Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children with autism develop the skills they need for daily living, self-care, and meaningful participation in their families, schools, and communities.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is an essential service offered under Minnesota's Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit. This evidence-based therapy focuses on helping children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related conditions develop the skills they need for daily living, self-care, and meaningful participation in their families, schools, and communities.
By addressing sensory, motor, and adaptive skill challenges, occupational therapy empowers children to build independence, enhance social interactions, and improve their overall quality of life.
At Spectrum Roots, our licensed occupational therapists work closely with families to create individualized treatment plans that address each child's unique sensory, motor, and daily living needs.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Our OT services help children develop essential skills for independence and daily success.
Sensory Processing
Help children process and respond to sensory information in a more organized and effective way.
Motor Skills Development
Improve fine and gross motor skills for writing, self-care, play, and everyday activities.
Daily Living Skills
Build independence with essential self-care routines like dressing, grooming, and mealtime.
Emotional Regulation
Develop coping strategies and calming techniques to manage emotions and sensory overload.
Our Occupational Therapy Services
Comprehensive Assessments
Licensed occupational therapists conduct thorough evaluations to assess motor skills, sensory needs, self-care abilities, and adaptive behavior. Assessments guide the development of an Individualized Treatment Plan tailored to the child's unique needs.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Helps children process and respond to sensory information, such as touch, sound, and movement, in a more organized way. Addresses challenges with sensory sensitivities, sensory-seeking behaviors, and sensory modulation.
Motor Skills Development
Improves fine motor skills such as writing, grasping objects, and using utensils. Enhances gross motor skills including balance, coordination, and strength for everyday activities.
Self-Care & Daily Living Skills
Focuses on teaching essential skills for daily activities such as dressing, grooming, eating, and hygiene. Builds routines and strategies to promote independence at home, school, and in the community.
Play-Based Therapy
Uses play as a therapeutic tool to build motor, cognitive, and social skills in a natural and engaging way. Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and peer interaction through structured play activities.
Emotional Regulation & Coping
Supports children in recognizing and managing their emotions. Teaches calming techniques and coping skills to handle frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload effectively.
What We Offer
How OT Supports Families & Schools
For Families
- Training to reinforce therapy strategies at home
- Active involvement in therapy to support progress
For Providers
- Seamless integration with other EIDBI services
- Collaboration to align with child's overall ITP
For Schools
- Support for fine motor skills and classroom behaviors
- Alignment with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Occupational Therapy
What sessions look like, who OT helps, and how it pairs with ABA and speech.
Get Started with Occupational Therapy
Ready to help your child build essential daily living and motor skills? Our licensed occupational therapists are here to support your child's unique journey toward independence.
Occupational therapy services under EIDBI are covered by Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and most private insurance plans. Contact us today to learn more.
Start Your Child's Journey
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss how we can help.