What is Occupational Therapy?
Skills for Living
Occupations are the familiar and meaningful activities that people do every day. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children learn skills and participate in activities for successful, independent daily living. OT at Cincinnati Children’s makes it possible for children, adolescents and young adults with injuries, physical challenges or developmental disabilities to engage in normal daily life to the greatest extent possible.
What Occupational Therapy Offers
For children, OT focuses on developing specific life skills. Through specific exercises and task-related activities, occupational therapists help your child learn or regain these critical skills. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, we work with your child and family in developing creative alternatives to achieve goals.
Customized Treatment
Our occupational therapists work with physical therapists and other specialists to create a customized program which addresses your child’s unique needs. The therapy process includes an initial evaluation, during which we assess your child’s current level of function. After the evaluation, the occupational therapist will create a treatment plan that may include:
- Fine motor skills
- Oral motor function and feeding skills
- Activities of daily living
- Cognition
- Visual perception
- Sensory integration
- Aquatic (pool) therapy
- Instructions for home exercise programs
Additional Occupational Therapy Services
- Recommendations and training in the use of wheelchairs and other equipment that helps replace lost function
- Recommendations on how to adapt the home and school environment
- Guidance for family members about safe and effective methods of caring for your child
