Do kids with autism benefit from occupational therapy and how?

Yes: It helps to desensitize children with autism to normal world stimulation such as the feeling of clothing, or sounds or smells or sensations in the mouth.

OT is helpful: 1) fine motor skills – hand coordination/manipulation. May include skills required for education, eg. Writing. 2) self-help/adaptive skills – functions for daily living, eg. Dressing. 3) sensory reactivity – kids with autism often have sensory sensitivities (eg. May over-react to sounds not bothersome to others). 4) feeding difficulties – as related to sensory aversion or dexterity (eg. Spoon use).