Atuação do terapeuta ocupacional no estímulo sensorial em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects neurodevelopment and its main characteristics are deficits in social communication and social interaction; stereotyped movements with repeated and restricted patterns of behavior; and total lack of facial expression until the non-integration of nonverbal and verbal communication. The occupational therapist (OT) is an indispensable professional in the therapy of autistic children, because he acts in a way that contributes to the promotion of skills for an independent life and with good social interactions. OBJECTIVES: to determine the contributions of the occupational therapist in the sensory stimulus of the child with ASD, in order to elucidate the influence of this practice on the adult life of the ASD patient. METHODOLOGY: integrative review of the literature, which was performed through the analysis of research that allowed synthesizing knowledge about the work of the occupational therapist in the sensory stimulus of children with ASD. RESULTS: the main contributions of social stimulus therapy for children with ASD, improvement in motor coordination skills, social interaction and independence were identified. CONCLUSION: The To proved indispensable in the sensory stimulation therapies of the child with ASD, and the humanized and welcoming approach of this professional ensures a better interaction between the professional, the patient and the family, thus contributing to better results.