Occupational therapy (OT) is a branch of medical health care that helps people of all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. OT may help them regain independence in all areas of their lives.
Occupational therapists try to reduce barriers that affect a person's emotional, social, and physical needs. To achieve this, they use everyday activities, exercises, and other therapies
With respect to a child, his/her primary occupation is to Play & Learn. OT helps kids involve in play, improves their school performance, and aids their daily activities thereby boosting their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Physical/Physiotherapy and occupational therapy both help improve kids' quality of life, but there are differences.
Sensory integration therapy aims to help children with sensory processing issues (also known as “sensory integration disorder”) by exposing them to sensory stimulation in a structured, repetitive way. The theory behind it is that over time, the brain will adapt and allow kids to process and react to sensations more efficiently.
Sensory integration (SI) therapy is provided by a specially trained occupational therapist (OT). The OT determines through a thorough evaluation whether your child would benefit from SI therapy. In traditional SI therapy, the OT exposes a child to sensory stimulation through repetitive activities.
The OT gradually makes activities more challenging and complex. The idea is that through repetition, the child’s nervous system will respond in a more “organized” way to sensations and movement.
OT use this type of exposure as part of a more extensive “sensory diet” treatment. It includes not only things like balance treatments, movement therapy and structured exposure to sensory input, but also carefully designed and tailored physical activities and accommodations.
The routine of activities in a sensory diet fits your child’s exact needs and schedule. They can be done at therapy sessions as well as at home, under your supervision, via home based therapy plans provided by us.
Sensory issues are commonly observed in kids with Autism (ASD), ADHD & some other neuro-developmental disorders. If you recently discovered your child has sensory processing issues, you can get in touch with our Child Developmental & Occupational Therapists for the same.