What is OT?
OT for Kids
The act of playing is an important tool that influences a child’s life. The primary goals of childhood are to grow, learn, and play. It is often through play that children learn to make sense of the world around them. It is a child’s “job” or “occupation” to play to develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills to interact with other children, and self-confidence to try new experiences and explore new environments. Occupational therapists have expertise in evaluating children’s neurological, muscular, and emotional development; and determining the effects of infant and childhood illness on growth and development.
- Evaluate a child’s motor (movement), cognitive (thinking, reasoning), social–emotional, and behavioural development.
- Recommend toys and play activities that promote healthy development and provide stimulation to the child.
- Intervene when needed to promote development and skills for living.
- Provide therapy in a playful manner to promote development.
Occupational Therapy is a health care profession based on the knowledge that purposeful activity can promote health and well-being in all aspects of daily life. The aims are to promote, develop, restore and maintain abilities needed to cope with daily activities to prevent dysfunction. Programs are designed to facilitate maximum use of function to meet demands of the person’s working, social, personal and domestic environment. The essential feature of occupational therapy is the active involvement of the person in the therapeutic process. Occupational therapists receive education in social, psychological, biological and medical sciences, professional skills and methods. Fieldwork studies form an integral part of the course.
Where do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapists work with all age groups and in a wide range of physical and psychosocial areas. Places of employment may include hospitals, clinics, day and rehabilitation centres, home care programmes, special schools, industry and private enterprise. Many occupational therapists work in private practice and as educators and consultants.
How do Occupational Therapists Work?
The occupational therapy process is based on initial and repeated assessments. The occupational therapist together with the person seeking help will focus on individual and environmental abilities and problems related to activities in the person’s daily life. Assessment includes the use of standardized procedures, interviews, observations in a variety of settings and consultation with significant people in the person’s life.
The results of the assessment are the basis of the plan which includes short and longterm aims of treatment. The plan should be relevant to the person’s development stage, habits, roles, life-style preferences and the environment.
Intervention focuses on programs that are person oriented and environmental. These designed to facilitate performance of everyday tasks and adaptation of settings in which the person works, lives and socializes. Examples include teaching new techniques and providing equipment which facilitate independence in personal care, reducing environmental barriers and providing resources to lessen stress.
Occupational therapists recognize the importance of teamwork. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, carers and volunteers are important in the realization of the holistic approach.