In this episode of Adapting Together, hosts Xin Yi and Carmen sit down with Ms. Fatimah Amir, an experienced occupational therapist, to explore how OT helps children on the autism spectrum build independence and meaningful life skills.
This conversation dives into what occupational therapy really is, how it differs from physiotherapy and other interventions, and why OT goes beyond skills to focus on participation in everyday roles from home, to school, and in the community.
Fatimah shares a rich of real-life examples from her 11 years of practice, coupled with practical strategies and suggestions parents can implement at home, and insights on how schools can better support children with autism.
The discussion also highlights the importance of emotional regulation in the child's learning and development journey; the role of parents in therapy, and how creating safe, predictable environments fosters growth.
Her message to parents:
"Don’t blame yourself. You did the best you could with what you knew at the time."
Resources:
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:46 Occupational Therapy for Children on the Spectrum
00:03:59 Differences between Occupational Therapy and Physical Exercise
00:06:45 Real-Life Example of the Impact of Occupational Therapy on Chilren on the Spectrum
00:09:11 OT and Emotional Regulation
00:10:14 Focus of First OT Session
00:15:01 How Home Environment and Routine Support Children on the Spectrum
00:19:11 Parent Participation in OT
00:23:19 Tools and Techniques in Occupational Therapy
00:26:39 Role of Occupational Therapy in School Settings
00:35:07 The Evolution and Future of Occupational Therapy in Malaysia
00:37:50 Openness and Responsibility in Supporting Children on the Spectrum
