Pediatric Occupational Therapy

THE MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CLINIC

A child’s role in life is to play and interact with other children. Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. Physical impairment, injuries and a host of other issues can hamper a child’s ability to perform common tasks or progress normally through the stages of social or cognitive development. The longer a child goes without learning these skills, the more the problem compounds as the child ages which makes the skills of a pediatric occupational therapist critical to their patients and to their families. When working with children, pediatric occupational therapists often incorporate play into practice as a way of motivating them and reducing any anxiety or fears they might feel toward therapy. Play can involve games, toys, puzzles, songs or physical exercises. In all cases, the goal of pediatric occupational therapy is not only to help children adequately progress but to challenge them appropriately, helping to build self-esteem and confidence when it comes to their capabilities and aptitude.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Can Treat:

• Developmental Delay
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Neuromuscular conditions
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Amputations/limb deficiency
• Feeding/eating disorders
• Hand function disorders
• Sensory processing disorders
• Brachial plexus injury
• Torticollis/Plagiocephaly
• Traumatic Brain Injury

AREAS OF PRACTICE USED IN PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Sensory Integration: works on timing, organization, planning and coordination

• Neurodevelopmental Therapy
• Sensory Oral Feeding therapy
• Adaptive equipment and modifications
• Positioning for Play
• Daily Life Skills: dressing, hygiene etc.

Executive functioning skills: Executive function is responsible for a number of skills, including:

• Paying attention.
• Organizing, planning and prioritizing.
• Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion.
• Understanding different points of view.
• Regulating emotions.
• Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you’re doing)
• Visual Motor Integration
• Autism Spectrum: Sensory-Based Intervention
• Transition Planning: Education to Employment