Pediatric occupational therapists are therapists who are specifically educated to help children and their families achieve independence in their home, school, and community environments by addressing their needs for completing activities of daily living (ADL’s), conquering sensory concerns, and improving fine motor function and coordination. Pediatric patients are considered to be 0-18 year, but young adults over 18 are also treated by our occupational therapists here at Idaho Pediatric Therapy Clinic.
Focus areas of Occupational Therapy include:
- Fine Motor Skills
- Play and Socialization
- Daily Activities/ Self- Care Management
- Sensory Integration
- Problem Solving Skills
- Environmental Adaptions for Home and School Settings
We also offer specialized handwriting assessment and instruction through the Handwriting Without Tears program.
When is Occupational Therapy appropriate for my child?
Pediatric occupational therapy is indicated for your child when there is a noted delay in fine motor skills, your child is showing sensory concerns, problem solving and visual issues, or when your child is having difficulty negotiating the tasks related to self-care. Many times these delays are related to a childhood disorder or disease such as Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and other related genetic or musculoskeletal disorders. However, these delays can occur without the presence of a disorder or disease. Our occupational therapists are also trained in reflex integration, interactive metronome, and therapeutic listening to assist in the performance of self-regulation and coordination skills. They are also trained in assisting in feeding difficulties related to sensory sensitivities and coordination. The skilled therapists at Idaho Pediatric Therapy Clinic are available to evaluate your child if she/he is appropriate for therapy intervention and to answer any questions you may have regarding you child.
How is Pediatric Occupational Therapy different than Adult Occupational Therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapists are specialists in helping to identify and address sensory regulation issues, including sensitivities to textures, noises, etc. as well as assisting families in identifying ways to assist children in identifying ways to “quiet” and problem solve through feelings of anxiety and anger. These skills can carry over and assist with a child’s performance in the school and community settings. Additionally, our pediatric occupational therapists know that play is the primary occupation of our children. Treatment sessions are developed around progressing the skills that allow for greater freedom of play by addressing barriers including vision, weakness, sensory processing, and coordination delays.
