Occupational Therapy involves the “therapeutic use of work, self-care and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance quality of life”

Occupational therapists are concerned with everything a person does from morning till night – our activities of daily living. They will observe and discuss everyday tasks to identify areas of difficulty. Occupational therapists use their activity analysis skills to identify the root cause of functional difficulties. This may be, sensory, physical, emotional, environmental or social.

An Occupational Therapist may:

Using purposeful activity and play, paediatric Occupational Therapists works with the child to help him or her attain the highest possible quality of life. The Occupational Therapist assesses the child and uses therapeutic techniques and activities to help maximise the child’s abilities and independence. The assessment and therapeutic treatment techniques vary according to the needs of the child.

A paediatric Occupational Therapist has specialist knowledge and experience in working with children with special needs and learning difficulties.

A paediatric Occupational Therapist has undertaken specialist training in areas of sensory and motor development and understands the importance of maintaining and developing self -esteem and confidence in a child who may struggle to function as independently or effectively as his/her peers.

By using fun, education and play in an environment designed to capture and motivate a child, the paediatric Occupational Therapist provides the child with sensory and motor experiences required to develop foundation skills and achieve success.