**2.1. Introduction**

Occupational therapists are part of the rehabilitation team for persons with injury, illness, and/or disability. The primary goal of OT is to promote functional independence.

(ADLs), rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation [1]. To understand how these occupational categories are used in therapy, it is important to review the

Occupational Therapy's Role in the Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.78696

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Hooper and Wood best articulated the philosophical underpinnings of OT, stating that "ever changing humans, interconnected with ever changing environments, occupy time with ever changing occupations, and thereby transform–and are transformed by–their actions, environment and states of health" ([7], p. 38). This philosophy supports the domain, process, and

The domain of occupational therapy practice is heavily influenced by AOTA's Occupational Therapy Practice Framework [1] and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning [8]. The domain of occupational therapy includes the areas of occupation: activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, rest and sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. The domain also encompasses aspects of functioning that impact occupational performance. According to AOTA, these aspects include performance skills (motor skills, process skills, and social interaction skills), performance patterns (habits, routines, rituals, and roles) and context/environment (cultural, per-

The occupational therapy process involves the actions and reasoning of practitioners which are used to provide services that focus on the client's participation and performance in daily occupations. The occupational therapy process is designed to be holistic in nature capturing the client as the individual, his or her family, and other supports, while at the same time taking into consideration the individual's interaction with the physical, social and attitudinal contexts of function [1]. The process may be direct 1:1, group, and/or consultative in delivery, with the aim to create opportunities for optimal health, well-being, and lifelong engagement

The evaluation aspect of the process includes gathering, interpreting and synthesizing information that is relevant to the client's past and current engagement and performance in meaningful occupations (ADLs, IADLs, play, etc.), in addition to his or her desired goals and priorities for the short and long term future [1]. Furthermore, the evaluating therapist assesses the barriers and supports that impact the client's health, well-being, and participation.

The intervention process consists of skilled services provided by occupational therapy practitioners (OTs and occupational therapy assistants) in collaboration with clients to facilitate

occupational therapy philosophy.

intervention of therapy practice.

sonal, physical, social, temporal, and virtual) [1].

*2.4.1. Domain*

*2.4.2. Process*

in occupations [1].

*2.4.3. Intervention*

**2.4. Occupational therapy philosophy**
