An occupational therapist is trained to help a child or young person develop or maintain their independence skills. This includes the ability to dress, wash, play, participate in school life and feed themselves. Occupational therapists can work with the child at home, in their school or in the community.
Sometimes a child will need occupational therapy to help them change the way in which they complete an activity, for example by working with them on their ability to coordinate themselves, use their hands, or improve their planning skills. Treatment is usually activity based and play, group or craft activities are carefully used in the child’s programme.
Other children will need the loan of specialised equipment, or adaptations to their homes e.g. grab rails beside the toilet in order to enable their greater independence. Carers may also need to be loaned specialised equipment to move their children safely, or be able to help them bath or sit comfortably. Occupational therapists assess the needs of the child, their carers and the home in order to advise on the most appropriate means of helping each individual. An Occupational Therapist will also advise schools on the most appropriate equipment and adaptations needed for a child.
Link to Hemispheres / Shelley Birkett-Eyles