Occupational Therapy

Communication Works believes in using an interdisciplinary team approach in supporting our clients.  Occupational therapy can advance global development, including speech and language skills, and promote independence in key areas of daily life, such as social interactions and academics.

We understand that a child’s occupation includes playing, going to school, eating, grooming, dressing, going on community outings, as well as other daily tasks. If someone is not able to function to his or her fullest potential in the meaningful activities of daily life, an occupational therapist can help improve his or her independence. This may include help with adapting the task at hand, modifying the environment, providing accommodations such as behavioral support, and building skills in the following areas:

• Sensory and emotional regulation 
• Processing and integration of sensory input
• Social skills
• Fine motor, visual motor, and gross motor skills
• Attending, listening, and processing
• Organization and time management
• Cognitive tasks
• Self-help, including eating, dressing, and grooming

If your child is displaying any of the following behaviors in the areas listed below, he or she may benefit from the services of an occupational therapist:

Sensory

• Easily irritated by or avoids a sensation (noise, texture, smell, movement, taste)
• Seeks out more of a sensation than expected, such as always on the move, excessively touching things, or constantly engaging in crashing activities or rough play
• Has difficulty sitting still
• Easily distracted

Motor

• Appears clumsy or awkward in movement
• Has difficulty with ball skills
• Delayed in meeting motor milestones  
• Displays poor fine motor skills (handwriting, manipulating fasteners, pencil grasp)
• Has trouble using two hands together (steadying paper while printing or cutting with scissors)

Self-Regulation

• Has difficulty regulating emotions or body to social and environmental demands
• Unaware of being in a heightened state of alertness
• Unaware of being in a low state of alertness
• Lacks coping or calming strategies
• Has difficulty understanding how actions impact the thoughts and feelings of others

Social

• Poor ability to make or keep friends
• Has difficulty reading social cues
• Unable to take turns or share
• Immature play skills (lacks imagination, has difficulty engaging in cooperative play)

Self-Help

• Delayed skills in dressing (manipulating clothing, tying shoes, buttoning, zipping, snapping)
• Difficulty with feeding (manipulating utensils, chewing, neatness)
• Difficulty with grooming (sequencing steps, hygiene, distress during grooming activities)
• Lack of regard for safety in the community or at home

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