Mornings are tough for Joe. He has cerebral
palsy, a condition that affects the brain's
control over the muscles in
his body. That means Joe has difficulty with balance. Getting out of bed, brushing
his teeth, and getting dressed are hard work.
But Joe wants to do things for himself. And he hates it when other people have
to help. Fortunately, once a week Joe attends an occupational therapy session. Joe's
occupational
therapist helps him stay independent and do things on his own.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Everyone has an occupation or job. A kid's occupation is to grow,
learn, do schoolwork, and play. Occupational therapy (or OT) helps kids who have a
physical, sensory, or cognitive disability carry out everyday activities like brushing
their teeth or putting on shoes and socks.
Some occupational therapists help kids create alternate ways to play popular games
they might miss out on because of their illness or injury. Many work with kids who
need help with their handwriting or in developing learning strategies to help them
remain focused in class and get their homework done.
Occupational therapy helps children with special needs be as independent as possible
or aids a kid who's returning to school after a long illness or severe injury. Some
people say a physical therapist will get you where you are going, but an occupational
therapist helps you out when you get there.
Who Needs It?
All sorts of kids see an occupational therapist. Most have difficulty performing
everyday activities like dressing, tying shoes, feeding themselves, paying attention,
writing, drawing, or coloring in the lines.
Some kids with conditions like cerebral palsy (like Joe), muscular
dystrophy, or spina bifida
may need to use a wheelchair. An occupational therapist can help kids in wheelchairs
come up with a plan to go through the lunch line, get stuff out of their school locker,
and make it to class on time.
Occupational therapists also may help children with autism
learn how to interact with others, or might help kids with sensory processing disorders
learn ways to interact with their environment in a more comfortable and appropriate
way.
An occupational therapist also offers aids and equipment like slings or splints
to provide support to different parts of the body. They can help you find devices
that make it easier to do things like opening a jar, putting your shoes on, or taking
a bath or shower.