FAQ’S
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR KIDS?
First, let’s look at the “occupation”. That’s a job, right? And kids don’t have jobs so why in the world would they need “occupational” therapy??
Well, the truth is, kids DO have jobs! Their job is to play and learn each and every day. In order to learn they must play and in order to play they must learn developmental skills. Sometimes kids need a little extra encouragement, guidance and attention with a specific skill area that has not developed as strong along the way.
Occupational Therapists are able to identify specific skill deficits and provide intervention and strategies to maximize a child’s confidence, motivation and performance in activities requiring these skills.
WHAT AREAS CAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ADDRESS?
There are a TON of developmental skills at work when a child is engaging in what seems to be a simple task…from stacking a block to completing a puzzle…from copying shapes to writing a sentence…from catching a ball to jumping a rope. So many systems are at work at one time to make these “simple” tasks happen. When a child is struggling, it takes detective work to break down the task and determine what skill areas need support. Occupational Therapists are trained to do this detective work!
At Motorvate Kids, we categorize the developmental skill areas we assess as follows: fine and visual motor coordination, motor planning, and sensory processing. These areas are comprised of many developmental skills and together they create a foundation for behavior and motor performance which directly affects a child’s successful participation in every day tasks.
Listed below are some examples of every day tasks that may be challenging for children that have underlying struggles in the developmental skill areas we assess at Motorvate Kids:
Fine & Visual Motor Skills:
Holding a pencil correctly
Forming legible letters and numbers
Copying from a board
Cutting out a shape
Operating a toy independently
Using a spoon or fork appropriately
Opening containers
Securing clothing fasteners
Tying Shoes
Sensory Processing & Motor Planning:
Attending to a task
Sitting appropriately with a group
Respecting personal space
Engaging in play with peers
Appropriate use of classroom materials
Organizing a binder
Keeping a tidy desk/backpack/locker
Engaging in sensory-rich play
Participating in a new activity
Adapting to a change in routine
Transitioning to the next activity
Catching a ball
Tossing a ball to an appropriate distance
Walking on line
Skipping
Navigating playground equipment
Completing a task with multiple instructions
Getting dressed independently
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD NEEDS OT?
Motor and sensory challenges in children can often be mistaken as behavioral concerns, learning delays, or even lack of effort. An OT screening and evaluation sheds light on hidden skill weaknesses - the first step toward improved skill performance, strengthened confidence, and motivated participation in new activities. If you or your child’s teacher have noticed that your child is struggling in some areas, if your child has recently received a diagnosis, or if you just have questions about your child’s developmental skill level— take the first step by requesting an OT screening. The purpose of an OT screening is to gather information to determine if there is a need for further evaluation and intervention. Motorvate Kids offers screenings, evaluations, individual therapy sessions, and group clinics for children ages 3 to 10 with documented or suspected delays.
WHERE ARE SERVICES PROVIDED?
We come to you! Motorvate Kids provides services on site at your child’s daycare, private grade school, or at home during the summer or after school hours. Many parents choose to have services at their child's school when possible to maximize progress through teacher and therapist communication. Services are currently available in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach and surrounding Grand Strand areas.