Occupational therapists work with children to make their day-to-day activities easier, or to improve their participation in everyday tasks. OTs might help children who are having difficulty using tools, playing with friends, carrying out chores around the house or playing at home (such as finding an activity that is fun for them). OTs also work with children who need to learn strategies for coping in particular situations, such as dealing with sensory issues at the swimming pool or building up their confidence when meeting new children at school. OTs can also help children who are not meeting their potential in literacy or numeracy skills by developing fun ways of practising specific skills.
Occupational therapists work closely with parents and teachers to ensure that the strategies OTs recommend are being used at home and school. This way, OTs help children develop existing skills and learn new ones in the places where they need them most.
Occupational therapy intervention addresses key skills which are needed for children to be able to perform their daily activities. OTs also support children to engage in meaningful occupations (i.e., activities of interest), whether they are at school or home, with family members, friends or peers. OTs use occupation as a medium for enhancing the development of self-regulation skills which promote healthy social and emotional behaviour. OTs provide information about typical growth and development to promote inclusion within the school and home environment. OTs can also assist children to have positive experiences with their bodies through activities that promote sensory processing, body awareness/positioning skills and strength/movement control.
Occupational Therapists are able to adapt or develop activities of interest for children based on their varying interests at different times of development.
For example, OTs use play as a medium for working with children and focus on the development of self-regulation skills, such as:
• self-expression • independence • seeking help when needed • problem solving • sharing ideas and materials with others.
OTs identify children who have particular difficulty in these areas or who have a lack in motivation in participating in activities of interest to them. OTs support children to identify and become involved in their areas of interest which can be across a variety of different contexts including:
• play • social interactions • motor skills • occupations at home, school or in the community.
By using occupation as a medium for enhancing the development of self-regulation skills which promote healthy social and emotional behaviour. OTs provide information about typical growth and development to promote inclusion within the school and home environment.
OTs can also assist children to have positive experiences with their bodies through activities that promote sensory processing, body awareness/positioning skills and strength/movement.
OT enhances the development of self-regulation skills which promote healthy social and emotional behaviour. OT provides information about typical growth and development to promote inclusion within the school and home environment.
If you'd like to know more, reach out to the KiddOTherapy team for more information on occupational therapy and how it can assist your family.