Pediatric Occupational Therapy:
Our Pediatric Occupational Therapy help children develop the foundational motor, sensory, and regulatory skills necessary to complete their daily occupations and to help them reach their full potential.
For children, occupations may include self-care (feeding, dressing, toileting), school-related tasks, social interactions, and most importantly, play! We address the whole body through therapeutic movement and sensory-based activities, functional fine and visual motor skill-based tasks, and by supporting the child’s emotional needs throughout the therapeutic process.
Because we believe parents and caregivers play a vital role in their children’s lives and in their progress, we encourage parent/caregiver involvement through home programming and participation during therapy sessions.
Red Flags:
How do I know if my child should be evaluated by a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?
- Trips and/or bumps into things-“clumsy”
- Difficulty with handwriting
- Experiences frustration with homework
- Difficulty getting along with peers
- Picky eater
- Frequent tantrums or excessively long tantrums
- Impulsive
- Difficulty staying seated
- Always “on the go”
- Appears behind their peers in motor milestones
- Avoidant to touch or getting messy
- Does not tolerate grooming activities, such as washing hair, bathing, receiving haircuts, or nails cut
- Difficulty keeping up with school work
- Delays in speech or gross motor skills
- Poor sleep habits-difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fussy baby/Colicky
- Picky with what they wear-clothing feels uncomfortable
- Difficulty with transitions
- Has difficulty getting and staying organized
- Has difficulty keeping track of his/her things
- Easily frustrated or irritable when reading
- Appears overly sensitive and/or has fears that interfere with their daily routine
- Difficulty tolerating social situations such as birthday parties, family gatherings, and public outings
- Excessive response when limits are placed or when told no
Frequently Asked Questions:
01. What should my child wear for therapy?
Your child should dress in comfortable clothing that will allow ease of movement. We occasionally do messy play activities, so clothing should be something your child can get messy (i.e. painting, shaving cream, crafts, etc.)
02. What does a treatment session look like?
At SensAble Kids, we utilize a relationship-based approach and believe that forming trust and establishing relationships with our clients and their families are the foundation for the therapeutic process. Treatment sessions may occur in a large or small gym space with mats, swings, and climbing equipment. Part of the session may also include going into a smaller room for fine and visual motor activities. Therapeutic treatment activities are play/skill-based and are dependent on the child’s individual goals and may include, but are not limited to gross and fine motor sensorimotor activities, fine motor coordination tasks, handwriting, and messy play activities.
03. Are parents allowed to/expected to attend treatment sessions?
Parents are encouraged to join treatment sessions with their children. Attending sessions are a wonderful opportunity for learning about what (and why) your child is doing during treatment sessions and how to carry over this treatment at home. Attending sessions is also an excellent way to learn and practice therapeutic techniques to enhance movement patterns, motor planning, sensory processing, and regulation.
04. How long are treatment sessions?
Treatment sessions are typically 60 minutes- 50 minutes of direct treatment, 10 minutes of transition time/discussing the session and/or reviewing the home program with parents. Longer or shorter sessions may be recommended based on the needs of your child.
05. Will my insurance cover treatment?
Our office will verify insurance and review details with you prior to your child receiving services. We are in network for Blue Cross Blue Shield, but will submit to/work with any insurance company as an out of network provider. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your insurance policy and help you navigate the insurance process.
06. How long will my child be in therapy?
The length of treatment varies for each child. We discuss discharge planning from the beginning and are constantly reassessing goals and monitoring progress throughout the treatment process. Goals are established through collaboration of the family and the therapist. The length of therapy is determined by goal achievement and functional status of the child’s participation in their routine and daily occupations as reported by the child, parents, teachers, etc. Carry-over of home programs and parent involvement do positively impact progress and may shorten the duration of treatment.
07. Will my child receive “homework”?
Children and their parents will receive home programs to encourage carry-over of treatment at home, support participation in the child’s routine and daily occupations, and carry over techniques that support regulation and interaction with family, peers, and caregivers. Therapists work with the family to ensure the programs are supportive and a good fit for the family/child’s routine.
08. Is it possible for my therapist to do a school visit?
Yes! Therapists often do school visits and will collaborate with teachers and school staff to support your child’s ability to function and access their full potential at school in both learning and social situations. Therapists can also attend IEP meetings to support the family and child as requested.
09. Does SensAble Kids provide screenings to see if my child needs an evaluation?
Yes! We provide screenings in school, daycare and clinic settings to help you determine whether your child would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation.
Inquiry
Please complete the form(s) below to request a consultation, appointment or to reach out to SensAble Kids. Please note, we will contact you to setup and schedule your consultation or appointment, within 24 hours.