Occupational Therapy
- Play
- Activities of Daily Living
- Education
- Social Participation
Play is the primary occupation of childhood. Occupational therapy is effective in helping children learn new skills. Our pediatric occupational therapists use a play-based approach for their sessions, exposing children to a variety of play and educational skill-building activities. If a child engages in repetitive play behaviors or has limited interests, our occupational therapists introduce new natural and learning boosting activities that share similar sensory properties to activities that the child already enjoys. Some of the sensory activities used in occupational therapy function as reinforcers, which could be helpful if the child is receiving ABA therapy.
Occupation Therapy treatment plans can maintain, improve, or introduce skills that allow children to participate as independently as possible in meaningful, age-appropriate activities. Areas that are addressed in OT include coping skills, fine motor skills, play skills, self-help skills, and socialization.
Occupation therapy treatment plans include dressing, feeding, toilet training, grooming, and social skills. Fine and gross motor skills, as well as visual skills, are also addressed.
Occupational therapists are part of a collaborative team of behavior, related and educational professionals, as well as parents and other family members. Through such collaboration, children develop the appropriate social, play and learning skills needed to function successfully in everyday life.