South Texas
Occupational Therapy Services
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Brighton Center occupational therapists (OTs) provide pediatric occupational therapy services with expertise and focus on gross and fine motor movement, feeding skills and sensory processing and how they all work together to allow your child to do essential every day activities. Our South Texas Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services team focuses on a child’s “occupations” or daily activities by looking at the child’s current abilities holistically. A child’s “occupation” includes activities like play, eating, sleeping, dressing, toileting, exploring, learning and socializing. Occupational Therapists break down each activity that a child might be struggling with and then, through Pediatric Occupational Therapy, work on building up individual skills that might be preventing them from being successful in those activities. Pediatric Occupational Therapists can help put the right strategies in place, so that children gain the confidence and independence they need to perform the activities that are so important to their overall development.
How Will A Brighton Occupational Therapist in South Texas Work With My Child?
Occupational therapy begins with an evaluation to determine areas of need and/or concerns. This determination is made through conversation with the family as well as by examination and evaluation of following:
- body structure/function (eg, muscle and joint function, sensory and neuromotor performance, posture),
- ability to perform specific activities (eg, balance and mobility),
- participation in various relevant and meaningful activities (eg, play with family and/or peers, participate in childhood games), and
- needs for assistive devices (eg, adaptive toys and/or equipment).
Once an Occupational Therapist establishes a plan of care, which includes target outcomes as well as frequency of visits, Occupational Therapy Services may take place. Pediatric Occupational Therapy in South Texas may occur in a variety of settings including at home, at child care centers, and in the community. Each of activities are performed within the context of every day routines, using toys and other supports typically found within those settings. Because children learn through play, Pediatric Occupational Therapists embed interventions within play activities to optimize motivation, meaningful participation and joy. Furthermore, Occupational Therapists may consider using assistive devices and/or toy and equipment adaptations/modifications. This can help optimize the child’s movement and their ability to participate in play or other activities.
How will a Brighton Occupational Therapist Work With Me as a Parent/Caregiver?
Hear from one of Brighton’s Occupational Therapist and learn how you can help your child develop their pincer skills!
Of utmost importance is the collaborative relationship between the Occupational Therapist and parent(s)/caregiver(s) to facilitate child- and family-centered care. Visits are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. During that time, the Occupational Therapist will plan activities jointly based on parent-identified needs/priorities and target outcomes. Then, the Occupational Therapist will practice Pediatric Occupational Therapy Activities with your child within usual routines. Moreover, the Occupational Therapist will provide instruction and model activities for the parent(s)/caregiver(s). Afterwards, the Occupational Therapist will facilitate parent(s)/caregiver(s) practice of the same activities. Discussion and feedback is shared with parent(s)/caregiver(s) throughout the visit. It is essential to equip children through use of play and participation in daily routines that addresses areas of need. Equally, it is essential to empower parent(s)/caregiver(s) with knowledge and skills to carry over strategies within those daily routines.
How Do I Know If My Child Might Benefit From South Texas Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
For kids, playing is their occupation. It helps them explore the world around them, learn to interact with it and develop essential life skills that will allow them to connect with others and do things independently one day. If your child is having trouble mastering skills such as gross motor skills, sensory processing, visual-perceptual skills and other abilities that will allow them to investigate and navigate their environment on their own then they might benefit from Occupational Therapy Services in South Texas.
