“If you tell me, I forget...
If you show me, I see...
If you involve me, I understand”
Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Norwood, Hingham and surrounding areas
People often ask why occupational therapists work with children since they do not have jobs. An ‘occupation’ is more than a vocation, it is any activity that a person values and spends time doing. Children have many occupations that make up their daily lives, such as playing, learning and participating in other meaningful activities. They grow and change rapidly as they explore and play, developing motor coordination, social skills, self-care, and planning abilities.
Occupational therapy is designed to use purposeful and meaningful activities to help individuals develop “skills for the job of living”. This might include learning to ride a bicycle or pump a playground swing, navigating a playground effectively, writing their name, getting dressed or tying their shoes. Older children may need help learning how to organize themselves during daily routines and homework, and participate in chores and meal preparation at home.
How Our Occupational Therapists Can Help
Pediatric occupational therapists address the foundations and specific skills at each stage of development to ensure greater success in activities of daily living. The environment and tasks are modified to allow the child to experience success at each step of the process, moving them towards independence.
Although not all children have a formal medical diagnosis, we have expertise in evaluating and treating the following:
- Developmental Delays
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning Disabilities
- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety
- Emotional Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Genetic Disorders
Our Individual Treatment Plans
Our skilled occupational therapists take the time to carefully evaluate each child and develop an individual treatment plan specifically designed to help the child successfully respond to everyday situations and occupations.
Our facility utilizes premier treatment spaces and the latest treatment techniques to provide evaluations, treatment and consultation for:
- Sensory Integration Intervention
- Fine Motor Development/Handwriting
- Visual Perception/Ocular-Motor
- Eye-Hand Coordination/Ball Skills
- Gross Motor Coordination/Balance/Core Strengthening
- Oral Motor/Feeding
- Therapeutic Music Programs: The Listening Program, Therapeutic
- Listening and Integrated Listening System (iLS)
- Alert Program of Self Regulation/ Zones of Regulation/Sensory
- Diets
- Brain Gym®
- Reflex Integration
- Bal-A-Vis-X (Balance-Auditory-Visual-Exercises)
- Astronaut Training Exercises
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment Approach (NDT)
- Craniosacral Therapy
What Does Occupational Therapy Treatment for Kids Include?
Pediatric occupational therapists are highly trained to provide a wide variety of treatment modalities, combining the principals of neuroscience, development and play. After all, every child has unique strengths, needs and goals. When you choose South Shore Therapies you can expect the following children's occupational therapy services, among others:
- Evaluations: Our team will administer pediatric occupational therapy evaluations tailored to assess your child’s areas of concern and monitor progress over time. These evaluations look at developmental skills, fine motor skills, handwriting, oral-motor and feeding, self-care, sensory processing, and much more.
- Individualized Treatment: No two children are the same, which means therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our team will take an individualized approach to meet your child's exact needs.
- Meetings with Schools: Our work does not end when you exit our office. The team at South Shore Therapies is happy to communicate with area preschools and primary schools to discuss your child's unique needs and provide strategies to enhance your child’s success in these environments.
Are There Red Flags That My Child Needs Therapy?
There are many signals that your child may need pediatric occupational therapy services. If you suspect a problem, contact us for a free phone intake call. We'll evaluate your child and recommend the best course of action. In the meantime, stay on the lookout for the following red flags:
- Delayed Motor Skills: If your child is having a hard time with hand-eye coordination, balance, climbing stairs, handwriting, or other motor skills, ask us about a pediatric occupational therapy plan.
- Motor Planning: Perhaps your child has a hard time learning new motor skills or consistently completing daily tasks. Difficulty picking up motor tasks could also be a sign of a problem.
- Sensory Challenges: Sound and touch sensitivity, difficulty with self-care activities, and visual-perception problems could all indicate an underlying developmental problem.
- Disorganization: Poor regulation and organization skills or inflexibility when it comes to a schedule change could be a sign that your child needs pediatric occupational therapy treatment.
- Hyperactivity: Impulsiveness and high activity levels can be a sign of sensory processing disorder, ADHD and several other conditions. Be sure to visit us for an evaluation.
- Decreased Attention: If your child has difficulty paying attention, occupational therapy could help improve their ability to focus.
How Occupational Therapy Intervention Can Support Early Childhood Development
It is vital to your child’s development to recognize delays as early as possible. By identifying your child’s areas of need, you can change the trajectory of their developmental path by providing them with adequate support. Identifying developmental challenges early gives children the chance to improve functional outcomes and avoid potential issues in their learning, motor development, confidence, and behavior.
Areas where occupational therapy intervention can support your infant and toddler are:
- Sensory Integration
- Self-Regulation and Sleep
- Gross Motor Milestones
- Early Fine Motor & Play Skills
- Ocular Motor & Functional Vision
- Early Feeding & Transition to Solids
Early Red Flags that may indicate occupational therapy intervention is warranted:
- Easily startled (0-3 months)
- Difficulty consoling self; unusually fussy
- Poor muscle tone
- Decreased head control
- Difficulty tolerating a prone (stomach) position
- Slow to roll over, sit, creep, or stand
- Absent or brief creeping before walking
- Unable to bring hands together and bang toys
- Frequent fisting of hands after six months
- Dislikes baths, diaper changing, or dressing
- Cries or becomes tense when moved through space
- Overly active, seeks excessive movement
- Suckling difficulties
- Difficulties with feeding/mealtimes
- Sleep difficulties
Contact Us with Additional Questions
No matter your pediatric occupational therapy goals, the team at South Shore Therapies is here for you and your child. Our providers are outstanding and well-respected in the field. If you suspect a developmental problem in your child, don't hesitate to visit us in Norwood, Hingham and surrounding areas. We're dedicated to incredible pediatric occupational therapy treatment, and we're excited to get to know you and your child. Contact us today to learn more.