Learning and Teaching

Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of health care that helps people of all ages who have physical, sensory, or cognitive needs, and can help with barriers that affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs.The increasing need for occupational therapy intervention among young students may be influenced by various factors. Some potential reasons for this trend include:

Screen Time and Sedentary Lifestyles

 The prevalence of screen time and sedentary activities among young children may impact their overall development. Occupational therapists may be called upon to address issues related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, and physical coordination due to reduced engagement in activities that promote these skills.

Environmental and Lifestyle Changes

Changes in the environment and lifestyle factors, such as urbanization, reduced outdoor play, and changes in family structures, can contribute to challenges in children's development. Occupational therapists may play a crucial role in helping children navigate these changes.

Occupational Therapy at Home

Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child's occupational therapy (OT) needs at home. There are some general strategies that parents can incorporate into daily routines to reinforce OT goals:

Establish Consistent Routines

Create a predictable daily schedule that includes designated times for meals, play, and rest. Consistent routines provide a structured environment that can be reassuring for children.

Fine Motor Skill Development

Encourage activities that promote fine motor skills, such as drawing, coloring, cutting, and playing with small objects. These activities can enhance hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and precision.

Gross Motor Skill Development

Create opportunities for your child to engage in physical activities that support gross motor skills. This can include activities like climbing, jumping, crawling, and playing sports. Outdoor play is particularly beneficial for developing these skills.

Incorporate Play-Based Learning

Use play as a way to work on specific occupational therapy goals. Games and activities that involve movement, coordination, and problem-solving can be both fun and therapeutic.

Promote Independence

Encourage your child to engage in age-appropriate self-care activities. This could involve tasks such as dressing, brushing teeth, and feeding themselves. Provide support when needed but gradually allow them to take on more responsibilities.

Use Visual Supports

Utilize visual schedules, charts, or visual cues to help your child understand and follow routines. Visual supports can be especially helpful for children with challenges in organization and transitions.

Provide Sensory Breaks

Recognize signs of sensory overload or fatigue and offer sensory breaks when needed. These breaks may involve calming activities, such as deep pressure, swinging, or listening to calming music.

Communication and Social Skills

Encourage communication and social interaction through games, role-playing, and age-appropriate conversations. This can help improve social skills, turn-taking, and understanding of social cues.

It's important to note that these suggestions are general in nature. Additionally, maintaining a positive and supportive attitude is key to creating an environment that fosters the child's growth and development.

Laura Leung

Learning and Teaching