Does your child need help too? Let's learn about Occupational Therapy!

You may have noticed that sometimes our children have a little difficulty doing some of their tasks. Perhaps a doctor has told you about 'occupational therapy' or occupational therapy. So, what is occupational therapy? Why is it important for our children? Let's talk about it today in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Simply put, Occupational Therapy is a specialized field of healthcare. It helps people of all ages, from infants to school-aged children, young adults, and the elderly, with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. The goal is to help them learn to perform daily tasks independently and happily.

Imagine, some people may have difficulties in managing their emotions (emotional needs), interacting with others in society (social needs), or doing certain things physically (physical needs). Occupational therapists identify these obstacles, find solutions, and help overcome them. They use everyday activities, various exercises, toys, various devices, and other therapies to do so. This is like helping someone 'get back on their feet', helping them to do 'the work' of everyday life properly.

What help does occupational therapy provide for young children?

Now let's see what kind of help occupational therapy can give to young children. It can really help improve children's play, schoolwork, and small daily tasks (such as eating, getting dressed, and putting on shoes). Not only that, it can also help improve a child's self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. How great is the joy that comes when a child does something on their own, right?

Here are some examples of how these treatments can help children:

• Fine Motor Skills: These are small, delicate tasks performed with the fingers. Think of things like holding and releasing a toy properly, holding a pencil correctly and writing neatly, cutting paper with scissors, buttoning a shirt, tying shoelaces, or using the computer keyboard. When a child can't do these things properly, it can be difficult for them to do schoolwork, right? They may also feel a little uncomfortable while playing with other children.
• Eye-Hand Coordination: This means practicing how to control your hand in response to what you see. For example, this ability is very important for things like hitting a ball with a bat, picking up a toy on the floor, and writing something on the blackboard. If this is good, it will be easier for your child to play and learn.
• Basic daily living skills are taught: things like bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, eating alone, and toileting. These may seem like small things, but they are very important for a child's independence and self-esteem. Imagine how much easier it will be for you when your child is used to doing these things on their own!
• Teaches positive behaviors and social skills: Some children have difficulty controlling their anger or frustration. They may not want to play or talk with others. They practice how to behave in such situations, how to get along with others, and how to express their feelings appropriately.
• Providing special equipment to improve the child's independence: Some children may need special equipment to make their daily tasks easier. Occupational therapists help them choose and use these equipment. For example, wheelchairs, splints, bathing equipment, dressing devices, and communication aids.

Who needs Occupational Therapy?

Okay, so who are the children and young people who can benefit the most from occupational therapy? See if your child has any of these conditions. Occupational therapy can be very helpful for people with these conditions:

• Children with birth injuries or birth defects .
• Children with Sensory Processing Disorders . That is, some children may be overly sensitive to things like sound, light, touch, smell, and taste (like covering their ears when they hear a loud noise), or they may be oblivious to those things (like not feeling hurt even if they fall).
• In cases such as traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord .
• Children with learning difficulties (e.g., difficulties with writing, reading).
• For children with autism spectrum disorder .
• Children with joint diseases like Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis .
• Children with mental health problems or behavioral issues (e.g. ADHD, anxiety).
• After fractures or other bone-related injuries have healed, use the affected limb properly.
• Children with developmental delays . That is, children who are late in doing things that other children do at their age (such as talking, walking, playing).
• For those recovering from surgery , getting back to daily activities.
• For those suffering from burns , reduce skin tension and increase limb function.
• Children with nervous system complications such as Spina Bifida .
• For those who have experienced traumatic amputations , get used to using artificial limbs.
• Children recovering from cancer need to regain their strength and get used to daily tasks.
• After serious hand injuries heal, regain hand function.
• Make life easier for those with long-term illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy .

As you can see from this list, occupational therapy is a broad-based treatment option. If your child has any of these difficulties, it's important to talk to a doctor about whether occupational therapy is necessary. Don't worry, this is just a help.

What is the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?

A big question for many people is what is the difference between physical therapy, which is what we call 'Physical Therapy' (PT), and occupational therapy (OT). Both aim to improve the quality of life of children (and adults), but the focus is slightly different. Both are related, and sometimes a child may need both.

Simply put, Physical Therapy (PT) mainly helps with:

• Reduce the pain .
• Develop strength .
• Increase joint range of motion , that is, the ability to bend and extend the limbs properly.
• Improve endurance .
• Develop gross motor skills . These are large movements that use the arms, legs, feet, or the whole body (such as walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs).

However, Occupational Therapy (OT) mainly helps with:

• Develop fine motor skills . We've talked about this before, small tasks done with the fingers (like touching, writing, and buttoning).
• Develop visual-perceptual skills . That is, the ability to understand and act on what the eyes see (e.g., recognize shapes, find a missing part in a picture).
• Develop cognitive skills (e.g. memory, attention, problem-solving skills).
• Addressing sensory-processing problems means practicing responding appropriately to the sensations coming from the environment.

Think of it this way. If someone injures their leg in an accident, physical therapy (PT) can help them walk, run, and build strength again. But if they have trouble eating, dressing, writing, or doing daily tasks again, occupational therapy (OT) can help. One focuses more on gross motor skills and strength, while the other focuses more on fine motor skills, cognitive skills, and sensory issues needed to function in daily life. See the difference?

Who does this occupational therapy?

Now you may be wondering, who provides this service called Occupational Therapy? This is not something that everyone can do, there are people who have received special training for this. There are mainly two levels of professionalism:

1. Occupational Therapist (OT): These people usually have a 4-year bachelor's degree in a related field (such as biology, psychology, health science) and a master's degree from an accredited occupational therapy program. They assess patients, develop treatment plans for them, and supervise that treatment.

2. Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA): These individuals have earned an Associate's Degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. They can implement treatment plans developed by an occupational therapist (OT) under the supervision of the OT. However, they are not typically allowed to conduct patient evaluations.

Both occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) must complete supervised fieldwork programs. They must also pass a national certification exam (in many countries). In many countries, like Sri Lanka, government registration or a license to practice is mandatory to practice this service. They must also attend continuing education classes to update their knowledge.

Where do Occupational Therapists work?

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings. You can find them in places like:

• In government and private hospitals
• In schools (especially schools with children with special educational needs)
• In rehabilitation centers
• In mental health centers and clinics
• In private medical centers and clinics
• In children's clinics and child development centers
• Sometimes there are home health services.

So, if your child needs this service, it won't be difficult to find a suitable place for it.

How to find a good occupational therapist?

If you think your child could benefit from occupational therapy, here are some things you can do:

• Ask your child's pediatrician or family doctor for a referral to a good occupational therapist. Doctors often know who and where good, experienced occupational therapists are.
• If your child is in school, talk to the school's teachers, special education teachers, or guidance counselor. They may be able to recommend someone based on your child's academic or social needs.
• Check with your nearest government hospital (especially the rehabilitation department) or a large private hospital. They may also be able to help you and provide information.
• In Sri Lanka, there are professional bodies like the Sri Lanka Society of Occupational Therapists (SLSOT) . You can find information about registered therapists on their website or by contacting them.
• Ask other parents. If you know parents who have used these services, their experiences are invaluable.

The most important thing is to choose someone who is a good fit for your child, someone who can communicate well with the child, someone the child likes, and someone who makes you feel confident. Building a good relationship between the therapist and the child is very important for the success of the treatment.

Finally, things to remember

Okay, so now I hope you have a good understanding of what we've been talking about with Occupational Therapy. It's a very valuable service. Here are some important things to remember:

• Occupational Therapy is a specialized treatment method that helps children (and adults) perform daily tasks independently, use their abilities to the fullest, and live happily and independently.
• This can help develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, balance, eye-hand coordination, daily tasks, learning skills, behavioral patterns, social skills, and play skills .
• If your child has a congenital problem, developmental delays, learning disabilities, conditions like autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, or any disability after an accident, occupational therapy can be of great help.
• If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to talk to a doctor and get advice. They will tell you exactly whether your child needs this or not.
• This is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide. The important thing is to help our children reach their full potential. Sometimes all they need is a little help.

Remember, every child is different. Every child develops at their own pace. It is our responsibility to provide them with the love, care, and, if necessary, specialist help they need to make that journey. Occupational therapy is like a good friend who can help them on that journey. Don't be afraid to explore it!

` Occupational Therapy, Child Development, Fine Motor Skills, Everyday Skills, Sensory Processing, Rehabilitation, Autism, Developmental Delays