The Occupational Therapist

 

Occupational Therapists working with children observe a child’s occupations. These are the things that children need to be able to do to live their lives and fulfil their occupational roles, i.e. to be part of a family, play, look after themselves, make friends and go to school to learn!
The primary goal of the Occupational Therapist is to help children develop, restore and maintain those skills, behaviours and relationships necessary for independent living.
Occupational Therapy plays a role in helping a child and the family to adapt to the challenges imposed on everyday life by a physical, psychological or learning disability.

THE ROLE OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

The Occupational Therapist assesses the child’s performance and skills in activities that are meaningful to the child. When problems are identified, the occupational therapist helps the child to gain the relevant skills, or adapts the environment or makes adjustments and compensation or functional deficits.
This enables more productive and satisfying learning and growing experiences for the child.

 


Occupational Therapist Image