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Occupational Therapists

Deals with workplace health and safety, rehabilitation, and assists people to achieve independent living.

WHAT DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS DO?

Occupational therapists are trained professionals, who use a variety of meaningful activities that address specific problems with the aim of allowing people to achieve independence and to enhance their quality of life..

WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM IT?

Occupational therapy can be beneficial to children who suffer from permanent disabilities, chronic illnesses, the effects of accidents and injuries, as well as those whose development is lagging behind that of their peers. It is used for children as young as the pre-maturely born baby all the way up to children in their late teens.

WHAT DOES OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DO?

Occupational therapy often focuses on developmental milestones and skills that are expected of children in the classroom and on the playground. Many of the techniques employed by occupational therapists involve playful activities including gymnastic and balancing exercises, games, arts and crafts, as well as specialised equipment, tools and toys, all of which make OT sessions very enjoyable for many children.

ASSESSMENT Once a parent, doctor, teacher or other therapist has referred a child, an assessment will be performed. Assessment could include:
- Information gathering
- Assessment of physical, emotional, cognitive and social development by interviewing and the use of various assessment tools
- Assessment of functional skills such as dressing, eating and toileting
- Assessment of scholastic skills such as writing speed, pencil and scissor grip and perceptual development
- Play and social skills
- Sensory abilities and functions such as touch, balance etc.
- Behavioural responses
REPORTING
Following the assessment, the outcome will be discussed with the parent and a written report will be given, indicating the results with the necessary recommendations. With the parents, permission this report will be distributed to the professionals involved such as the doctor and school.
INTERVENTION
There is a range of possible ways of supporting a child:
- There is a range of possible ways of supporting a child:
- Provision of home programmes
- Recommendation of equipment to support skills and learning such as pencil grips, etc
- Direct therapy with child, individually or in a group
- Appropriate referral when necessary
DISCHARGE
A child will be discharged from therapy when:
- Potential has been achieved
- Child is not benefiting from therapy at this time
- Parents wish to terminate therapy
- Parents breach the contract, e.g. do not bring the child for sessions or fail to settle the account