👣 Toe Walking Support
Toe walking is common among autistic children and may be linked to sensory processing differences. Occupational therapy can help by addressing underlying sensory needs and improving motor coordination.
- Sensory Integration Therapy: swinging, bouncing, textured walking
- Balance Exercises: one-foot stand, balance beam, wobble boards
- Stretching & Strengthening: calf stretches, ankle mobility, core exercises
🔗 Skill Point Therapy: OT Strategies
✋ Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are essential for daily tasks like dressing, eating, and writing. OT sessions can help Ethan improve hand strength, coordination, and dexterity.
- Grasping: tongs, tweezers, stress balls
- Buttoning & Zipping: dressing boards, adapted clothing
- Cutting: loop scissors, shape cutting
🧸 Tools: lacing cards, pegboards, Velcro boards
🔊 Sensory Processing: Sound Sensitivity
Ethan’s sensitivity to shrill sounds and baby cries can be supported through sensory modulation techniques.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Sound Desensitization: gradual exposure, paired with visuals
- Calming Spaces: quiet corner, soft textures, dim lighting
🎵 Calming Music Resources:
| Activity | Focus Area | Frequency | Weekly Goal | Monthly Goal |
| Sensory Integration Therapy | Toe Walking Support | 3x/week | Participate in 3 sensory sessions (swinging, bouncing, textured walking) | Demonstrate improved balance and reduced toe walking in 4/4 sessions |
| Balance Exercises | Toe Walking Support | Daily | Complete 5 balance activities (e.g., wobble board, one-foot stand) | Maintain balance for 10 seconds in 3 different exercises |
| Stretching & Strengthening | Toe Walking Support | 5x/week | Perform calf and ankle stretches daily | Show increased ankle flexibility and core strength |
| Grasping Activities | Fine Motor Skills | 3x/week | Use tongs/tweezers to pick up objects in 3 sessions | Improve hand strength and coordination |
| Buttoning & Zipping Practice | Fine Motor Skills | 2x/week | Practice buttoning/zipping with dressing boards | Independently button/zips 3 items |
| Cutting Practice | Fine Motor Skills | 2x/week | Cut shapes using loop scissors | Cut along lines with minimal assistance |
| Noise-Canceling Headphones | Sound Sensitivity | As needed | Use headphones during noisy environments | Reduce distress in 3/4 noisy situations |
| Sound Desensitization | Sound Sensitivity | 2x/week | Participate in 2 sound exposure sessions | Tolerate target sounds for 5 minutes |
| Calming Space Use | Sound Sensitivity | Daily | Use calming space during overstimulation | Self-initiate calming strategies in 3/4 instances |
