Occupational therapy is beneficial for kids who have disabilities. There are many children who need assistance in developing, regaining, or maintaining the necessary skills to perform daily activities. Children with cerebral palsy, ASD, down syndrome, and other neurological conditions often lack this skill. Occupational therapy helps children execute these daily activities without depending on anyone.
Occupational therapy or OT may sound like finding a job or developing skills. However, OT is basically the therapy program that strengthens fine motor skills that helps children to write, pick scissors, tie shoes, or use utensils. Growing adults who recover from a stroke or accident may also find benefits from occupational therapy.
For children, their occupation is school, and play and that’s why this therapy helps them conduct all these activities with ease. Although these therapies use techniques and routines that look like play, however, in reality, the aim is to target areas of delay and difficulties.
Occupation Therapy Benefits- In A Nutshell
OT Improves fine motor skills to help a child develop skills to play with toys, grasp pencils, and improve handwriting skills.
OT also improves coordination to help a kid perform activities like eating and drinking, using a computer, or participating in sports.
Children with disabilities who undergo OT before they turn 6 years may benefit from improved physical and mental development.
OT is designed to help children who have severe developmental delays to perform daily activities.
OT also helps children who struggle to develop social skills and relationships.
Moreover, OT helps a child lead an independent life.
What difficulties Does OT Treat?
Occupational therapy for children addresses a wide pool of difficulties experienced by a child with disabilities including-
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Sensory and processing skills
- Attention span and arousal level
- Visual-perceptual skills
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), also known as self-help skills
Occupation Therapy With Special Education
OT is a supportive service that is designed to help students with various types of disabilities. Before your child enrolls for an OT program, they need to qualify for special education. OT is commonly offered to children in early intervention and special education. Occupational therapists introduce different types of activities. The goal of OT is to equip kids with the necessary skills that are required to function in the educational environment.
How Do Occupational Therapies Get Parents Involved?
When a child starts an occupational therapy program, the parents or caretakers are involved too. The therapists provide the parents with all the necessary information to ensure their children are receiving the best possible way.
The condition of each child may differ from one other. Occupational therapists often devise therapy plans that are tailored to the unique needs of the child. The therapist carefully assesses the difficulties or the areas of disabilities of the child, their age, and other things. They also have a detailed conversation with parents on the medical history of the child. After a thorough analysis, the therapist devises a customized OT program with specific exercises or activities. The therapists involve parents so that they could help them even at home.
Which Children May Benefit From Occupational Therapy?
Children who have the following medical conditions or disabilities are ideal candidates for occupational therapy-
- Developmental delays
- Birth defects or birth injuries
- Amputations
- Traumatic injuries
- Learning problems (such as dyslexia and ADHD)
- Arthritis
- Chronic illnesses like cancer, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis
- Behavioral disorders (e.g. oppositional defiant disorder)
- Mental health issues (e.g. depression, schizophrenia or panic disorder)
- Severe burns
- Severe hand injuries
- Broken bones or any other serious injury, etc.
A Word from Hope AMC
Hope AMC is one of the leading pediatric rehabilitation centers in Dubai. We have a renowned occupational therapy clinic in Dubai, assisting children of different age groups with disabilities. We have certified therapists and doctors on our team.
In case you suspect your child has difficulties with motor skills, life skills, or coordination, it is important you consult an occupational therapist. After the assessment, the therapist may recommend an action plan to promote your child’s independence.
Our Occupational therapists are dedicated to helping a child with a disability learn basic day-to-day skills to live life with confidence and independence.
Schedule a call to learn more about our result-driven occupational therapy program today!
