Occupational Therapy
The OT's Role
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is an allied health professional who can sub-specialise in Paediatrics and further specialise in ‘children with learning difficulties’.
An OT working in the field of child development and education focuses on increasing a child’s abilities and independence, developing cognitive, sensory, motor and psychological well being. He/She will consider environmental factors and enhance skills.
The OT assesses visual processing in the same way that the Speech and Language Pathologist tests auditory processing.
Self regulating emotions and behaviours can be difficult for some children and the OT works in a team to support the child and the family to work on affecting change using a planned programme.
Signs
Does your child display several of the following conditions:
If so you may wish to consider an Occupational Therapy consultation and evaluation.
ATOC’s Occupational Therapists usually work with children who have an underlying motor problem that is contributing to, or causing, their academic difficulties. They also work with children with Laerning Disabilities (LD) who are having trouble organizing themselves or completing everyday tasks. If you suspect that your child has coordination or organizational difficulties, it is recoommended to have him/her assessed. Read more ........
Skills Training
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Sensory integration and modulation
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Postural Control and Core Strength
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Motor planning, body awareness, integration
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Co-ordination (fine and gross motor)
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Strength and Endurance
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Visual perceptual skills
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Task Performance – writing, cutting, tool use
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Early cognitive skills
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Anger management and self regulation
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Social Communication
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Play skills in the very young
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Self-help skills; dressing, toilet, feeding
Sensory Integration Therapy
All of us, including children, are bombarded with sensory messages every day....
Difficulties processing sensory information can result in challenging behaviour, create anxiety and affect the child’s responses to ordinary sensations. He can be overwhelmed by one or more senses and react in a defensive way. For example, he may dislike textured clothing or labels and noisy environments, getting his hand dirty, and it is these defensive or avoidance behaviours that are observed.
The child may seek sensory experiences and present with sensory behaviours which can include inappropriate touching, physical hyperactivity, and mouthing objects beyond early infancy. Most children fall within a continuum and are only considered to have difficulty when it impairs performance or emotions in day to day living.
Sensory Integration Therapy, provided by the OT, is recommended if the evaluation indicates poor sensory regulation.
