Occupational Therapy for Children
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is an allied medical profession, using natural / simulated activity as modalities to prevent and overcome many physical, mental, emotional or social disabilities in people of all ages to promote, maintain and restore independence in occupation (activities of daily living, work, play, education, leisure, social participation).It is not just a profession but an “art of living.” It is the science of discovering happiness, building hope and making one independent.
OT in Pediatrics
- A child’s role in life is to play and interact with other children.
- Occupational therapists evaluate a child’s current skills related to motor, cognition, play, group social, emotional and activities of daily living skills and compare them with what is developmentally appropriate for that age group.
- OTs help children perform any skills that they may find challenging which is required for independent living by addressing sensory, social, behavioral, motor and environmental issues.
OT ROLE in Pediatrics
- Sensory stimulation
- Sensory integration
- Gross motor and fine motor coordination
- Hand function, pencil grasp
- Handwriting
- Motor planning
- Cognitive skills
- Attention and sitting tolerance
- Group dynamic skills (waiting, turn taking, sharing)
- Play and vocational training
Role in developmental disabilities
Analyzing child’s potential, bridging the gap caused by the developmental delay and working on skills required to lead a functional and independent life.
