Newsletter

April is Occupational Therapy Month! This observance began in 1980 to celebrate the practitioners and researchers of this field. To join in on the celebration, we are taking a brief look at Occupational Therapy, specifically Pediatric Occupational Therapy, and how to get the most out of your child’s OT experience.

The field of occupational therapy stems from Ancient Greece. The name occupational therapy has been around since the 1920s. Occupational therapy is healthcare designed for people with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. Occupational therapists help individuals perform necessary tasks at school, work, or home. Pediatric occupational therapists see children with fine motor skills delays, cognitive delays, sensory integration issues, or need help with basic self-care tasks.

If your child is seeing an occupational therapist, it is essential that you know how to make the most of your time with the therapist. You can do things before, during, and after your child’s OT sessions to optimize your experience.

Before ● Dress your child correctly for their occupational therapy appointments. These appointments are physical and may be messy. Comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little playdoh or paint on would be ideal.

● Gather information from past doctor’s appointments, other therapists, and evaluations. You want to have a clear understanding of your goals and needs. If you have your existing documents collected and some thoughts written down, you are less likely to forget to tell your OT something important. For subsequent appointments, keep a notebook or file on your phone where you can write observations about your child in between appointments.

During ● Be open to communicating and collaborating with your child’s therapist. The OT will set goals for your child, but no one knows your child better than you. Make sure to chime in when you think you have information that would be valuable to your child’s OT for their goals or focus areas.

After ● Use playtime and bath time as opportunities to work on your child’s new skills in a relaxed, fun way. Some toys specifically work on motor skills but are still fun for children to play with.

● Follow your child’s OT’s suggestions. There might be technology that the OT recommends or even minor tweaks around the house, like changing the lighting at bedtime. Occupational therapists use research and experience to determine their suggestions. Follow through on the recommendations or talk to your OT if there is a significant obstacle to the suggestions.

● Cheer on your child when they reach their goals, whether big or small. If they demonstrate progress in an area where they have been struggling, point that out to your child and their therapist.

With these tips, your child is sure to make the most of their occupational therapy. Make sure to thank an OT this April!

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Tips for babies and children:

• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

Tips for everyone:

• Always follow the product label instructions.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.
  • Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
  • Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
  • Use air conditioning, if available.
  • Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.

- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.

- Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.

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