The Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy

'Parents are sometimes flummoxed about what an occupational therapist does. 'Occupational' doesn't explain itself as readily as 'speech and language' or 'physio', and it may conjure up images of basket weaving or learning to type! '

We asked an occupational therapist to explain how OT can help children, with a range of difficulties whether physical disabilities, behavioural problems or neural differences.

OT programmes can be short or long-term and may focus on a key area such as handwriting (fine motor skills) or across several areas.

What does a paediatric occupational therapist do?

Frances Beaumont, occupational therapist and dyspraxia specialist helps unravel the mystery.

An occupational therapist will begin by assessing your child holistically - that is, they will look not just at the problems, but the whole child and their environment. They assess the sensory skills, motor (muscle) control and understanding skills of your child. This will include some standardised tests but, don't worry, these are often more like games and usually very enjoyable!

The standardised test results are important if a statement of SEN is required, and they are also useful for the SENCo or additional needs co-ordinator (AENCo) at school. They should disseminate any relevant information to all the teachers who work with your child, but don't assume they automatically leap into action and put into place all or even anything that is recommended!

Getting a diagnosis

A diagnosis is often a relief and enables children to understand their strengths and difficulties in a new light, but treatment may be required to help them cope with life in and out of school.

Treatment is usually recommended to help improve one or more of the following: sensory integration, balancing skills, fine motor skills (like handwriting), gross motor skills (like kicking a ball) hand-eye co-ordination, organisational skills. This is where occupational therapy comes in.

Occupational therapy in practice

Treatment can be fun, and might include exercises, games, learning strategies and self-care.

It will be geared to the age of your child and their particular problem areas, and might involve:

games such as 3D noughts and crosses and maze games to give practice with fine hand control
throwing hoop games to improve hand-eye co-ordination and balance
practising lace tying, buttons and zips on large toy versions
games of strategy involving memory and sequencing
looking at the seating and desk your child uses to see if it gives the correct support and writing angle.

Computer games - often the bane of many a parent's life - also have considerable value in the world of occupational therapy as a treatment tool.

An occupational therapist will also help older children to improve their organisational skills, devising strategies with your child to help conquer the confusing muddle in which neuro-diverse children so often find themselves without knowing why.

Achieving skills that once seemed impossible not only makes life easier and brighter on a practical level, it is a huge boost to self-esteem and sense of independence, which are all part of an occupational therapist's aims.

It is recognised that different teaching approaches are needed according to the way children experience the world. In some cases this may require additional training, and an occupational therapist can help in planning and classroom management.

Frances Beaumont, DipCOT, SROT, Cert Ed of Occupational Therapy Services, is an independent practitioner with over 30 years' experience of occupational therapy. She is also a trained teacher. She specialises in assessing children (from the age of 11), students, and adults with dyspraxia.

Compiled with thanks for comments from Wendy Clarke, Head Occupational Therapist, Mary Sheridan Centre, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3AT, and Jill Christmas, Independent Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Christmas Children's Clinic, Manor Road, Rusthal, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8UE