What is Occupational Therapy?
People have many ‘occupations’ or ‘roles’ in their lives that bring them meaning, purpose and fulfilment in which they participate in daily. Children also have a role, and that is to grow and develop through playing, learning and socializing. The goal of Occupational Therapy for children is focused on providing children with the tools and support to be able to functionally participate in and succeed in these activities throughout their day.
Teachers teach children. Occupational Therapists facilitate the ability to learn. Paediatric Occupational Therapy facilitates the opportunity to learn and grow by engaging with children in fun activities that would provide children with the skills to develop both socially and academically so they can be the best they can be.
Our goal is to expand children’s curiosity and imagination for a life as learners.
Our Occupational Therapists utilize their unique skill set to assess the child’s needs through standardized evaluations, clinical observations and task analysis. Treatment sessions are provided using fun, engaging, innovated therapeutic play experiences; while continuously assessing the child’s development through the eyes of a seasoned clinician.
As every child is unique, every OT session is tailored to address your child’s specific developmental needs. These needs may include:
- Fine motor skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Play and Social skills
- Balance and Co-ordination
- Oral motor skills
- Self-help skills
- Feeding skills
- Adaptive skills
- Cognitive skills
- Sensory integration
- Minor/major home modifications
- Equipment and wheelchair prescription
Your child may also need Occupational Therapy if they have difficulties in any of the following areas in comparison to other children their age.
Fine Motor
- Difficulties opening and closing containers, buttons, zippers, tying shoelaces etc.
- Self – Care (e.g. Dressing, feeding / utensil use, hygiene)
- Decreased hand strength
- Dexterity / Bilateral Coordination (using both hands together)
Handwriting
- Letter formation
- Letter placement
- Letter sizing
- Letter spacing
- Pencil grasp
Executive Functioning / Attention to Task
- Difficulties with organizing, planning and sequencing
- Difficulties sustaining attention
- Difficulties with flexibility and transitions
Visual Perception
- Difficulties processing and organizing visual information from the environment
- Difficulties sizing, spacing and / or copying written words
- Difficulties with hand-eye coordination
Sensory Processing
- Motor planning & motor coordination
- Tactile defensiveness
- Seeking / avoiding behaviours
- Difficulties with self/emotional-regulation
- Safety / body awareness
