Sensory and motor services for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

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Provides information about resources you can access to address sensory motor issues in your child who has autism.


Key points

  • Occupational therapists (OTs) can help children with autism with problems associated with gross or fine motor skills. Specially-trained OTs can also help children with ASD who have difficulty with one or more of their senses.
  • OTs work with children in hospitals, in the community, in schools, clinics, children’s centres, and private practice.

Occupational therapists (OTs) can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with difficulties they have with their fine and gross motor skills and five senses.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have problems with fine motor skills. These include writing, cutting with scissors, or fastening buttons. They may also have issues with gross motor skills. These include riding a bike, skipping, or jumping. Occupational therapists (OT) help with these kinds of problems. Some children with ASD also have difficulty with one or more of their senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. OTs who are trained in “sensory integration” can help in this area.


Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have problems with fine motor skills. These include writing, cutting with scissors, or fastening buttons. They may also have issues with gross motor skills. These include riding a bike, skipping, or jumping. Occupational therapists (OT) help with these kinds of problems. Some children with ASD also have difficulty with one or more of their senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. OT's who are trained in “sensory integration” can help in this area.

Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs)

LHINs help people of all ages to stay in their own home by providing care in the home and organizing care in the community. LHINs can provide referrals to occupational therapy services in your community where available. You can call LHIN directly to ask for service. This is called a self-referral. You must have a valid Ontario health card. Requests for help for school age children are usually made by your child’s school. Requests are assessed through the School Health Support Services program.

To find the LHIN office closest to your area, visit https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/lhin/facts.aspx/.

College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

OTs work with children in hospitals, in the community, in schools, clinics, children’s centres, and private practice. OTs must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Anyone can visit the College database at https://www.coto.org to find an OT.

The College will provide information to help you:

  • understand the services of occupational therapy
  • find an OT in the area where you live

For more information, visit https://www.coto.org.

Last updated: March 9th 2009