Occupational therapy is one of the most common treatments used in child and adolescent health care. Children suffering from physical or cognitive disorders are customarily treated using Occupational Therapy Adelaide techniques to promote development.
With that said, it is imperative to involve children in all aspects of child health care. It helps the child and his family to develop a more positive attitude towards their illness and to set realistic goals for their future. You can go further to teach the child social skills and encourage children to express their emotions.
Occupational therapy programs like Kid Sense Child Development are designed to help children learn how to live independently. Through various activities like arts and crafts, swimming, skipping rope, piano and dance, children learn how to interact with others on their own. The common goal of an occupational therapist is to let children know that they are responsible for their well-being.
The occupational therapist’s job is to assess each child’s abilities and strengths in a holistic approach. They will make sure that the entire treatment program focuses on the overall well-being of the child. They will help families make appropriate decisions about medication and interventions. Once the whole process is finished, the occupational therapist presents results and recommendations to parents for their input.
Parents should not feel ashamed when dealing with a child who suffers from an illness. It is vital to establish a positive relationship with the doctor because they are the ones that must listen to the child’s problems. Many parents worry that their children would be kept away from them if they were to visit the doctor.
When the occupational therapist is present during a visit, children understand their disease much better. They are encouraged to tell the therapist about their wishes and wants. The therapist is always willing to help the family and is not a distant, “other”.
As far as Occupational Therapy Adelaide programs are concerned, the best thing about them is that they are usually designed in such a way that they can be modified at any time for an individual child. Hence, there is no necessity to shut down the therapy session just because your child is ill.
The therapist and the parent meet to discuss the child’s developmental status before, during and after the therapy session. If the child develops new skills, the therapist implements them as soon as possible.
During therapy, the occupational therapist plays an essential role in helping children to express their emotions. They are capable of encouraging children to release stress through music, dance, art and crafts. Frequently, it is through these activities that children develop strong feelings and experiences.
Occupational therapy programs are primarily based on family therapies and social skills. With that said, they may include other non-traditional treatments such as child psychology, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, nutritional counselling and massage therapy.