What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?

OT uses the medium of play, which is a child’s primary occupation.  OT can help children with various needs improve their cognitive, physical and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem.  Goal directed activities are used to achieve therapy aims and build a sense of accomplishment. There does not have to be a major learning difficulty for a referral to OT to be made.  In this way the child is motivated to engage in the therapy process, which has a positive effect on his progress. For example swinging on swings or climbing over obstacle courses to improve core strength and balance or playing with puzzles and other games to improve cognitive or perceptual skills.

 

Who can benefit?

 

OT is aimed at any child who is not achieving their full potential at school or at home. These children may have a developmental delay, which means that they are not reaching their developmental milestones age appropriately, such as developing hand dominance or they are not meeting the demands required of them at school. Children with specific diagnoses such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome or Dyspraxia would also benefit from Occupational Therapy to help assist development. However the need for a referral may not be so obvious and could be due to behavioural, concentration or social difficulties associated with sensory processing difficulties. Early intervention with OT is best. They often respond quicker to therapy the younger they are, as their brains are still developing. A seemingly small problem in the foundation phase can escalate as the academic demands increase later on.