What is Occupational Therapy?

As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, we get asked all the time what it is that we really do! Lots of parents are often confused about what occupational therapy (OT) really is.  So, let me sum it up in a nutshell for you. Occupational therapists help children take part in every area of their life to the best of their ability. For kids, this usually means playing, school, family, and self-care (such as toileting, feeding and dressing). For a child to take part in these activities they need concentration, coordination, motor skills, perceptual skills, and the ability to keep their mind and body calm and focussed so they can learn. Our goal is to help children to become more independent and skilled in these areas.

There can be many reasons that children find this difficult. It can be linked to anxiety, developmental milestones being late, or other conditions.  This can include ADHD, Autism, and other difficulties such as motor coordination disorder.  Some problems can be very obvious and easily spotted by parents, teachers, and create the need to seek help.  Sometimes, it can be quite subtle and there may be the understanding that it will resolve spontaneously.  In any case, getting an OT to be involved can help a child gain skills and confidence as soon as possible.  Some children find it challenging to be organised and parents often talk about how hard it can be to get them to school on time, keep their room tidy, or to organise their school locker.  Although, this can be part of growing up, in many cases, there could be underlying difficulties in the foundational skills that are needed for a child to gain these skills.  It can be very tiring for parents to note that despite their best efforts, Johnny still cannot sort out his homework, remember to pack his bag correctly, or get ready for school on time without constant prompting and resistance.  Is there anything that can help? Yes, there is.

Occupational therapists work with educational staff, parents, our multi-disciplinary team, and external healthcare providers to help identify areas of need.  This helps specific difficulties by building the foundational skills the child needs to meet their goals in daily life.  We get to work closely with children and their families, both in our engaging therapy rooms and in their homes and schools.

Just the other day, a session with a five-year-old boy highlighted just how dynamic OT really is! After completing an obstacle course to develop his gross motor coordination and meet sensory needs, we targeted his handwriting goals through multi-sensory handwriting (shaving cream, rice and play dough!), before finishing our session off by making a volcano and discussing how our anger can ‘erupt’ just like when we add bi-carb soda to (red-dyed) vinegar.  This child was struggling with these goals prior to getting the therapy support he needed. Through addressing his difficulties from a holistic perspective, he is now feeling confident with his progress and self-help skills.  OT’s can provide important resources and ideas to reduce the impact of the environment such as bright lights, noise, or crowded spaces.

The best part about an OT’s job is the opportunity to make learning fun, and to support families by collaboratively identifying and working towards family-centred goals.  A referral can be made via your GP or paediatrician and talking to your school and kinder teachers can help identify any needs your child might have that impact on their daily life.  Together, we can make a difference.

Written by:
Rachael Thomas
Paediatric Occupational Therapist, at Change for Life