What is an OT?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are committed to supporting children as they develop and grow. At Children’s Choice Therapy, our OTs strive to find ways to give greater quality of life and independence to children in the face of illness, injury or impairment.
We identify strategies and solutions to minimise any functional difficulties that act as barriers, limit or prevent children participating in activities of daily living (ADLs). Such solutions can be used effectively post diagnosis or when a child needs to develop functional skills in order to build confidence in small steps.
We use evidenced-based practice, incorporating NICE guidelines as well as cutting edge research on child development to provide clinical effectiveness. We are confident, knowledgable and experienced in using various approaches in our interventions.
For example:
- The neurodevelopmental approach. Here, we analyse and treat posture and movement impairments based on the biomechanical workings of the body. This is to help develop functional gross and fine motor skills.
- The compensatory approach. Here, we facilitate your child’s independence through the use of compensatory equipment and techniques; allowing your child to potentially overcome barriers and take part in functional activities of daily living.
- The behavioural approach. We emphasise modifying behaviour in order to shape and in turn increase your child’s tendency to use adaptive behaviours.
- The perceptuo-motor approach. We focus on proficiency in motor skills, placing emphasis on the development of skills and functioning related to your child’s body awareness, spatial awareness, directional awareness and temporal awareness.
One of our prime concerns is the impact of sensory processing disorders upon your child’s function such as sensory registration, sensory modulation, sensory discrimination and sensory motor difficulties – see our Sensory Processing Disorder page for additional descriptions.
We can help children overcome their sensory, motor and perceptual barriers to participation in an activity, doing so in line with ‘The Just Right Challenge’. Here, we identify what the appropriate amount of sensory stimulation can be received through your child’s eight senses. This level of insight enables your child to function and achieve their full potential when they experience the ‘just right’ level of sensory stimulation.
We are experts in activity analysis which allows us to facilitate change in the way an activity is performed – whether this is at home, at school or in the community. We can grade and adapt an activity or the environment in line with the needs and requirements of your child so that they can work within their competencies and resiliences.
Occupational Therapy for children is usually activity based through play. From this, we make recommendations that can be effectively incorporated into home or school life in order for your child to achieve their full potential.
Further reading about Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy can help babies, infants, children and young people grow, learn, have fun, socialise and play so they can develop, thrive and reach their full potential. Occupational therapy enables people to participate in daily life to improve their health and wellbeing. Daily life is made up of many activities (or occupations). Occupations for children or young people may include self-care (getting ready to go out, eating a meal, using the toilet), being productive (going to nursery or school, or volunteering) and leisure – playing with friends or doing hobbies.
When difficulties with sensory integration and processing interfere with the ability to participate in daily occupations, it becomes the concern of occupational therapists – us. Practitioners need to assess functional abilities and the contribution of sensory integration and processing to the outcome
As a society we want our children to:
- Lead full and happy lives, participating in the activities (occupations) they need and want to do at home, at school and at play.
- Realise their potential by developing the skills and resilience they need to access education and perform activities of daily living as children and adults.
- Participate as valued members of their community regardless of physical, learning and mental health needs.
Occupation is important for children’s development, health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists enable children and young people with physical, learning and mental health needs to participate in and successfully manage the activities that they want or need to do at home, at school or work and during their free time. They have the skills and expertise to identify the personal, task and environmental factors that support or inhibit children’s development, participation and achievement.