Preliminary Effects of the CO-OP Approach in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder may affect children's participation in daily occupations through difficulties related to motor planning, problem-solving, attention, behavioral regulation, and sensory processing. The Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance approach is a goal-oriented intervention that supports children in identifying and using cognitive strategies to improve the performance of personally meaningful activities. This pilot study aims to examine the preliminary effects of a 10-session Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance intervention on occupational performance, satisfaction with performance, observed performance quality, and individualized goal attainment in primary school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. Possible changes in autism-related behavioral characteristics and sensory processing patterns will also be examined.