What is the Role of Occupational therapy?
Playing is a vital tool that has an impact on a child’s life. Growing, learning, and playing are the fundamental objectives of childhood. Children frequently learn to make sense of the world around them via play. Playing is a child’s “work” or “occupation” because it helps them develop physical coordination, emotional maturity, social skills for interacting with other kids, and self-confidence to attempt new things and explore new places.
Occupational therapists are trained to assess a child’s neurological, musculoskeletal, and emotional development, as well as to determine the impact of baby and childhood disease on growth and development.
Let’s explore:
- Assist in the adaptation of toys or the modification of the surroundings to offer optimal sensory input to the kid without overloading them.
- Recommend toys and play activities that offer the kid with the “just right” level of difficulty so that he or she may learn while having fun. Occupational therapy can also suggest techniques to help the child develop his or her talents and talents.
- Provide opportunities for turn-taking and problem-solving through play. When proposing play techniques, keep in mind the family’s routines and priorities. Identify and build play methods that support a healthy lifestyle and relationships by observing, identifying, and developing them.
- Suggest toys that will aid in the development of specific abilities while still being enjoyable for the youngster.
- Provide suggestions on how family members might become more involved in the child’s play. Toys and recreational activities for children of all ages and abilities are recommended. Work with educators and caregivers to improve playtime at home, at school at recess, and on community trips.
- Assist in determining which toys are safe, developmentally appropriate, and enjoyable for a specific kid, based on an evaluation and the kid’s and family’s needs and objectives.
Occupational therapy practitioners are important health care providers who value play in families, schools, and communities. They assess all areas of activity to promote health, growth, and development. They are skilled at observing, identifying, and developing play strategies and healthy habits for children and their families and building toward successful participation in adulthood.
Have you had the chance to work with an occupational therapist yet?
The Meaningful Play Store was developed to assist and educate parents, caregivers, teachers, and other therapists in the selection of tools that benefit children with autism, developmental delays, or sensory deficits. Our goal is to support our playmates with toys and tools that improve overall functioning to help them reach their maximum potential.