Occupational therapy is a medical field that specializes in helping people with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities to be as much independent as possible. Occupational therapists work in different institutions such as mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s clinics. Can an occupational therapist (OT) help to correct difficulties in your child?
Areas occupational therapy may be of help to your child
Occupational therapy has proved to be of great help to kids with developmental and performance disabilities. It’s the responsibility of the occupational therapist to determine the underlying problem in your kid, and consequently, find and implement ways to correct the shortcomings. Occupation therapy is highly regulated by both local and national boards to ensure that all OTs are highly trained and offer their services professionally.
Occupational therapy can help solve the following difficulties in your child;
• Fine motor skills problems: Fine motors skills are movements that require your child to use his/her fingers, wrists, toes, and lips to move or lift objects. You may need to visit an OT if your child exhibits difficulties in holding pencils, using scissors, drawing, and handwriting at the appropriate age, and using buttons.
• Developmental Delay: Developmental delays refer to lack of abilities that are appropriate for a particular age. Delays in crawling, sitting or walking require the attention of an OT.
• Visual Processing: Visual processing is the process that your brain uses to interpret what you see. Your child may have difficulties with recognizing numbers and letters, copying, spacing numbers and letters, and finding objects. An occupational therapist can offer help to alleviate these difficulties.
• Other areas where an occupational therapist can help your child are sensory problems, poor or underdeveloped social skills, poor play skills, and learning challenges among others.
What to Expect From Occupational Therapy
When you visit OT, the specialist will ask you about your child’s medical history, likes, dislikes, fears, and challenges in order. The answers you provide will help the therapist get to the root of your child’s disorder. Occupational therapy is a play-based therapy and hence the specialist may help your child carry out certain exercises or plays. Therefore, ensure that your child wears clothes that are comfortable for playing. In addition, don’t shy away from asking the therapist questions and take notes when necessary.
Conclusion
Occupational therapy has proved to be a necessary therapy for kids with difficulties in development, fine motor skills, learning, visual processing, social skills, and gross motor skills. Once you observe performance and developmental difficulties in your child, visit a trained and certified therapist who will prescribe appropriate correctional methods for your child.
