Occupational Therapy for Children of All Abilities
The earliest years of a child's life are filled with new stimulations and novel experiences. All these help shape a child's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. The first 5 years of life is a critical time for brain development, especially if a child is delayed or restricted in development. If a child needs support to develop optimally, occupational therapy can help.
So, what is Occupational Therapy? In general, occupational therapy helps children to maximize their potential in school, play and self-care performance. These include:
The earliest years of a child's life are filled with new stimulations and novel experiences. All these help shape a child's physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. The first 5 years of life is a critical time for brain development, especially if a child is delayed or restricted in development. If a child needs support to develop optimally, occupational therapy can help.
So, what is Occupational Therapy? In general, occupational therapy helps children to maximize their potential in school, play and self-care performance. These include:
- Functional classroom skills - e.g., handwriting, scissors skills, attention to task, on-seat behavior
- Play skills - e.g., in the areas of play exploration, pretend play, social play, physical sports and games
- Fine motor skills - e.g., picking up small objects with thumb and index finger, manipulating objects with fingers, finger control and dexterity, eye-hand coordination, coordinated use of both hands
- Gross motor skills - e.g., postural control, balance, strength, coordination and motor planning skills
- Self care skills - e.g., dressing, feeding, showering
- Social skills - e.g., getting along with others, working as a team