Occupational therapy

What do Occupational Therapists do?

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a specialized form of therapy that is designed to help children carry out their daily activities such as in areas of :

• Personal care: using the toilet, getting dressed, eating a meal, personal care, brushing teeth etc. 

• School participation: handwriting development, attending to tasks, participating in PE, using tools and materials following school routines etc.

• Leisure: playing with age appropriate games and toys, riding a bike, participating in hobbies and sports etc.

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This may be achieved by addressing the underlying factors and skills, adapting the environment or task or teaching the child strategies to aid their participation

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Who can refer your child to an occupational therapist?

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Your child can be assessed by our occupational therapist to address a specific developmental concern or to enhance a child’s participation in their daily activities by:

 

• GP referral

• School referral

• Self referral

 

Occupational therapy services and programs include (but are not limited to):

 

Conditions

 

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Development CoordinationDisorder

• Cerebral Palsy

• Down Syndrome

• General developmental delays

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Sensory processing difficulties

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What treatment can you expect from our Occupational Therapist?

 

Our Occupational Therapist collaborates with parents, caregivers and educators to deliver a child-centered service from birth to 18 yrs old. Firstly, an assessment is completed to establish the child’s strengths and challenges. Parents & caregivers are an important part of the assessment & intervention process, and goals of therapy are developed together.

 

The occupational therapist may work with children individually in clinics, or in school. In the school setting, occupational therapists also collaborate with teachers to develop strategies and accommodations that support student success.

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