What are the Best Tools for Occupational Therapy for Children?
OT is regarded as a vital service and a component of the coping strategy for kids with developmental impairments. This is due to the fact that OT addresses a variety of topics, including gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, problem-solving techniques, and the growth of interpersonal relationships through the improvement of play, interaction, and communication. Information on the tools used in therapy may be helpful to Bundoora parents and guardians of children in need of occupational therapy.
What is Occupational therapy?
The goal of pediatric occupational therapy is to encourage children's independence in the range of tasks they must perform. These include activities like dressing, eating, playing, and socializing with adults or other children. One of the main responsibilities of OTs is to assist and facilitate children in reaching their goals and objectives; to do this, they use a variety of instruments and methods.
Essential OT Tools for Children
While every child's needs are unique, there are some common tools used in occupational therapy:
Sensory Tools
- Sensory bins, including those stuffed with different materials, facilitate exploration of the containers through touch.
- Weighed blankets: return sensory information that puts the body at ease and can assist in concentration.
- Fidget toys: allow unique stimulation opportunities and can help to decrease anxiety.
- Therapy putty: improves the strength of hands and their flexibility, which is needed for grasping, while stimulating the receptors of the skin.
Fine Motor Tools
- Playdough helps to develop hand muscles, finer motor movement, and the use of imagination.
- Puzzles: Promote problem solving, critical thinking , and improving motor skills.
- Building blocks: Enhance hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and creative thinking
- Writing tools with different grips: Children will learn the correct handling of pencils and practice good handwriting.
Gross Motor Tools
- Balance boards improve dynamic balance, proprioception, neuromotor control, and functional stability.
- Obstacle courses enhance gross motor skills, motor coordination, and problem-solving skills.
- Balls: The child should be encouraged to be involved in throwing and catching exercises to build hand-eye coordination and motor planning ability.
- Tricycles or bikes foster control and coordination when children are playing and performing other actions involving large movements of the body and limbs and physical stability.
Adaptive Equipment
- Specialized seating: comply with the university guidelines by giving proper support and maintaining good posture.
- Adaptive utensils: supervise feeding and some basic functions during self-feeding.
- Communication devices: help children who stammer or have any form of speech or language processing disorder.
- Assistive technology facilitates those children with physical or learning disabilities to access activities on a physical level.
Locating an OT in Bundoora
If someone needs occupational therapy for children in Bundoora, a number of facilities are present that provide occupational therapy services. Remember that your child's requirements and goals will determine which are the ideal tools for them. An expert occupational therapist will examine your child and provide appropriate tools and activities for their age.
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