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Occupational Therapy

A child’s main job is to take part in learning, playing, and socialising. Occupational Therapy for Children is focused on nourishing and helping the child improve in their cognitive, physical, sensory and motor skills, enhance their self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Occupational Therapist facilitates the ability to learn, give children the opportunity to engage in activities that are fun, meaningful and most importantly provide them with a strong foundation for development which is necessary to excel academically and socially.

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How do I know if my child needs Occupational Therapy?

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If your child experiences difficulty with any of the following, you may want to consult with an Occupational Therapist:

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  • Participating in colouring/handwriting/scissor use activities

  • Lack of Visual Attention (not looking at a task or displaying poor eye contact with others)

  • Self-Care activities (dressing, feeding & utensil use)

  • Tactile Defensiveness (avoids sticky/wet textures or has behavioural outbursts during bathing/oral hygiene)

  • No motor planning and/or motor coordination (prefers to watch others on the playground rather than participating in activities)

  • Difficulty planning, sequencing or organizing activities that involve multiple steps.

  • Autism/ pervasive developmental disorder
     

What will my child be working on in Occupational Therapy?

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A session in any Occupational Therapy Center is usually tailored to address your child’s specific needs. These needs may include:
 

  • Handwriting (letter Formation, letter Sizing, letter Spacing)

  • Grasp & Endurance

  • Self – Care (e.g. dressing, feeding/utensil use, hygiene)

  • Dexterity/Bilateral Coordination (using both hands together)

  • Hand-eye coordination.

  • Visual Perception

  • Sensory Processing

  • Tactile Defensiveness

  • Seeking / Avoiding Behaviours

  • Difficulties with Self-Regulation

  • Safety / Body Awareness

  • Executive Functioning / Attention to Task

  • organizing, planning and sequencing

  • Sustaining attention
     

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy?
 

Though both may sound familiar, both have their own importance, they are often confused in a paediatric clinic setting sometimes. However, both roles provide hands-on constructive help for kids to perform their daily tasks as individually as possible, Occupational therapy helps the child accomplish everyday tasks in light of their impairment, it focuses on ‘jobs’ like eating, bathing, dressing or grooming themselves. On the other hand, physical therapy aims to treat the impairment or injury and help increase physical function, Physical therapist helps in muscle strength and flexibility which can greatly help improve occupational capabilities. Each field has a unique approach to help children lead a normal and simple life.
 

If your child is showing symptoms of hyperactivity, behaviour difficulties, sensory difficulties or has a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, Downs Syndrome etc. please book an appointment with our Paediatric Occupational Therapist for a consultation.

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