Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession that helps children and adults improve their ability to function independently. OT focuses on assisting patients in developing skills needed to perform daily tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, learning, and communicating. Occupational therapists work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide individualized treatment plans for each patient. They also collaborate with families, teachers, caregivers, and community resources to promote independence and participation in everyday life. The following blog will help you understand what pediatric occupational therapy entails.

1. Assessment

Your therapist will learn about your child’s strengths and weaknesses during this stage. In addition, your therapist will assess your kid on functional competence, sensory, communication, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors. This information will help determine what types of interventions might benefit your child most.

2. Therapy

Therapists may use various methods to treat your child, including play, art, music, and movement therapy. They are also crucial in speech therapy, scoliosis or vertebral column assessment, and postural analysis. These techniques are chosen based on specific characteristics of your child’s developmental capacities and abilities.

3. Evaluation

Once the treatment has been completed, the therapist will evaluate your child’s progress and recommend additional therapies if necessary.

4. Follow-Up

Your child’s occupational therapist works collaboratively with you and other medical team members. This is crucial in formulating a plan to address your child’s needs. Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor your child’s continued progress and ensure long-term success.

young boy playing with blocks

5. Documentation

Once treatment goals have been achieved, your child’s occupational therapy record should be updated and stored securely for future reference.

Who Uses Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

A growing number of companies and organizations see value in hiring occupational therapists who specialize in working with young children. For example, many daycare centers employ a specialist certified occupational therapist to teach fundamental motor control and language development. Some doctors offer referrals for early intervention and regular checkups for children before they start school.

Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

The benefits include:

  • Helping people who suffer from physical disabilities
  • Enhancing the child’s development
  • Working towards social integration
  • Improving self-confidence
  • Preventing pain and discomfort from becoming chronic conditions
  • Promoting well-being

Pediatric occupational therapists are aware of different patterns of growth and development experienced by a child compared to an adult. Typically, the body changes rapidly during puberty and childhood. And by understanding how children learn, occupational therapists can create treatment programs tailored to fit the unique needs of each child.

Contact Us for More Information

OT remains a vital part of modern healthcare. It provides essential services like helping children recover from injury or illness and promoting their independence and participation in daily activities.

Do you have more questions about occupational therapy in Salem Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.