Pediatric Occupational Therapists
The Speech & OT Centre is a child and family centered service that aims to empower children and their families to nurture their development across childhood. Pediatric Occupational therapist often work with children and adolescents to help them achieve their daily occupations that may include self-care, school and play. By focusing on these key areas, OTs help children in developing confidence, self-esteem, social skills and general wellbeing.
When to refer for Pediatric occupational therapy in Sydney ?
Pediatric Occupational Therapists can support children who need support in a range of different areas. These are some of things to look out for:
Self Care
- Difficulty with buttons, zippers, shoelaces
- Difficulty with opening and closing your lunchbox , or unscrewing your water bottle
- Trouble ‘orienting’ clothing
- Poor sequencing within tasks (dressing or packing bag)
- Trouble with skills such as brushing hair or teeth, toileting, bathing or using a knife & fork
Sensory Processing
- Sensitivity to certain auditory input (sounds), tactile input (touch – textures, temperatures, pressure), visual input or vestibular input (movement)
- Seeks some sensations (e.g. deep pressure, vibration, spinning or light touch)
- Easily overstimulated, or generally low level arousal (flat affect, hard to engage)
Clumsy or awkward movements:
- Falling or tripping over
- Bumping into people or objects
Poor postural control
- Resting head in hand when writing
- Slouching when standing or sitting at a desk
- Leaning on furniture, walls or other people
Social, play and Emotional skills
- Making friends
- initiating interactions and responding appropriately with others
- Taking turns with other
- Sharing
- Separating from parents
- Managing and regulating emotions and feelings
- Sequencing in play, and learning how to play appropriately with toys
Drawing & Handwriting:
- Difficulty tracing over lines
- Difficulty drawing shapes
- Immature or restrictive pencil grip
- Poor letter formation
- Reversals
- Poor spatial organisation/setting out or neatness
- Reduced writing speed
- Experiencing pain when writing
Poor coordination
- Difficulty throwing or catching a ball
- Difficulty climbing, riding a bike and/or coordinating movements of arms and legs
Poor balance:
- Difficulty with steps, walking on a line or balance beam
- Standing on one leg
- Hopping
Copying
- Trouble copying from the board or text books
- Omitting letters or words
- Poor spatial organisation
- Reduced speed (difficulty ‘keeping up’ in class)
Cutting Skills
- Holding scissors awkwardly
- Tense or asymmetrical posture
- Decreased accuracy and neatness
- Poor planning
- Swapping hands
- Changing direction when cutting