Climbing stairs
Sex
OT Intervention
Water exercises to improve strength and endurance, such as:
Autistics also spend about 15 percent of their sleeping time in the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle, whereas neurotypicals spend 23 percent.
REM is essential for executive functioning skills like learning and memory recall.
Symptoms
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty remaining asleep
Snoring or gasping for air
Frequently waking during the night
Fatigue and tiredness during the day
Poor memory or forgetfulness, and
Headaches and sore throat.
OT Intervention
Adapting the Sleeping Environment
Lighting
Phones
Curtains
Lamps
Noise
Alarms
White noise machine
Temperature
Air flow
Fans
Heaters
Humidifiers
Air purifiers
Pajamas
Pillows
Mattress
Bedding
Establishing nighttime routines
Turning off screens one hour before sleeping
Decreasing liquid consumption
Journaling
Gentle stretching or yoga
Skincare
Adjusting daytime routines
Adding 20-30 minutes of movement daily
Getting out of bed once you are awake (i.e., won’t or can’t go back to sleep)
Only use the bedroom for sleeping (i.e., no food or screens allowed)
Ceasing caffeine consumption at noon.
No napping past 3:00 pm
5. Ergonomics
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is evaluating and adjusting the work environment to optimize safety and performance.
Occupation(s)
Health Management and Maintenance (IADL)
Education
Work
Job Performance
Why It’s Important
ADHDers and Autistics tend to have poor posture and weak cores.
Muscle imbalances
Decreased body awareness
Difficulty maintaining proper alignment
Symptoms
Poor posture
The tongue resting on the bottom of the mouth
Forward Neck
Slouched shoulders, and
The core is not engaged.
Frequently needing movement breaks
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Back pain
OT Intervention
Adapting the work environment
Seating should follow the 90/90/90 rule
Computer screens should be at eye-level
Computer mouses should fit properly in the palm
Advocating for frequent movement breaks.
Educating on exercises to improve posture.
4. Obesity
What Is Obesity?
Being overweight and obese poses a risk to health because it’s an excessive accumulation of stored fat.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by a person’s height and weight, which is a semi-ineffective method because muscle weighs more than fat.
A BMI over 25 classifies as overweight.
A BMI over 30 classifies as obese.
Overtime comorbid diseases can present themselves such as:
Type II diabetes
Hypertension
Elevated cholesterol
Stroke
Coronary heart disease
Gallbladder disease
Sleep apnea, etc.
Occupation(s)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Eating and Feeding
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Dressing
Clothes that fit are comfortable and preferably stylish
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Health Management and Maintenance and,
Meal Preparation and Cleanup
Shopping
Food
Clothes
Why It’s Important
There’s a link between ADHD and obesity. The correlation isn’t known, but genetics and unhealthy lifestyle factors are suspected.
Nutrition
Sleep
Exercise
Stress
Examples of abnormal eating patterns:
Binge eating
Restricting or purging
Skipping breakfast
Eating past 6:00 pm
Too much “junk” food
Eating based on mood instead of hunger
Nearly half of Autistic American children are overweight or obese, and the number increases with severe autism. The excessive weight is likely due to the following:
“Picky eating” or a limited palate
Excessive screen time and sitting.
Physically less active than neurotypicals.
Symptoms
Immobility
Sitting for long periods
Achy joints
Winded easily
Hiding food consumption
Binging on food
Nutrition deficiencies
OT Intervention
Administer the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire
Create nutritious meals on a budget
Farmer’s markets
Frozen fruits & vegetables
Gardening
Don’t label foods as “good” or “bad.”
Identifying enjoyable ways to get the heart rate up for 15-30 minutes daily, and
Make small yet sustainable and consistent habits (i.e., no yo-yo-ing).
3. Sensory Processing
What Is Sensory Processing?
Sensory processing uses our sensory systems to make sense of the world around us. Our senses gather information from our Environment, forming a behavioral response.
Visual
Auditory (hearing)
Gustatory (taste)
Olfactory (smell)
Tactile (touch)
Vestibular
Proprioception
Interoception
Occupation(s)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs),
Bathing, Showering
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs),
Child rearing
Shopping
Meal Preparation and Cleanup
Work
Job Performance, and
Social Participation
Why It’s Important
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is common in neurodivergent adults with Autism and ADHD.
SPD means the brain misinterprets processing and filtering information from the Environment, which results in feelings like:
Discomfort
Distracted
Overwhelm
Pain
Symptoms
Motion sickness
Picky eating
Sound sensitivity
Poor balance
Fidgeting
Self-isolating
Moodiness
Dysregulated nervous system
OT Intervention
The sensory systems are very complex and unique; therefore, treatment will vary.
Consult with a local Occupational Therapist if you have concerns or are interested in a customized sensory diet.
If you are easily overwhelmed by and sensitive to loud noises like fireworks, firearms, speakers, lawnmowers, sirens, and alarms, then you will want to invest in noise-canceling headphones. The padding & cushioning make it more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The texture and resistance of these stress-relief balls are so satisfying. You can squeeze them like a fidget or use them to strengthen your grip and improve circulation. The tactile and proprioceptive input will ease your tension and anxiety.
2. Executive Function
What Is Executive Function?
Executive function is the higher-level cognitive process that controls the lower-level process for goal-directed behavior. These skills help us plan, remember, and pay attention.
Time management
Self-monitoring
Emotional control
Memory recall
Attention
Planning/prioritizing
Impulse control
Task initiation
Task completion
Perseverance
Problem-solving
Occupation(s)
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs),
Bathing, Showering
Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs),
Care of Others
Child Rearing
Home Management and Maintenance
Home Establishment and Management
Financial Management
Meal Preparation and Cleanup
Shopping
Work
Job Performance
Education, and
Social Participation
Why It’s Important
Executive function is associated with the frontal lobe and fully develops in early adulthood.
Executive function skills are 99% heritable, but the brain is plastic, meaning you can improve them anytime.
Executive functioning skills predict successful outcomes more than Intelligence Quotient (IQ).
Symptoms
Lack of impulse control
Interrupting and disrupting
Rushing through tasks
Making careless errors
Unable to move beyond disappointment
Requires consistent routines
Emotional liability or explosiveness
Mood changes frequently
Significant emotional reactions to seemingly minor events
This visual timer is incredibly helpful for executive functioning skills like time management, task initiation, and completion. When you can anticipate how much time you have left, you can adjust your expectations accordingly.
If you are forgetful and can’t remember if you took your daily ADHD medicine or not then you need to invest in these pill organizer cases. For the next two weeks you can rest assured that you can be organized, and monitor your health. It’s super easy to use, and I love the colors.
1. Self-Regulation
What Is Self-Regulation?
Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage thoughts and emotions to form appropriate behaviors that fit the Environment’s or situation’s demands.
Occupation(s)
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Work
Job Performance
Social Participation
Why It’s Important
Self-regulation skills could decrease:
Violence
Abuse
Physical
Emotional
Sexual
School shootings
Incarceration
Symptoms
Irritability
Moodiness
Difficulty coping
Excessive need for encouragement
Inability to be alone, or
Self-isolating and withdrawing
Needing to always be in a relationship, or
Inability to maintain a healthy relationship
Trouble with co-workers.
OT Intervention
Zones of Regulation
Anger management
Regulating the nervous system
Coping skills
Sensory diets
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework (3rd ed.). American Occupational Therapy.
Cortese, S. (2019). The association between ADHD and obesity: Intriguing, progressively more investigated, but still puzzling. Brain Sciences, 9(10), 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci9100256
Csecs, J. L., Iodice, V., Rae, C. L., Brooke, A., Simmons, R., Quadt, L., Savage, G. K., Dowell, N. G., Prowse, F., Themelis, K., Mathias, C. J., Critchley, H. D., & Eccles, J. A. (2022). Joint hypermobility links neurodivergence to dysautonomia and pain. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.786916
Ho, E. C., & Siu, A. M. (2018). Occupational therapy practice in sleep management: A review of Conceptual Models and research evidence. Occupational Therapy International, 2018, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8637498
THIS POST IS ALL ABOUT THE 10 SURPRISING WAYS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS CAN HELP ADULTS WITH AUTISM AND ADHD.
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