April is Occupational Therapy Month – Living Life to the Fullest

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has a slogan for this year:

Living Life to the Fullest.  Helping individuals meet the goal of living life to the fullest is central to the work of an occupational therapist.   As a profession, occupational therapy’s mission is to “help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations)” (AOTA).

For the pediatric population, an occupational therapist (also known as an “OT”) has the training and experience to analyze how a child currently functions with a myriad of essential life skills.

Important skill areas for children that fall under the expertise of an OT include self-care activities such as dressing, eating, bathing and brushing teeth; play skills and academic skills that may involve routines and fine motor skills; and  social skills that include turn-taking, waiting, and self control.  For many children, these important “occupations” may be associated with motor planning, coordination, fine motor skills, and sensory integration. When investigating pediatric occupational therapy Murphy families can contact Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas.

After assessing a child’s abilities, the  occupational therapist develops an appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs.  Part of treatment may include teaching a child more effective ways of doing things or assisting a child in understanding sequences in activities. Treatment may also target foundational physical, mental and perceptual skills that will assist a child in typical daily activities.  Occupational therapists also help by structuring schedules and tasks into predictable, consistent steps and routines.  These strategies often help a child become more successful in daily activities and may foster self control.

Along with providing therapeutic intervention for the child, the occupational therapist  also provides training and support for the family to increase carry over and success in all of a child’s environments.  Much of what a child gains from treatment will be foundational for lifelong skills, setting patterns and teaching strategies that can be used throughout life.

If you suspect your child may need the help of an occupational therapist in Murphy, visit www.speechandot.com.  You may want to complete the online developmental survey. As an allied health service, occupational therapy is covered under many private health insurance plans as well as Medicaid.  Contact your insurance company to see if your policy provides coverage for occupational therapy.

An occupational therapist will contact you to share the results and answer questions you might have about your child’s fine motor or sensory development, free of charge.

As an allied health service, occupational therapy is covered under many private health insurance plans as well as Medicaid.  Contact your insurance company to see if your policy provides coverage for occupational therapy.