Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapy supports children in meaningful participation in life through engagement in occupation.  Areas of occupation include activities of daily living (i.e. dressing & eating), instrumental activities of daily living i.e. (meal preparation, caring of pets & community mobility), rest and sleep, education (i.e. reading, writing, and participation in classes), , work, play, and leisure.

Children sometimes experience delays or deficits in one or more areas which negatively impact their ability to participate in daily occupations.  Some children experience sensory processing difficulties, fine motor difficulties, gross motor difficulties, motor planning weaknesses, visual motor delays, oral motor delays, and/or postural difficulties.

Occupational therapy services for children can be met through a variety of service delivery models including:  direct intervention, consultation, group intervention, and community-based services.

Occupational Therapy Evaluations:  The evaluation process will identify a child’s strengths and areas in need of improvement that negatively impact participation in areas of occupation that should be addressed through the intervention process. 

Client centered direct occupational therapy interventions include therapeutic use of self, occupations, and activities to facilitate development the following skills:

• motor skills (motor planning, visual motor skills, fine motor coordination, gross motor coordination, postural control, strength, endurance, muscle tone)

• cognitive-perceptual skills (locating, identifying, responding to sensations, discriminating differences and similarities among stimuli)

• emotional regulation (persisting when frustrated, controlling emotions, displaying emotions appropriate to situations)

• communication and social skills (looking, maintaining appropriate personal space, taking turns)

When appropriate the occupational therapy practitioner providing direct services will also:

• teach children compensatory methods, and build effective social, behavioral, and participation strategies.

• provide sensory based activities to prepare for participation in daily life skills including self care, recreation, educational, or vocational activities

• design sensory stories and/or visual strategies to support a child’s ability to remain on task and adapt to changes in routine

• develop strategies for parents and/or caregivers to promote success at home and in the community

• modify activity demands and/or environments to support the child’s individual needs and abilities at school or at home.