A paediatric occupational therapist (OT) works with children and their families to help children develop the skills they need to thrive in everyday life. These allied health professionals focus on enhancing a childโs physical, emotional, sensory, and social abilities, enabling them to participate in activities that are essential for their development and independence. Here are some of the tasks paediatric OTs offer support with:
1. Supporting Developmental Milestones
Paediatric OTs assist children who are experiencing delays in reaching age-appropriate milestones, such as sitting, crawling, walking, or holding objects. These milestones are crucial for a childโs growth, and an OT can create tailored strategies to encourage progress.
Examples of Focus Areas:
- Fine motor skills (e.g., holding a pencil, tying shoelaces)
- Gross motor skills (e.g., balance, jumping, running)
2. Enhancing Daily Living Skills
Children may struggle with daily tasks due to developmental challenges. Paediatric OTs work on improving their ability to perform activities like:
- Dressing
- Feeding themselves
- Using the bathroom independently
- Bathing and grooming
3. Addressing Sensory Processing Challenges
Many children face difficulties with sensory processing, where they may overreact or underreact to sensory input such as sounds, textures, or lights. Paediatric OTs help children manage these sensory challenges to better cope with their environment.
Examples of Sensory Processing Goals:
- Helping a child tolerate different textures (e.g., clothing, foods)
- Reducing sensitivities to loud noises or bright lights
- Improving focus and attention through sensory regulation techniques
4. Supporting Social and Emotional Development
Paediatric OTs assist children in developing skills for interacting with peers, understanding emotions, and navigating social situations. This is particularly important for children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or anxiety.
Examples of Interventions:
- Role-playing social interactions
- Teaching coping strategies for managing frustration or anxiety
- Building confidence in group settings
5. Helping with School Readiness
Many children face challenges with tasks required for success in school. Paediatric OTs help them develop skills such as:
- Holding a pencil or scissors (fine motor coordination)
- Sitting still and focusing during class
- Organising their belongings and completing tasks
- Managing transitions between activities
6. Using Assistive Technology and Equipment
Paediatric OTs may recommend and teach the use of assistive devices to enhance a childโs participation and independence. Examples include:
- Adaptive utensils for eating
- Specialised seating
- Communication devices for non-verbal children
- Aids for writing and drawing
7. Providing Therapy for Specific Conditions
Paediatric OTs often work with children who have specific developmental, or neurological conditions. These might include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental Delays
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Learning Disabilities
8. Collaborating with Families and other Caregivers
A significant part of a paediatric OTโs role is working closely with families to ensure that therapy extends into the childโs daily life. They provide guidance, education, and strategies to parents and caregivers or allied health professionals to help children practice their skills at home, school, and in the community.
9. Playing with a Purpose
For children, play is a primary mode of learning. Paediatric OTs use play-based therapy to make sessions enjoyable and engaging while targeting specific developmental goals.
Examples of Play-Based Activities:
- Building puzzles to improve fine motor skills
- Playing catch to enhance hand-eye coordination
- Sensory play with sand or water to manage sensory sensitivities
Paediatric occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting children to overcome challenges, achieve their potential, and lead fulfilling lives. Concentric employs paediatric OTs who are vital members of our allied health team. We believe that all therapists involved should work together to ensure every client is supported with an efficient and effective therapy program to help reach their potential. Concentric supports NDIS and private clients, delivering our services from our purpose built clinics, at home, virtually or in the community.ย ย
To find out how our paediatric OTs can work together with you and your support team, please email support@concentric.com.au or phone 1300 148 160.ย </body>