Occupational Therapy for Angelman Syndrome

Occupational therapy (OT) is typically performed by occupational therapists.  The consensus guidelines recommend occupational therapy begin at diagnosis (if not earlier) and continue throughout the lifespan for individuals living with AS.    

The OT experts who collaborated on the consensus statement for AS also developed a supplemental summary table for occupational therapy in AS.  This table is meant for health care providers, and it may be helpful to share with your loved one’s occupational therapist.  The information below is based on the supplemental table and consensus guidelines. 

Occupational therapy aims to help individuals participate fully in daily life activities by addressing physical, emotional, and social challenges through personalized interventions. The core purpose is to enhance independence, promote well-being, and enable people to participate in the activities that are important to them and their families. Individuals living with AS often have characteristics that may benefit from occupational therapy.  These characteristics include difficulties with sensory stimulation, self-regulation, fine motor, and gross motor skills, which may impact activities of daily living and participation in leisure or work activities. An occupational therapist can work with families to suggest interventions and develop plans to improve participation in daily life activities and support independence.   

Common sensory issues that may be addressed by OT in AS include: 

• Distress during grooming and hygiene tasks 

• Decreased awareness of personal space  

• Getting too close to people’s faces 

• Mouthing of objects 

• Seeking intense deep pressure input 

• Whole body rocking, kicking, forceful touch, continuously seeking movement 

• Excitability and decreased attention span 

• Hair pulling, spitting 

Motor skills that may be addressed by OT in AS could include:  

• Fine Motor, Visual 

• Fine Motor Example Goals: 

• Access AAC device  

• Utensil use  

• Access adaptive scissors 

• Open and close containers 

• Visual Attention and Scanning Example Goals: 

• To coordinate use of vision/depth perception while safely navigating uneven terrain 

• To coordinate use of hands and eyes when using AAC device 

Adaptive equipment that is commonly used in AS that OT can help obtain:  

• Bathing chairs, safe sleep beds, feeding/activity chairs, adaptive strollers, toileting chairs, adaptive utensils  

Activities of daily living are frequently addressed by OT in AS:

• Toileting 

• Feeding  

• Bathing  

• Sleep 

• Participation in meaningful roles and routines as adults.  Examples include creating structured daily jobs and providing opportunities for social interaction. 

• Participation in adaptive recreation such as adaptive biking and swimming

For more information about occupational therapy in AS 

• Occupational Therapy Best Practice Guidelines (from the American Occupational Therapy Association)

• Communication and Everyday Routines Lauren DeValk & Caroline Woeber 2020 Educational Summit 

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While FAST strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content on this site may not always reflect the most current research or clinical guidelines. The inclusion of therapy services information, treatments, devices, or specific healthcare providers does not imply endorsement, recommendation or guarantee of safety, efficacy, or availability. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. FAST disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions in the information provided or for any decisions made based on this information. For personalized medical advice or specific health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.