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04 May 2023

Occupational Therapy

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps children gain independence while also strengthening the development of fine motor skills, sensory motor skills, and visual motor skills that children need to function and socialize.

Children may require occupational therapy with or without the presence of a medical condition. Kids with the following medical conditions are considered to be ‘at risk’ for delays in skills impacting participation in home and school environments.

  • birth injuries or birth defects
  • sensory processing disorders
  • traumatic injuries (brain or spinal cord)
  • learning problems
  • autism/pervasive developmental disorders
  • behavioral problems
  • developmental delays
  • post-surgical hand conditions
  • spina bifida
  • cerebral palsy and other chronic illnesses

Occupational Therapists main aims are to allow children to develop independence in the following areas:

  • Fine Motor Skills:  refers to the coordination of the small muscles in the hand to hold, explore, manipulate toys, pencils, textas and feeding utensils. Fine motor skills are imperative in mastering school readiness goals such as handwriting, cutting and craft.
  • Gross Motor Skills: refers to the abilities required of the large muscle groups to achieve movements such as running, jumping, walking, kicking and throwing.
  • Handwriting: handwriting skills are dependent on the development of three primary areas: fine motor coordination, manual dexterity and visual motor skills. Handwriting difficulties that may emerge may include: disorganized handwriting, fatigue and pain, letter reversals, pencil pressure and legibility.
  • Self care skills: involves dressing and undressing, morning and afternoon hygiene routines, tying laces, fastening buttons and toileting.
  • Play skills: refers to skills used in every day play such as imagination, role play, building, threading and puzzles

Other concerns that Occupational Therapists can assist with:

  • Therapy for Sensory Processing issue
  • problems with executive functions (including planning and organizing)
  • problems with ​Attention/ Concentration (staying on task)
  • teach children to participate in routines
  • teach Problem solving skills
  • Strategies to best support behavior
  • School Readiness skills & more.

Ultimately the end goals are participation in meaningful activity, developing the skills that are important for success at school, and achieving a quality of life by reaching their full potential.