One of the most common questions we here at Linguabilities get is, “Does my child need occupational therapy?”
And it makes a lot of sense because when we’re so close to our children, it can be challenging to put their needs into perspective. So, we put together this list of identifying traits that can help you determine whether your child needs occupational therapy (and what occupational therapy really is).
Signs Your Child Might Need Occupational Therapy
The following are some common concerns that may indicate your child could benefit from occupational therapy.
Your child struggles with handwriting, drawing, or computer use
Your child needs adaptive equipment, such as a wheelchair or pencil grasp
Your child can feel overwhelmed by their senses, such as being very sensitive to cold or bothered by daily noises at home
Your child has difficulty regulating their emotions and can lash out when upset
What is an Occupational Therapist?
The “occupation” part of the name basically refers to whatever activities define the child, such as school responsibilities, play, or artistic expression. These therapists can work both privately and in schools to make sure children have access to their environment and can succeed in it with greater independence.
As Michael Roberts, associate professor and program director of occupational therapy at Regis College states, “Our job as OTs is to help people be more independent, have a better quality of life, and live with as few restrictions as possible.”
Additionally, OTs often work side-by-side with other providers, including teachers, speech pathologists, and physical therapists to help their clients. They also work closely with families to help them understand their child’s development and functioning.
In order to practice, OTs receive a Masters degree in occupational therapy and are licensed by the state. Many therapists have the letters OTR/L after their name, indicating that they are a registered and licensed occupational therapist.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Help With?
Occupational therapists (OTs) cover a lot of things for kids, but essentially they help children learn skills needed for everyday life.
This can include fine motor skills like writing or getting dressed or sensory strategies when they feel overwhelmed.
It could also include making adaptation to their environment for better access, like assistive technology, for example.
There are many benefits to working with an occupational therapist. And if you think your child might need an OT, we can help you determine how to get started and what to prioritize.