“Occupational therapy is as a profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by enabling people to do things that will enhance their ability to participate or by modifying the environment to better support participation.” – The World Federation of Occupational Therapists
A pediatric occupational therapist helps a child to develop, maintain and restore abilities to become independent while performing activities within their daily lives. Occupational therapists are trained to use a developmental frame of reference when completing a specific activity and/or during play. Through the exchanges with the therapist, the child begins to foster the development of skills which have not been previously learned or developed.
Does my child need occupational therapy?
A screening may be beneficial if you notice that your child has any of the following:
- History of delayed motor milestones such as walking, talking, rolling, sitting, crawling, or jumping
- Difficulty holding a crayon or marker, drawing, cutting with scissors, or writing name
- Keeping up with peers on the playground (i.e. climbing, skipping, running, jumping)
- Staying “overly” focused on an activity or idea
- Challenged by following a classroom or home routine or staying organized
- Seeks out movement to the point where is interferes with daily routines or learning
- Avoids messy activities
- Feels anxious about loud noises, specific textures of clothing, or bright lights
- Fears movement experiences, preferring to stay on the ground
- Difficulties making friends, taking turns, and picking up on social cues
- Challenged with tying shoes, holding a fork, or using a toothbrush
It is important to note that many typically developing children will exhibit some of the behaviors listed above. However, skilled intervention can be helpful and is often recommended when these behaviors interfere with learning and daily routines. If you have any questions about your child’s need for a screening, please use the contact form or email us directly at contact@canyonkids.com.