services
Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is the practice of facilitating participation and independence in meaningful 'occupations' during all phases of life. In childhood and adolescence this can include things like self-care (dressing, feeding, fastening clothing, oral hygiene, simple meal prep, etc), academic skills (such as writing, typing, cutting, sequencing, visual perceptual skills), sensory regulation, and play skills.
Why might my child need an occupational therapy evaluation and/or treatment?
If you have concerns about or notice a significant difference between your child and same age peers in the following categories, and an OT evaluation/treatment may be beneficial:
sensory processing difficulties
fine motor difficulties
visual processing difficulties
sensory seeking or defensive tendencies
challenges with play and social interaction
challenges with taking care of oneself or completing tasks of daily living
challenges with shoe tying, getting dressed, brushing teeth etc
handwriting challenges/difficulties with letter or number formation
Our occupational therapists evaluate and treat the following performance skills for school, home and community participation:
Motor skills
Cognitive processing
Social interaction and participation
Sensory Integration
Fine motor/Coordination
Visual Motor
Handwriting
Self-care (activities of daily living)
Evaluation
An evaluation is a one hour appointment where an occupational therapist will conduct a series of assessments and observations to determine a child’s functional level and needs. Based on this evaluation, the therapist will write up an evaluation report and plan of care. The clinician will recommend the duration and frequency of occupational therapy services.
1:1 Treatment
Individual occupational therapy consists of a 1:1 session with an occupational therapist and a client. Part of the session may take place in the OT gym and other sections may take place in the therapist’s office. If caregivers join the session they can expect to participate or observe, getting feedback and explanations about treatment techniques. Caregivers can expect suggestions for carryover of skills to help with needs at home. If caregivers do not join the session, they can expect 25 minutes of treatment time with their child with the last five minutes spent on education and report of goals addressed.