What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) helps children become as independent as possible in all areas of their lives,
so that they can complete daily tasks and living skills that are important for them.
Therapeutic treatment usually helps children with sensory,
cognitive or physical difficulties or disturbances to increase their level of functioning.
Occupational therapy works on a wide range of areas and aspects of a person's daily life including physical,
social and emotional demands.
Unlike other therapies that are often very specific in terms of the goals or skills they target
(for example, speech therapy looks at communication skills),
occupational therapy includes all the case’s life aspects.
How do you know if your child needs OT?
Occupational therapists often work with children and their families
who have problems with a variety of daily living skills.
Some of the common medical cases practicing occupational therapy have include:
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Birth defects
Injuries at birth
Physical injuries (such as bone fractures, spinal cord or brain injuries)
Learning difficulties
Growth retardation
Behavioral difficulties
Multiple sclerosis
If your child has any diagnosed medical conditions that affect his ability to perform tasks
that are expected from or important for him, he may benefit from OT involvement.
OT may also help children who have some problems with handwriting and other fine motor skills
(such as tying shoelaces). OT intervention can focus on building these skills
by developing hand strength and small muscle movements
How do occupational therapists work?
First: - evaluation
Occupational therapy is based on initial and frequent evaluations.
With the person they work with, an occupational therapist focuses on individual abilities,
environmental issues, and problems with activities in their daily lives.
Assessment includes the use of standardized procedures,
interviews, and observations in a variety of settings,
and consultation with people important to the case.
Second: Planning
Evaluation results are the basis of a plan that includes short and long-term treatment goals.
The plan should be relevant to the case's stage of development,
habits, roles, lifestyle preferences, and environment.
Third: Intervention
The intervention focuses on programs directed towards people and the environment.
They are designed to facilitate the performance of daily tasks
and to adapt the settings in which an individual works,
lives and socially resides. Examples include teaching new technologies,
providing equipment that facilitates independence in personal care,
reducing environmental barriers, and providing resources to reduce stress.
Fourth: Cooperation
Occupational therapists understand the importance of teamwork.
Collaboration and coordination with other professionals, families,
caregivers and volunteers are important in achieving the comprehensive approach.
Our services in the Occupational Therapy Department:
1- Evaluation of Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration
2- Special programs to increase the ability to perform activities of daily living
3- family guidance
4- Providing individual sessions to implement treatment plans
5- Work within a team and participate with specialists participating in the individual program
to reach the best results.