What is OT and Could My Child Benefit?

Because I created a children’s fitness facility that also services the special needs community, I am constantly asked, “What is OT?”

Occupational therapy, “OT,” treatment focuses on helping people achieve independence in all areas of their lives.  According to The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., “Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.” In essence, OT can help people with various needs improve their cognitive, physical and motor skills and enhance their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

Your child may benefit from OT if he/she:

·         Avoids novel physical activities

·         Exhibits poor handwriting or tires easily when completing fine motor tasks

·         Frequently falls or runs into people or objects

·         Has more difficulty than peers when getting dressed, tying shoes or fastening clothes

·         Experiences difficulty putting together puzzles or finding hidden objects

·         Has trouble sitting up or sitting still during circle time

·         Becomes easily frustrated and has frequent emotional outbursts

If you believe that your child could be helped by occupational therapy, resources are plentiful.  To learn more about OT services, visit The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy or contact your child’s school.

To develop customized therapeutic goals that are meaningful to your child and effective in helping him or her reach maximum potential, call Fitness for Health at 301-231-7138 or visit our website.