Occupational therapy is a healthcare discipline focused on helping individuals develop the skills needed to independently perform daily living activities. This field aims to help individuals overcome physical, mental, or social barriers, improve their quality of life, promote independence, and support overall health using various strategies and techniques.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy helps children gain independence in daily living activities while also supporting their fine and gross motor skills, sensory systems, and social-emotional development, which are necessary for functioning and socialization.
The Role of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists working in pediatrics assess children’s developmental needs, set treatment goals, and apply appropriate methods. They help children overcome sensory, social, behavioral, motor, and environmental challenges to perform challenging daily activities. By developing skills for self-care, school, play, and leisure activities, they aim to help children fulfill their social roles. In this process, they provide family education to help families understand and support their children. Occupational therapists make environmental adjustments to promote, maintain, and develop the necessary skills for clients to function effectively in their home, school, and family environments, ensuring active participation in activities. They also assess the use of assistive technological devices and recommend tools that enhance function while providing training on their use.
Some areas where occupational therapists work in pediatrics include:
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Supporting Daily Living Activities
- Social-Emotional Skills
- Cognitive and Behavioral Skills
- Psychosocial Support
- Play and Communication Skills
Who Can Apply for Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
- Children Without a Diagnosis
- Sensory Integration Disorder
- Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Social Communication Problems
- Sensory Deprivation
- Genetic Disorders, Congenital Anomalies
- Developmental Delay
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Motor Coordination Disorder
- Behavioral Disorders
- Regulation Problems
- Eating Disorders, etc.
Occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting children’s healthy development. Dear families, if your child experiences delays in skills affecting their participation in daily environments, please contact us for an occupational therapist evaluation.
Occupational Therapist
Asel TURGUT
