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occupational therapy
Occupational Therapy enables children to reach their developmental milestones in the areas of:
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Balance
- Body awareness
- Motor planning
- Sensory processing
- Visual motor skills
- Behaviour
- Self-care
We tap all areas mentioned above to enhance their quality of life. Therapy in a sensory gym is invaluable in providing the environment that is fun and non-threatening to a child. As mentioned in other sections, Occupational Therapists utilise various Frames of References such as Bio-mechanical, Perceptual, Neuro-developmental, Sensory Integration, Reflex Integration and so on in treating children and enhancing their skills.
An Occupational Therapist first evaluates the child’s abilities and then develops an individualised treatment plan for the child to reach his or her potential.
Occupational therapy supports a range of development in; from skills necessary for everyday life, fine motor skills to sensory processing and social interaction, to being able to learn and focus in the classroom.
Various factors can impact these areas, including genetic and neurological conditions, environmental factors, actual motor-sensory- physical delays and impairments. Recognizing these underlying obstacles is essential for successful therapy and helping children reach their full potential.
Causes of delays in children requiring occupational therapy
Developmental Disorders
Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory Processing Issues
Conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder or Developmental Delays can impact a child’s sensory processing, motor skills, and cognitive functions, all of which are crucial for occupational tasks.
Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory Processing Issues
Sensory Processing Issues
Some children may have difficulties processing sensory information, impacting their ability to effectively engage in typical childhood activities.
Neurological Disorders / Physical Impairment
Neurological Disorders / Physical Impairment
Neurological Disorders / Physical Impairment
Disorders affecting the brain and nervous system, such as cerebral palsy, can impact a child’s physical abilities and coordination, affecting their occupational skills.
Environmental Factors
Neurological Disorders / Physical Impairment
Neurological Disorders / Physical Impairment
The environment in which a child is in, including the level of stimulation and opportunities for skill development, plays a significant role in their development.
The Role of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists play a vital role in building foundational skills in children’s development.
Their expertise extends to a wide range of skills crucial for daily life:
Fine Motor Skills
Emotional Regulation
Sensory Processing
They help children develop fine motor skills, which are essential for writing, buttoning clothes, or using utensils. Children learn to improve their hand-eye coordination and dexterity through various exercises and playful activities.
Sensory Processing
Emotional Regulation
Sensory Processing
Many children face challenges in processing sensory information. Occupational therapists use specialized techniques to help them manage and respond to sensory stimuli, facilitating better engagement with their environment and daily tasks like listening and paying attention.
Emotional Regulation
Emotional Regulation
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Many children struggle to be in an optimal zone of arousal, so that they can learn and pay attention. They are either too hyped up or low on their arousal levels to learn effectively. The same struggle applies for their emotional regulation. They either don’t fully register emotions in themselves and others or experience and express them so intensely that it is hard to be around them.
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Therapy also improves a child’s gross motor skills and overall coordination. This includes activities that enhance balance, body awareness, and physical awareness, which are essential for walking, running, and participating in social interaction.
Self-care Tasks
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Cognitive and Social Skills
A significant focus is on enabling children to perform self-care tasks independently. This includes teaching them dressing, eating, managing their belongings and other essential daily routines, fostering their independence and self-confidence.
Cognitive and Social Skills
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Cognitive and Social Skills
Occupational therapy encompasses developing mental and social skills too. Therapists design activities that improve problem-solving, organization, and social interaction skills, vital for academic success and well-being.