What role does occupational therapy play in supporting students with autism? 

Occupational therapy (OT) plays an essential role in helping autistic children and young people participate fully in school life. In the UK, OTs work as part of multidisciplinary teams to develop sensory, motor, emotional, and functional skills that support learning, confidence, and independence. According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), modern practice is increasingly neurodiversity-affirming, focusing on strengths, communication, and inclusion rather than trying to “fix” behaviour. 

How occupational therapy supports learning and participation 

Occupational therapists assess how a child’s sensory and motor profile affects classroom engagement and everyday skills. Support may include: 

• Adapting classroom environments to reduce sensory overload (e.g. lighting, seating, textures) 

• Helping develop fine motor skills such as handwriting or dressing 

• Supporting emotional regulation through sensory strategies and movement breaks 

• Building independence with daily routines and self-care 

According to NHS guidance, OT focuses on practical strategies that help children take part in meaningful daily activities. Services like the Royal Free Hospital and University Hospitals Dorset provide tailored support to help autistic children manage sensory experiences and improve classroom participation. 

Integration within EHCPs and school support 

Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, occupational therapy may be specified as a special educational provision if it helps a child access learning. OTs contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) by assessing needs, setting measurable goals, and advising teachers and families on how to embed strategies into everyday routines. 

Evidence for school-based occupational therapy 

A 2023 review published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy in Schools and Early Intervention found that classroom-based occupational therapy improved participation, sensory regulation, and engagement in autistic students. Another 2024 study published in PubMed reported that sensory integration–based occupational therapy, when implemented collaboratively within school settings, led to notable improvements in attention, functional participation, and overall classroom engagement among autistic pupils. 

Collaboration and good practice 

NICE guidance (CG170) recommends that occupational therapists work with teachers and families to promote functional skill development and sensory regulation as part of broader education and health planning. 

Services such as Evelina London’s School-Age Therapy Programme and Royal Free’s Autism Occupational Therapy Service now align interventions with family-centred goals to ensure continuity between home and school. 

When to seek additional assessment or support 

Families who notice ongoing challenges with sensory processing, handwriting, or coordination may benefit from an OT assessment. Autism Detect offers private autism and functional assessments across the UK, rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Their clinicians follow NICE-aligned standards and can help families understand how occupational and sensory profiles relate to EHCP planning and classroom strategies. 

Takeaway 

Occupational therapy helps autistic students gain the confidence and functional skills they need to learn and participate fully in school life. By focusing on sensory comfort, independence, and collaboration between families and teachers, OT ensures that education is both accessible and meaningful for every child.