What are the Signs My Child Should See an Occupational Therapist ?

Occupational therapists specialise in helping children develop the skills and abilities necessary for everyday activities and routines. This includes addressing physical, cognitive, sensory and social-emotional aspects of a child's development.

Here are some key areas of specialisation for paediatric occupational therapists:

· Sensory processing: This can involve hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli like touch, sound or movement. Occupational therapists work to improve a child's ability to process and respond to appropriately.

· Fine motor skills: Handwriting, drawing, cutting with scissors and manipulating small objects are all crucial skills for tasks like writing and self-care.

· Gross motor skills: Balance, coordination and strength are all essential for activities like running, jumping and playing sports.

· Self-care skills: Assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, grooming and using the toilet can be particularly important for children with developmental delays or disabilities.

· Handwriting: This involves ensuring that children can write legibly and with proper technique.

· Executive functioning: This involves supporting skills like organisation, time management, planning and problem-solving.

· Behavioural and emotional regulation: Managing emotions, coping with stress, and improving self-regulation skills are all vital skills for social and academic success.

· Visual-motor integration: Coordinating visual information with motor skills is essential for tasks like catching a ball, drawing shapes and reading.

· Assistive technology: This refers to technologies and devices to help children with disabilities access educational and recreational activities.

· Social skills: This means helping children interact with peers and navigate social situations effectively.

Occupational therapists tailor their interventions to each child's specific needs and goals. They work collaboratively with parents, teachers and other professionals to support a child's overall development and participation in daily life activities.

Some signs your child may benefit from seeing an occupational therapist include:

Difficulty performing self care tasks

· Using cutlery at meal times

· Dressing themselves (e.g. unable to use buttons or zippers or putting on clothes back to front)

· Decreased independence with toileting

Sensory regulation difficulties

· Covering ears when there is noise around

· Overreacting to sensations such as touch, smell or light

· Extremely fussy eating

Emotional regulation difficulties

· Crying and becoming overly emotional for no apparent reason

· Excessive meltdowns and tantrums

· Difficulty calming down when a meltdown occurs.

Delayed social skills

· Avoiding eye contact

· Challenges making friends

· Physical or aggressive behaviour towards other children

· Delayed or reduced verbal communication.

Delayed motor skills

· Falling or clumsy behaviour

· Difficulty throwing and catching

· Reduced hand eye coordination

· Avoiding climbing and jumping activities.

A doctor's referral is usually not needed in order to see an occupational therapist. The initial assessment is always completed during the first session to ensure that this is the most appropriate service for your child.