Occupational Therapy focuses on how a child or adult uses his or her body and mind to function in day to day life. It is of vital importance for people who are facing a difficult time in performing their daily activities due to physical, sensory or emotional challenges.Bridges Speech Center offers the best occupational therapy treatment in Dubai, helping individuals of all ages enhance their daily living skills.
Occupational therapy for Autism :
Facing trouble with daily routines, poor social and play skills, over and sometimes under-reactions towards various sensory stimuli, poor self regulation, impaired motor planning and coordination are few of the challenges seen in children with autism.
Hence, Occupational therapy intervention is targetted towards building independence, learning and improved community involvement as per the individual’s capabilities and challenges.
As every individual presents with unique challenges and goals, functional abilities vary; hence, therapeutic interventions are customised for the best results.
Does my child need occupational therapy?
As a parent , you may wonder if your child needs Occupational therapy support. Occupational therapy can be really helpful for kids who are having a hard time with things like holding a pencil, getting dressed, staying focused, or handling certain textures or noises. All children develop at their own pace. But if you notice that your child is consistently struggling with things that other kids of the same age are doing easily, then it might be worthwhile to get an evaluation. For example, if they seem to avoid certain clothes because of how they feel or have trouble using cutlery, or meltdown while attempting simple tasks, a professional occupational therapy assessment can help in understanding the problem and finding a solution.
Occupational therapy for toddlers
The toddler years are a critical time for brain and body development. If reflexes are not integrated during this stage, it may delay progress in speech, movement, and learning. Early occupational therapy focusing on reflex integration helps set the foundation for smoother growth in all areas. Occupational therapy helps toddlers build better control of their body, emotions, and attention-setting them up for success as they grow and explore the world.
Paediatric occupational therapy
Early support can make a big difference in a child’s ability to succeed at home, in school, and in various social settings. Pediatric occupational therapy not only helps a child gain the necessary skills, but also guides parents and caregivers with strategies they can use at home to aid and promote their child’s growth and independence. Pediatric occupational therapy helps children build the physical, emotional, and cognitive skills they need for daily life.
How is Occupational therapy different from Physiotherapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on how your child uses their body and mind to function in daily life, whereas Physiotherapy focuses on building strength, improving mobility, etc.
An example of occupational therapy
Imagine a 4-year-old child who struggles to eat independently. He has trouble holding a spoon, often spills food, and avoids certain textures like mushy or crunchy items and moves or runs around too much while eating.
An Occupational Therapy consultation can help you set goals such as:
– Practicing with hand control
– Moulding with techniques to hold a spoon.
– Introducing sensory stimuli to reduce sensitivity.
– Reflex integration.
– Improving fine motor dexterity
