(Newswire.net — September 5, 2019) — Occupational therapy helps people with physical, sensory, cognitive disabilities live as independently as possible. There are many reasons to work in pediatric occupational therapy as occupational therapy is not only for adults. Children who visit occupational therapists improve their performance in everyday tasks such as playing, learning and many others.
Reasons to Work in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist evaluates all areas of a child’s performance in everyday activities, and compares it with what is appropriate for a child that is their age. Other factors that affect a child’s development like psychological, environmental and social are also analyzed by the therapist.
Children Who Need Occupational Therapy
Children with the following mental conditions will benefit from an occupational therapist:
- Those born with birth injuries or birth defects
- Those who have had traumatic injuries on the spine or brain
- Children with autism or other developmental disorders
- The ones who suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Those with post-surgical conditions
- Children with traumatic amputations, broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
- Those with cancer, multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses
Reasons Why a Child May Need to See an Occupational Therapist
- When a child has delayed fine motor skills, they will need to see an OT to help in grasping and releasing toys as well as improving on their writing skills through various healthy tips.
- If they have cognitive delays like lack of attention, poor memory and problem-solving skills. An OT will have them participate in memory-boosting events and other activities that will help enhance concentration levels.
- Social aspects like delays in play and poor interaction skills can be analyzed and treated.
- A child that has poor hand-eye coordination and other affected visual motor skills can be assisted by an OT and helped develop those skills.
- A therapist will also help a child learn basic self-care activities like getting dressed, bathing, brushing their teeth and even feeding.
What Do Pediatric Occupational Therapists Do to Help Children?
Pediatric occupational therapy differs from adult occupational therapy in that it feels more like play time for the children. This is because children, especially those with attention disorders, do not like to just sit through therapy. They have fun while participating in motivational activities like board games and obstacle courses that help in developing their skills. Daily activities like taking baths, feeding and others are also taught in fun ways.
Bottom Line
The need to help a child live a fulfilling life independently is one of the major benefits and reasons to work in pediatric occupational therapy. A doctor can refer a child to a specialist if they feel that the child will benefit from it. A counselor and school nurse can also suggest a visit to an OT according to the child’s academic performance and social interaction. Other referrals can be obtained from the Occupational Therapy Association in all states or local rehabilitation centers. Most occupational therapists jobs are not confined to hospital settings. A pediatric OT can make house calls if the child finds it more comfortable there to learn about healthy tips.