- What is Occupational Therapy?
The American Occupational Therapy Association States, "Occupational Therapy is the therapeutic use of self-care, work, and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development, and prevent disabilities and may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance quality of life." (AOTA, 1986)
- How does this apply to children?
Occupational Therapists (OT) are concerned with improving a person's occupational performance. In a pediatric setting, the OT works with children whose main "occupation" is learning through play, social situations, or school.
- What training does a pediatric OT have?
Parents and teachers can benefit from knowing that OTs use a knowledge base of neurology, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, child development, psychology, psychosocial development, activity-task analysis, and therapeutic technique. OTs are trained to treat clients holistically, addressing their cognitive, emotional, and physical needs through functional, activity based treatment. In addition, many pediatric OTs have attended continuing education courses that relate to specific areas of pediatric treatment such as Sensory Integration Treatment, Neuro Developmental Treatment, Motor Development, Visual Perceptual Training, etc. It is valuable to ask your OT what courses he/she has taken that might be beneficial to your child's progress.
- I think my child might benefit from OT services - how do we get started?
The first step in any treatment plan is to determine the specific needs of the client. The OT will perform a screening and/or an evaluation to find out more about your child's needs. These needs might be developmental, sensory, emotional, or physical. The OT will work with the parent to write a treatment plan that includes goals and activities which help the child progress in the area of need. It is important the family and other support members learn about what goals the child has so the work can be carried over into the home. Once the goals and treatment plan have been established, the OT will set up appointments to work with your child individually or in a group setting.
- What is the difference between a screening and an evaluation?
A screening is a "mini" evaluation designed to highlight any areas of delay or need that your child may have. A full evaluation is a much more comprehensive test that gives more detailed information about your child. An evaluation will give the therapist a starting point for therapy goals and objectives for your child. Usually, screenings can determine whether the OT will need to do an evaluation or not. A screening takes about 30 minutes; an evaluation can take a couple of hours or will be done over a series of days.
- What does an OT treatment session include for my child?
Occupational therapy training emphasizes that the treatment activities need to be relevant to the child. When working in pediatrics, activities are selected that are of interest and have meaning for children, and that also meet their individual therapeutic goals. Therapy sessions that children perceive as fun, motivating, and playful are essential to the therapeutic process. Your child's session might include time in the Fun Factory, the gymnasium, doing fine motor tasks at a table, and/or playing with lots of interesting toys and tools. The OT has specific tasks in mind for your child to meet his/her goals and uses creative ways to achieve the objectives.
- What is the cost of OT treatment?
OT treatments are based upon the individual needs and goals of your child. The OT will perform a screening and/or an evaluation to determine the best treatment for the client. In most cases, private health insurance covers a portion of the evaluation and treatment. Because this varies with each insurance plan, it's best to call and speak with Renae at Work Systems in Pella to find out more. It is important to note that private OT services are different from the OT services the schools offer. The schools are not responsible to pay for any OT services outside of the academic setting and will not cover the cost of private treatment.
Work Systems Rehab, P.C. originated in 1998, and has been a reliable source of valuable Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services. Our Occupational Therapy services have expanded to include an emphasis on pediatrics.
