Occupational Therapy
The following information is aimed at helping parents, carers and teachers better understand Occuptional Therapy and it's use as part of Therapy Focus' range of therapy services.
What do Therapy Focus Occupational Therapists do?
Occupational Therapists, or OTs, assess the needs of children with functional difficulties and provide treatment to address specific needs.
Occupational therapists have a detailed knowledge of all aspects of a child's development and are responsible for helping children acquire appropriate skills and independence in the areas of sensory- motor function, visual perceptual function, fine motor activities, self-care activities, and community living.
Occupational Therapists also prescribe aids and equipment to improve the capabilities of children, and provide training in the use of these aids and equipment.
Who needs Occupational Therapy?
Children with difficulties in any of the following areas may benefit from Occupational Therapy:
- Eye-hand coordination (sensory motor function)
- Arm strength and coordination
- Precise movements of hands and fingers eg. manipulation objects (fine motor activities)
- Handwriting
- Activities such as building blocks, drawing shapes, doing jigsaws (constructional ability)
- Self -care or self- help tasks
How can Occupational Therapists help?
Occupational Therapists incorporate opportunities for learning and development in the home, at school and in community environments in order to:
- Develop fine motor skills, including handwriting and the ability to manipulate objects with their hands.
- Develop eye-hand coordination skills
- Use specialised equipment and aids to improve ability
- Improvement of play and leisure skills
How are service provided?
Occupational Therapy services are provided using a collaborative approach. Occupational Therapists seek input from families, teachers, and other relevant parties to collectively identify the childs needs, and plan effective strategies to meet these needs. Services may be provided in one or more of the following ways, depending on the individual needs of each child and the resources available:
- Consultation, training and education for family members, teaching staff, and carers
- Provision of home programs
- Working with all of the children in a class
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions