How Does Occupational Therapy Support Neurodivergent People?

Social interactions

Many autistic people prefer predictable or low-sensory social environments and may find busy or complex settings more demanding.  

They may also experience differences in how social cues are interpreted or how communication styles are understood. 

Sensory awareness

For some autistic people, sensory experiences such as smells, sounds, tastes, and physical touch may be perceived more intensely. They might feel: 

• Distressed or overwhelmed by noises, bright lights,  
• or the feeling of specific fabrics 
• Seek ways to reduce sensory input, such as covering ears or spending time in quieter spaces 
• Use repetitive movements or actions (often referred to as ‘stimming’) as a way to regulate sensory input, focus, or emotional states 
• Seek reassuring sensory experiences such as textures, sniffing objects, or flicking fingers 

Strengths and interests

Personal strengths vary with neurodivergent individuals; however, many autistic people are good at remembering small details, logical or visual thinking, remembering facts or figures, and understanding technology. 

A strong focus and deep interest in a specific area or topic is another characteristic that many autistic people share, and they are often experts in their chosen area. 

What is an Occupational Therapist?

At its core, occupational therapy supports people to live more independently, confidently, and safely and improves their ability to complete meaningful daily activities, such as: 

• Cooking meals and meal preparation 
• Helping people care for themselves, such as dressing or showering 
• Community participation, such as attending social events 
• Managing everyday tasks such as sleeping, shopping, working, and learning 

This is what the key components of occupational therapy look like: 

• An assessment (such as measuring functional capacity or a sensory profile) to understand what the person needs help with. The occupational therapist talks with them and observes daily activities to see where support can be given. 
• Intervention and putting together a plan to support participation. This may include building practical skills for daily routines, identifying functional strategies for managing sensory or environmental demands, or modifying home or community environments (such as creating calming spaces that support regulation). 
• Evaluation. The occupational therapist sees how the plan is going. Progress is looked at, and changes are made (if needed) to the plan to adapt to new support needs. 

What skills are targeted in occupational therapy?

New skills are developed to support participation in daily activities, such as identifying functional strategies for navigating busy or unfamiliar environments  

Fine motor skills, which include tasks that need smaller hand movements like using utensils, writing, or buttoning clothes. This way, everyday tasks become easier. 

Sensory processing in different environments, like shopping centres. Some people with autism have more intense reactions to sounds, textures, or lights, and an occupational therapist helps with this. Noise-cancelling headphones are a common assistive technology to recommend (approval depends on the NDIS participant’s plan). 

Social participation, such as navigating everyday interactions, can be challenging for some people on the spectrum.  

Occupational therapy does not provide psychological therapy but supports practical strategies that enable participation in social, educational, and community settings. 

NDIS autism funding may support goals such as: 

• building capacity for learning and participation 
• developing self-care and daily living skills 
• supporting communication and social interaction 
• strengthening independence at home and in the community 
• building confidence with everyday technology 
• developing and maintaining social connections 
• supporting participation in education or employment 
• improving confidence with travel and transport 
• supporting nutrition and dietary routines 

Functional Capacity Assessments

An NDIS-approved occupational therapist works according to the specific needs of the participant and conducts functional capacity assessments, including driving assessments, functional capacity assessments for participants with a range of disability types (including neurodevelopmental and psychosocial disabilities where applicable), and assistive technology assessments. This helps identify functional supports and strategies that may assist with daily activities, participation, and independence. 

A functional capacity assessment is a comprehensive way to measure an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks (such as cleaning) and is a way to identify areas of support. 

These evaluations help neurodivergent people work towards realistic participation goals, such as increasing comfort in community environments or identifying sensory-friendly strategies that support daily functioning. At LifeLift, occupational therapists assess physical, cognitive, and functional abilities to inform appropriate supports and recommendations.  

Why are these assessments important? The findings are used to inform a personalised, evidence-based support plan with a focus on improving a participant’s capacity and quality of life overall.  

Depending on the needs of the participant, an occupational therapist may recommend appropriate supports such as environmental adjustments, assistive technology, or home modifications, where these are reasonable, necessary, and aligned with NDIS guidelines. 

For example, if a participant has limited capacity to manage household tasks, an occupational therapist may identify this as part of a functional assessment and recommend appropriate supports in line with NDIS funding criteria. 

Fill out the LifeLift referral form, and we’ll make contact to understand your needs. 

Occupational Therapy for NDIS Participants in Perth, Bunbury and via Telehealth

LifeLift is a registered NDIS provider delivering occupational therapist services across the Perth metropolitan area, Bunbury, and via telehealth, supporting participants to improve everyday functioning and participation. Listening to your needs, we strive to fast-track our functional capacity assessments and reporting processes so NDIS participants receive the support they need as soon as possible. 

We offer cost-effective, comprehensive assessments and tailored rehabilitation programs to meet NDIS participant goals that are achievable and realistic as per your plan. 

Our AHPRA-registered occupational therapists work independently and collaboratively with other allied health professionals to provide holistic, functional support across all ages. Where participants are also supported by psychologists or behaviour support practitioners, occupational therapy focuses on practical participation-based strategies, daily routines, environmental supports, and functional skill development, while therapeutic or behavioural interventions remain within the scope of the relevant practitioner. 

We are a registered NDIS provider in the following categories: 

• Occupational Therapist 
• Behaviour Support 
• Physiotherapy 
• Dietitians 
• Support Coordination 
• Community nursing 
• Support Worker 
• Autism Support 

We rise by uplifting others, including people on the autism spectrum. Contact us today by emailing info@lifelift.net.au or calling 08 6244 5353.  

Not on the NDIS? Read up on NDIS questions, eligibility criteria, access request, and general information for NDIS participants.