At Pratheeksha Bhavan, Occupational therapy (OT) deals with strengthening fine motor skills.  These skills include tasks like writing, using scissors, tying shoes, and using utensils. OT is commonly used in children's special education programs.

For adults recovering from an accident or stroke, OT may indeed include work-related skills. But for children, whose "occupation" is school and play, therapy focuses more sharply on developmental milestones and skills required for the playground and academic activities.

Occupational therapists working with children typically use techniques and routines that seem like play. In reality, they are designed to target areas of delay and difficulty. Some occupational therapists also are trained in therapy with a sensory integration approach. This method uses play-like activities to help children better process and tolerate the information they get through their senses.

The goal of OT is to equip your child with the skills needed to function in the educational environment. As a result, your child's educational goals should be considered when developing an OT plan. Occupational therapists use various evaluation tools and techniques to guide their intervention.

When your child enters an OT program, it's best to have a full understanding of what is involved. This information empowers you to help in any way possible and to ensure they are receiving the therapy that is most beneficial.

Our school's occupational therapist can be very helpful in addressing problems in the classroom. They can recommend things like special writing utensils, seating solutions to keep your child from fidgeting, or weighted items to help them remain calm and focus.

Try to maintain good communication with your child's occupational therapist so that you are aware of how your child is doing. You also may want to ask about any problems you need advice on at home. Additionally, you can find out if there's any work you could do with your child to further the OT goals. The exercises often look like games to kids and may be a good way to sneak some substance into your playtime.