Are the agemates of your child hitting some milestones and effortlessly taking part in activities while your kid seems to fall behind? This is very frustrating to every parent. But the good news is that you don’t have to worry because your child can be guided well to overcome limitations as well as enjoy taking part in more meaningful daily activities via occupational therapy Auburn.
What Occupational Therapy Is
It is a healthcare branch helping people of every age with cognitive, sensory, or physical problems. It helps them to regain independence in every aspect of their lives. An occupational therapist helps with barriers affecting an individual’s physical, social, and emotional needs. To do that, they often use daily exercise, activities, and other forms of therapy. The expert can also help children plan, improve their performance in school, and support their everyday activities, not to mention, they can boost their self-esteem as well as sense of accomplishment.
When is the Therapy Required?
This is a common question that most patients ask. Although some kids can develop abilities later, there are very specific situations where therapy will come in handy. These situations include the following:
- Kids dealing with paralysis or cancer
- Extreme burns
- Kids suffering from a congenital defect
- Challenges faced because of birth-related issues or injuries
- Conditions, such as arthritis
- Difficulty in learning new tasks
- Developmental disorders, including behavioural issues and autism
Benefits of the Therapy to Kids
Occupational therapy is helpful to kids with different cognitive development difficulties. Some of the ways it helps kids include the following
1. Improving Cognitive and Fine Motor Skills
Kids with sensory processing disorders and developmental delays struggle a lot with fine motor skills, like holding a pencil, tying shoelaces, and using scissors. Through a play-based intervention, a therapist helps such kids develop critical skills, coordination, strength, and control in movements, enabling them to navigate the environment more efficiently or effectively.
2. Gain Independence
Most kids have challenges with some self-care activities, like eating, grooming, and dressing. Occupational therapy may help kids gain the skills they require to independently carry out those activities while improving their self-esteem and confidence.
3. Get Better Skills in Communication
One of the good results you will get from taking your kids for therapy includes improved skills of communication. A therapist will ensure your kid can communicate with their agemates and work on their capability to socially interact with everyone around them.
4. Foster Emotional and Social Development
The therapy plays an important role in supporting kids’ social-emotional development. During a therapy session, a certified therapist will help your kid develop important social skills, like cooperation and empathy, which are crucial for their survival. Through strategies that are focused on problem-solving, emotional expression, and social interaction, a therapist will encourage your child to build a positive relationship with their friends and effectively regulate their own emotions.
In summary, an occupational therapy session will have a significant impact on your child’s sensory integration processes, social skills, cognitive abilities, and motor skills. The therapy will help your child gain independence in their everyday life activities as well as improve their quality of life.
