An Occupational therapist is a health care professional who works with people with disabilities and developmental challenges to promote functional and independent living skills.
An Occupational therapist is a health care professional who works with people with disabilities and developmental challenges to promote functional and independent living skills. The occupational therapists at the Comox Valley Child Development Association work with children from birth to kindergarten age through the Early Intervention Program. Services are also available through Ministry Funded Programs (e.g. Autism, At Home for children up to 19 years of age).
A paediatric OT works with parents to promote a child's development in all areas, including motor, self-care and school-readiness skills. Examples of these skills include hand use, dressing, feeding, play, behaviour, and cognitive skills. Therapy is provided in the environment best suited to your child's specific needs.
To become an occupational therapist you must be a graduate from a recognized university program in Occupational Therapy. Many paediatric occupational therapists also acquire training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy and Sensory Integration.
When do you need an OT?
Children are often referred to OT when they have:
- A medical diagnosis such as Autism, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc.
- Been born prematurely
- Oral motor or feeding difficulties
- Difficulty with hand function/dominance
- Difficulty attending to tasks
- Sensory integration difficulties
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioural challenges
- Kindergarten readiness concerns
What happens after my child is referred to OT?
The paediatric OT will work with you to identify area(s) of concern that are interfering with your child's development by:
- Completing a Sensory Profile and Functional Skills Assessment using the PEDI
- Conducting a parent interview
- Conducting formal and informal assessments of your child
What happens after the assessment?
The OT will work with the family and caregivers facilitate your child's development by:
- Creating an Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
- Developing a therapy program
- Adapting the environment
- Facilitating integration in a community programs
- Working collaboratively with community care providers including the Family Physician, Behaviour Consultant, Psychologist, Pediatricians, Physiotherapy, Speech Language Pathology, Supported Child Development, Infant Development Program, Public Health Nurses, School District.
- Liaising with Health Care Facilities (e.g. BC Children's Hospital, Capital Health Region, Neonatal Follow-up Clinic, Autism Diagnostic Team, Queen Alexandra, and At Home Program.
The goal of OT is to help children develop to their optimal potential in order to become independent, socially integrated, happy individuals.
Submitted by Susan Macdonald, Occupational Therapist
250-338-4288 Ext. 231
For more information on Occupational Therapy, visit:
Beckman Oral Motor Intervention
British Columbia Society of Occupational Therapists
Canada's Occupational Therapy Resource Site
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
College of Occupational Therapists of BC
