Occupational therapy (OT) is one of many services that are aimed at supporting babies and young children who have a disability or a developmental delay. It makes up part of the early intervention programs that are available through the US healthcare system. Parents can access an occupational therapist through their doctor or self-refer their child by contacting the appropriate service for their state.
Early intervention treatments are provided to children from birth to three years. In terms of occupational therapy, the goals include teaching children to master new skills, overcome the challenges they experience and reach their full potential, both socially and academically.
Inspiring the next generation of occupational therapists
However, for this service to meet the growing needs of its young patients, more occupational therapists (OTs) are needed, both in practice and in leadership roles, where they can help to inspire the next generation of clinicians.
Qualified occupational therapists who have already earned a master’s degree can move into more senior positions with an Occupational Therapy Doctorate online from the American International College. This two-year program is designed to fit around the work and home commitments of busy professionals. It equips students with advanced practice skills, readying them for roles in leadership, academia and research.
Pediatric occupational therapy requires a unique approach
A comprehensive education in managing pediatric patients is essential for any occupational therapist who plans to work with young people. Unlike adults, children do not sit still during a session, so therapists must be more creative when planning their treatment program.
Nevertheless, their work can have a significant impact on a child’s future. Primarily, it ensures they can lead a full life, taking part in the activities that interest them, both in an educational environment, at home and while playing. Furthermore, early therapy can help very young children to develop the resilience and skills they need to access education in future. OT is essential if children are to be active at home and in their community, regardless of their physical or learning needs.
What are the key effects of occupational therapy on young children?
In every state there are healthcare systems that support children who are living with a disability or a developmental delay. Here is a look at the impact occupational therapy has on their lives:
Improving the functional skills of infants
From a very early age, fine motor skills help children to hold and release objects. Occupational therapy can help children to progress in this area, ensuring they can go on to develop a range of other skills. These include learning to make marks on paper, handwriting and using a computer. In later years, these skills set children up for participating in other day-to-day activities such as getting dressed, using tools and playing with their peers.
Providing equipment that improves children’s lives
To help young children complete tasks such as eating, moving around their environment at home and playing simple games, occupational therapists can offer adaptive equipment. OTs also provide advice on how individual children can get the most out of these tools, as they can be used to manage a range of conditions and will adapt to children’s changing needs as they get older.
The aim is for young people to overcome the problems they are experiencing, and to make them feel empowered and happier by providing instant results. Occupational therapists can provide access to assisted mobility tools, communication aids, wheelchairs and dressing devices. As well as promoting a child’s independence and enabling play, this equipment can improve balance and correct gait bias.
Learning social skills and coping strategies
It can be frustrating to live with a disability, but occupational therapy can teach a range of social skills and positive models of behavior. Calming strategies such as body awareness, using yoga poses to relax and breathing techniques can help children to manage their feelings, as can body awareness or interoception.
Some children, especially those who are struggling with language, may have difficulty explaining how they feel to a parent or caregiver. For these young people, occupational therapists can help them find words that express particular feelings or emotions. These help children to manage their negative feelings and live well. As a result, they have improved relationships not just with their peer group, but also with their family.
Boosting academic performance
Occupational therapy can utilize the natural curiosity of very young children and encourage an interest in learning. Practitioners use a range of activities to improve a child’s information-processing and cognitive function. Often, these will be games that challenge their visual and motor skills.
During each session, infants and toddlers will start to develop their memory, the way they process new experiences and their concentration span. It offers a safe way for them to explore the world they live in and prepares them for a more structured learning environment. Children who focus more fully in the classroom can take part in regular activities and are more likely to fulfill their academic potential.
Helping children to meet physical milestones
Even at the earliest stages, occupational therapy can ensure babies reach milestones at appropriate times. Grasping physical movements such as rolling over, reaching for an object, crawling, standing and finally walking, set a child up for future developments.
According to research, although the brain is immature just after birth, during the first year of a child’s life “dramatic structural and functional modifications” take place. Learning new skills during this period of especially rapid cerebral development can help children become more capable in future years, enjoy more independence and rely on others less. Their improved physical dexterity ensures that children can start to manage tasks such as self-feeding and bathing as soon as possible.
Maximizing children’s potential
Occupational therapists help children to do the best they can academically, as well as provide emotional and physical support. In terms of improving and enhancing the lives of children with additional needs or disabilities, occupational therapy has huge potential.
