What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) works with clients to help them achieve what they not only need to do in their lives, but also what they want to do. In this way, OT focuses heavily on 'meaningful occupation' (activities that are meaningful to the client). Your OT will work with you to achieve your individual goals; no matter what level of ability you have. The main focus areas that OT's can help with when working with children are:
Self Care
Skills your child needs to look after themselves (dressing, feeding, toileting etc.)
Emotional Regulation
Skills your child uses to help manage emotions in an age-appropriate way, and developing resilience.
Fine & Gross Motor
Anything from running and jumping, to riding a bike, tying shoes, opening chip packets or handwriting skills.
Social Skills
Skills to make and sustain friendships, manage conflict, be assertive and have fun on the playground.
Play Skills
One of the most important areas - as children learn through play! How to lose, improving imagination and independent play skills.
Learning/Cognition
Managing time, organising belonings, problem solving, planning, improving focus and attention (especially on non-preferred tasks!).