OT that addresses kiddos. Typically, kiddos are seen for developmental conditions and the approach is considered habilitative, which is the development of skills and function that they otherwise would have had a difficult time or been unable to develop without services. Pediatric OT addresses the occupations and skills that are most important to kids including play, education, sports and other leisure activities, and ADLs (getting dressed and other self-care).
Therapists help address kiddos development. They evaluate and assess whether a child is at a developmentally appropriate level in all areas and with all of their occupations. If there are any developmental delays or deficits, the OT will plan and implement interventions to address family and child focused goals to ensure they continue to progress in their development and can perform all of the tasks or occupations required throughout their lives. All of the Occupational Therapists at Alta Pediatrics are certified by The National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (
NBCOT).
If you are asking if therapy is right for your child it is best to get an informal screening or initial evaluation for your child to determine a formal need for occupational therapy. If you feel your child is missing or slower in meeting developmental milestones, having difficulties with their occupations such as school and school tasks, play, sports, or ADLs like getting dressed and other self-care, then occupational therapy can help address these concerns. There are many underlying reasons a child has difficulty with these occupations or reaching developmental milestones and an occupational therapist can help assess these areas and provide interventions to improve function and overall development.
Those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach, often receiving services from occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and applied behavior analysis. It is important for these service providers to coordinate treatment plans and goals and provide an interdisciplinary approach to ensure the best treatment outcomes and goal attainment. Pediatric occupational therapy, in particular, helps those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with sensory integration and improved function in developmentally appropriate activities, whether that is getting dressed, handwriting, staying seated for school,visual perception, functional communication, core strength, or fine motor skills. Occupational therapists work with both those with an ASD diagnosis and their parents or families to determine goals, provide strategies or activities to continue at home, and communicate with other service providers to ensure goal alignment.
