Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy assists children and youth to develop independence, daily living skills, gross motor and fine motor skills, providing strategies to build abilities, modify the environment and/or use adapted tools to make the job easier. Services are available to children up to the age of 19.
Our Occupational Therapists (OT) can help in the following areas:
- Sensory skills – learning to take in and make sense of the things we see, hear, touch, feel and smell
- Self-regulation – increasing flexibility, recognizing different emotions in yourself and others, and developing coping strategies for times of stress and frustration
- Eating and Drinking – including using utensils, chewing and swallowing and exploring or tolerating different food sensations
- Self-care routines – including toileting, dressing and hygiene
- Planning and Organization – to be ready for the responsibilities of the day
- Writing – learning to effectively use pen/pencil and paper, a keyboard or even specialized technology
- Fine Motor or Hand Skills – learning to use the tools that help us get things done. Things like a pencil, scissors, or glue
- Playing – promoting overall development. An OT can help with things like using toys and play with friends and family
If you are not sure if your child requires assistance in these areas, you may phone the Centre: Contact Us and speak to an Occupational Therapist.
You can review age-specific occupational therapy skill development guidelines, under “Handouts-Fine Motor Development Ages and Stages” found here.
Tip Sheets and Videos can be found here.