Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. Occupational therapists help with barriers that affect a children’s emotional, social, and physical needs. To do this, they use everyday activities, exercises, and other therapies. OT helps kids play, improves their school performance, and aids their daily activities. It also boosts their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment (AOTA, 2014).

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With children it is important for them to be successful in the many “jobs” of childhood, including play, self-care, school performance and social interactions. Occupational therapist at Play-Works provide evaluation, and to treatment under a variety of diagnosis.

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Who Might Need Occupational Therapy?

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• Birth injuries or birth defect

• Sensory processing disorders

• Traumatic injuries

• Learning problems

• Autism

• Mental health/behavioral problems

• Broken bones or orthopedic injuries

• Developmental delays

• Post-surgical conditions

• Spina bifida

• Traumatic amputations

• Cancer

• Multiple sclerosis/cerebral palsy

• Other chronic illnesses

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With OT, kids can:

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• Develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting or computer skills.

• Improve eye–hand coordination so they can play and do needed school skills such as bat a ball and copy from a blackboard.

• Master basic life skills such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and self-feeding.

• Learn positive behaviors and social skills by practicing how they manage frustration and anger.

• Improve sensory processing abilities in order to participate in age appropriate task.

• Improve fine motor skills (small-muscle movements made with the hands, fingers, and toes, such as grasping).

•  Get special equipment to help build their independence. These include wheelchairs, splints, bathing equipment, dressing devices, and communication aids.

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References

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2014). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain & process (3rd ed.). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51-54.

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