What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is an evidence based practice that focuses on using a client-centered approach to help children participate and feel engaged in activities and occupations that are most important and meaningful to them. Incorporating a client-centered approach allows each session to be individualized and tailored to each child, their family, and the needs that are most crucial for them.
WHAT DOES OT LOOK LIKE?
The OT works directly with each child to provide strategies and activities that address individualized goals to enhance quality of life and promote meaningful engagement in daily activities and interactions in various settings, such as home, school, and the community. The OT also works in collaboration with the parents/caregivers to prioritize goals that are important for their child and their family and provide them with strategies, education, and the tools to support their child. Occupational therapy is part of this multi-disciplinary team, where working with other team members here at APTIH can provide children and families a holistic perspective to support children in all areas of each discipline.
WHAT AREAS OF OT DO WE ADDRESS?
Our OT program can address a variety of areas for your child including but not limited to:
• Self-care and daily living
• Sensory processing
• Play and leisure skills
• Social skills
• Attention and focus
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Visual motor
HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR HIS/HER/THEIR FIRST THERAPY VISIT?
We know that your child may feel anxious about their visit, so we will do everything we can to help him/her/them feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Our therapy areas are child-friendly bright, colorful spaces filled with toys and games. It may be helpful to inform your child of the visit ahead of time to help them know what to expect if there is a change in their typical routine. It may also be helpful to explain to your child about the purpose of the visit and how occupational therapy can help.
Explaining to them that though some things may be challenging, OT will make it easier for your child to do what they want to do.