At the Center for Rising Minds, we support families with comprehensive mental health care, including psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for individuals of all ages. Chances are, you’ve heard of occupational therapy but may not understand what it means.
For today’s blog post, let’s take a closer look at occupational therapy, including a general overview, how it is used for pediatric patients, and more.
Simply put, occupational therapy, often referred to as OT, is a treatment that helps people overcome emotional, social, and physical challenges. Occupation refers to any of the daily tasks you complete — not just your ability to work or do your job. OT may be used after trauma or an injury to help you manage symptoms from a long-term disability or condition. It can also teach you how to better move through your day, using different tools to safely participate in activities and be as self-sufficient as possible.
Occupational therapy treats any condition, disability, or injury that makes it harder to fulfill your responsibilities and participate in work, school, or hobbies. Some chronic conditions that may require OT include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cancer, and spina bifida. Types of disabilities that benefit from occupational therapy include autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and developmental delays. Finally, you may need OT while recovering from injuries like burns, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), strokes, bone fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
Children may require pediatric occupational therapy to help them reach developmental milestones and improve their quality of life.
For younger patients (infants to teenagers), OT focuses on how an individual communicates, interacts, and moves in the world around them. It aims to improve self-care, play, and self-regulation skills. Occupational therapy is often used if your child has a neurological condition, sensory challenges, or an injury. It can specifically help children develops the skills needed for:
- Playing (social and emotional skills)
- Daily living (like getting dressed and feeding themselves)
- Education (pre-writing, writing, and scissor usage)
- Learning (cognitive skills)
- Moving (both gross and fine motor skills)
For instance, an infant may be born with a congenital condition that impacts their cognitive or physical abilities. A school-age child may require OT if they struggle with a neurological condition like autism or cerebral palsy. Or a teenager may sustain an injury and need to learn how to use mobility devices, prosthetics, or other adaptive equipment.
Regardless of your age, your therapist will design a customized OT plan to help you meet your goals.
At your first visit, you’ll undergo an evaluation to determine what you can do and what skills you need to develop. Your therapist will review your medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle. They may also ask you to complete particular tasks. For pediatric occupational therapy, a parent or caregiver will be in the room to offer further details about their child’s capabilities.
At your subsequent appointments, you will focus on activities that help you reach your preset goals. For children, these undertakings will be age-specific and may include tasks like tying their shoes, writing the alphabet, or playing a game. There is no set number of sessions for OT, as the duration of treatment varies based on each individual’s needs. Your therapist can offer guidance on your or your child’s progress and share an anticipated timeline.
As you can see, there are many benefits to occupational therapy. Patients can expect to gain more independence and experience a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem. School-age children will also improve their performance in class and learn to play more happily with others.
At the Center for Rising Minds, we’d love to help you and your family with your mental health care needs! Please reach out to us today to inquire about our services or join our waitlist.
