What is pediatric occupational therapy and
how can it help my child? Occupational therapy is an allied
health profession devoted to helping individuals with motor and
behavioral problems learn how to perform purposeful activities.
The purposeful activity of children includes: playing, climbing,
swinging, jumping, running, bike riding, drawing, cutting and
writing to name a few. The child’s occupation is to develop
play, social, self care, gross, fine, sensory, visual and
perceptual motor skills along with preacademic and academic
skills. Through activities the child’s response to the
environment becomes more organized and efficient.
My child’s teacher said my child may have
sensory integration dysfunction, what does that mean?
Sensory integration is a specialty area of practice within
the field of occupational therapy. When we think of the senses
we generally think of sight, sound, smell and taste. In addition
to these senses, occupational therapists are concerned with the
senses of touch, movement and postural responses to the
sensation of gravity and movement. Just as the eyes detect
visual information and relay it to the brain for interpretation
and action, other sensory receptors pick up and relay
information to the brain for interpretation and purposeful
response. Many of our sensory processes take play within the
nervous system at an unconscious level. Cells within the skin
send information about light touch, pain, temperature and
pressure to the brain. Structures in the inner ear along with
our eyes detect movement and changes in position of the head.
The vestibular system allows us to maintain our balance while
engaged in physical activity. The proprioceptive system gives us
a sense of where we are in space and allows us to move our arms
and legs in a guided and controlled fashion. An adequately
functioning sensory system is crucial to helping us interact
with others and the environment. This interaction between the
senses and higher cortical functions is complex and necessary in
order for a person to interpret a situation accurately and make
an appropriate response. It is this organization of the senses
that is termed sensory integration. Pediatric occupational
therapists work with infants and young children to facilitate an
adequately functioning feedback loop between the sensory systems
and the brain allowing for the development of appropriate skills
and self-regulation.
How do I know if my child needs occupational
therapy services?
The decision to pursue occupational therapy services for
your child is a very personal one. There are a number of reasons
that a pediatrician, teacher or parent may decide that it is
time to act. Usually, there are a number of concerns in one or
more of the following areas:
-
Difficulty with
coordination either gross motor, fine motor or visual motor
(for instance difficulty holding and controlling a pencil as
well as other children their age
-
The child is
overly sensitive to touch, movement, sights or sounds.
Difficulty tolerating touch sensations may be exhibited in a
child having difficulty sitting close to peers in circle
time or standing in line at school.
-
Under reactivity
to sensory stimulation, this may be exhibited by children
who are constantly seeking input of various types.
-
Activity level
that is unusually high or unusually low.
-
Increasing
frustration or feelings of failure.
-
Difficulty with
learning self care skills: dressing, fastening clothing or
independent feeding
-
Poor organization
of behavior.
-
Difficulty making
and keeping friends.
-
Difficulty
learning new and unfamiliar tasks.
-
Difficulty with
learning to write or complete school work or household
chores in a timely manner
Why does my child need to have an evaluation
and treatment plan?
The evaluation determines your child’s strengths and
weakness in various areas of development We use the information
gathered in the evaluation to determine the nature of services
needed and to write specific treatment goals, as well as, to
measure your child’s progress. Most insurance companies require
an evaluation and treatment plan to consider reimbursement for
services rendered. Depending on the age of the child and reason
for referral, the evaluation usually takes from 1-2 hours. For
families coming to pursue work in the
.
If my child needs occupational therapy how
long does it last?
Each child is very different and courses of therapy can range
from 3-6 months to more typically 18-24 months depending on the
severity of issues. We have found that children who come
regularly to their scheduled appointments and follow home
programs make the most progress.
After I schedule the evaluation what should I
tell my child?
If your child is old enough to have a conversation chances are
he/she has already told you some things are difficult for them
or they don’t like school. A conversation noting these concerns:
“I know you don’t like writing, dressing or feel uncomfortable
with standing in line with your friends (or whatever the
presenting problem may be) etc. We are going to see a special
teacher to see if she can make some of these things easier for
you. She is going to play some games with you to see what can
help you and help me learn to help you too.” Most children are
relieved to hear that their parents understand that some things
are hard for them and that they are going to get some special
help. The evaluation is done in a fun way and is like playing
games at a table and playing on an indoor playground.
