Paediatric Occupational Therapy is a health profession that supports individuals to perform meaningful occupations.
Occupation is a term that is used to describe roles that we need to do, want to do, or are expected to do.
So what’s a meaningful occupation for children…. PLAY!!!
OT’s will engage your child in play – not only is it lots of fun but that’s not the only reason!
Play is a way that children occupy their time, discover the world, and develop skills and ability.
Play helps children to develop:
There are different stages of play that you may see your child perform. These include:
As well as stages of play, there is also types of play that you may see your child engage in. These include:
Paediatric Occupational Therapy uses play to not just have a fun time! Play will show OT’s how your child thinks, acts, and responds to situations as well as demonstrate different skills they have such as using their hands to hold objects.
Paediatric OT’s will observe and engage your child in play to not only understand what they can do but to observe if there are any skills that may need to be supported with therapy.
OT’s will use play to support your child to develop skills that are important to achieve their goals. Play as a therapy tool allows the therapist to develop a relationship with your child and provide a motivating way to support new skill development.
Play is an important occupation for all children. OTs understand that play not only is important for a child’s development, but it is also a primary motivator for engaging children in activity.
Paediatric OT’s will use the occupation of play appropriate for your child skills and ability to support them to meet their overall goals. It might sometimes seem that the OT Is “just playing” but they will always be observing, challenging, modifying, and engaging for a variety of purposes to support your child’s development.
National 360 has a variety of OT’s that work in paediatrics that can support your child to meet their physical, emotional, and environmental goals. Our therapists are committed to supporting your child and family to maximise participation, inclusion, and independence through our therapy service. We work across a wide range of locations including your home, schools, day-care and other community settings.