Outpatient Occupational Therapy and How It Helps You.

Apr 18, 2022 | Occupational Therapy, Pediatric

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages do the things that they need to do every day. This can range from playing, taking a shower, getting dressed, cooking, completing schoolwork, and so much more. Occupational therapists can provide care to a wide age range of patients, from infants to adolescents, to adults, to geriatrics. Outpatient therapy means that therapy is provided in a clinic, where patients are typically seen 1-3 times a week, 30-60 minutes a session. In this environment, exercises, activities, education, and adaptive equipment are provided and completed.

General Outpatient Process: First, a script with a diagnosis from the doctor is obtained and received by the therapy clinic. Then, an initial evaluation is set up with the child and their guardian, or the adult. At the time of the pediatric evaluation, the following history and information are obtained: birth and developmental history, family concerns and goals, child’s current skill set, child’s current difficulties, and child’s likes and dislikes. At the time of the adult evaluation, medical history, assessment of current skills and abilities, as well as deficits, and patient’s goals are obtained. A formal evaluation write-up is then completed by the therapist, where goals are set for future treatment sessions to assist with guidance of plan and ideas. The frequency and duration of visits are also determined at this time, and the child is then scheduled for therapy treatment sessions if further treatment is warranted.

Pediatrics:

  • Common Diagnoses: Autism, Developmental Delay, Fine Motor Delay, ADHD, CP, Feeding Difficulties, Sensory Processing Disorder, Genetic Disorders, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Spina Bifida
  • Age Range: Infant to 18 years old
  • Typical Session: Play-based, as well sensory-based tasks are used to facilitate functional participation and use of objects and toys with the children. This includes interests of the child, as well as adult/therapist-directed tasks to promote appropriate participation and skills in a wide array of situations.