Online occupational therapists help children to engage and become more proficient in the activities that are the stuff of life. What may seem simple to you sometimes isn’t the case for your child. For your child, the therapist works to ensure full participation in the breadth of school activities. This enhancement can range anywhere from holding a pencil or an instrument, to paying attention in class or just behaving.
The objective of school-based occupational therapy is to identify and solve those problems that are impeding the student’s success. Online occupational therapists take a holistic approach by focusing both on general performance as well as the particular challenges the child is experiencing in being successful at specific tasks.
Occupational Therapists devise creative ways to overcome challenges. If a child has trouble eating, the therapist can provide special forks and spoons that are longer, shorter, or have easy-to-hold rubber grips. If writing is the problem, the therapist might strengthen the pointer finger by finger painting. With occupational therapy, there are many ways to get the job done!
Attention, Arousal and Sensory Processing
An overly sensitive child tends to be withdrawn. Being easily overwhelmed by auditory and visual stimuli, she may want to avoid gym, recess and lunch. The buzz of fluorescent lights may distract her, making it difficult to pay attention and participate in class. For such children, OTs may suggest special seating or testing in a separate room, reducing sensory overload.
At the same time, an under sensitive child often craves input. In the classroom, that craving translates into “disruptive” sensory seekers, who want to keep moving, touching and even body blocking other kids. It is fairly simple to understand why this type of behavior is often subject to be confused with ADHD. To help this child, OTs provide activities like crashing onto huge bean bags or jumping on trampolines.
Fine Motor Skills
When a child has problems drawing or using scissors this indicates that there is a weakness in Fine Motor Skills. The small hand muscles provide the control, strength and dexterity to successfully perform these tasks. If left unresolved, often the child will have trouble turning pages, writing, or using a computer later on.
OTs have a range of fun techniques to help develop fine motor skills. For instance, a dot paint activity helps develop control and dexterity, while the thumb-and-finger hold, aka the pincer grasp, helps in using a pencil or fork. Popping bubble wrap also develops the pincer grasp, along with dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
Online Occupational Therapy is better than traditional face-to-face therapy
Growing evidence suggests that Online Occupational Therapy leads to similar or better clinical outcomes as compared to conventional interventions. It is kid friendly: today’s kids are comfortable with computers. It is convenient: no barriers of time and geography. Moreover, it is uncomplicated: all you need is a computer connected to the Internet, a webcam, and an audio headset.
