Occupational Therapy and Pediatrics
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Occupational Therapy and Pediatrics
By Ella Clayton
All children, ranging from newborns to teenagers, have occupations they do throughout their daily routine. Whether it be playing and socializing or going to school and gaining the skills to become independent, these occupations are important to the successful development of children. For children who struggle with their daily occupations, occupational therapy can be a great resource to provide support for those children.
Occupational therapy practitioners are either occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants. Occupational therapists have a master’s degree or doctorate degree, and occupational therapy assistants must have an associate’s degree. Both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants must pass an initial certification exam. Occupational therapy practitioners promote active participation in daily activities, and they use research and scientific evidence in order to achieve successful results with their patients.
Children may need occupational therapy if they struggle participating in daily activities. This could manifest as a child who struggles to concentrate in school, a child who struggles to socialize with their peers or a child who struggles to play with their toys. Occupational therapists can also aid children with physical disabilities or developmental disabilities. Occupational therapists will provide aid to children who need help by evaluating the child, gaining input from the parents or caregivers, and by developing individualized goals that are important to the child, and the child’s family Occupational therapists also focus on prevention, mental health, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
If you believe your child may benefit from occupational therapy, Vertis therapy provides occupational, speech, and physical therapy to children and adolescents at our SPOT clinics!