What is Occupational Therapy at AIM?
Occupational therapy is the promotion of function through engagement in a personally meaningful role as defined by specific activities. These activities are unique to the setting and type of functional delay the child may be experiencing. The use of meaningful activities provides the 'just-right challenge' allowing a child to be functional and confident within a structured but fun environment. An occupational therapist provides the child with physical guidance, demonstration, specific instruction, verbal prompting and a structured environment. The therapist builds trust with the child while simultaneously empowering him or her to master the environment through the development of core skills and a sense of self-efficacy.
The keystone of pediatric occupational therapy is the assumption that each child has different needs concerning health, function and development. Skills categorized within the scope of occupational therapy that contribute to typical development include fine motor (isolated use of the hand and fingers as with handwriting), visuomotor (eye-hand coordination), general body strength and endurance, sensory organization and processing, functional play (including attention), self-care activities, peer interaction and social behavior.
The therapist seeks to remediate or compensate the areas affected by a disability so that the child can function in a developmentally age-appropriate manner. Each child is born with the innate need for a productive and reciprocal relationship with the environment. Children are not always aware of these needs, and OT utilizes motivating activities to improve their ability to function in daily life. Therapy is provided with the child's interests and desires in mind, as this drives the therapy process and goals.
WHAT ARE SOME INDICATIONS FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
- over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to information processed through the senses (e.g., sights, sounds, tastes, smells, touch, movement)
- attention and/or organizational difficulties
- delayed fine and gross motor skills
- coordination problems
- difficulties sequencing movement patterns
- poor self-concept regarding motor activities
- confusion over hand preference
- difficulty using the left and right sides in a coordinated manner
- decreased body awareness and difficulties organizing his/her body in relation to the environment (e.g., bumping into furniture)
- handwriting and keyboarding difficulties
- problems with self-help skills related to dressing, eating, and personal care
(e.g., manipulating fasteners on clothing) - diminished postural strength and stability, directly affecting adequate seated posture and overall endurance both in and outside of the classroom
WHO CAN RECEIVE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT AIM?
The Academy in Manayunk offers occupational therapy both to the students of the school and children in the surrounding community. Any child with a learning disability/difference from the ages of 5-19 can be considered for occupational therapy. To begin services the child must have an initial evaluation indicating his or her individual needs and the goals for intervention.
WHAT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT AIM?
Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Evaluation determines the basis for difficulties in school, at home, or during recreational or occupational situations. The therapist determines a child's strengths and areas of need by the administration of carefully selected standardized and non-standardized tests tailored to the child's unique profile. The process also includes clinical observation and collaboration with teachers and parents. Specific areas that are addressed include the child's ability to process sensory-motor information, gross and fine motor skill development, visual perceptual skills, ocular-motor abilities, visual-motor integration, sensory processing, and core stability. Special attention is given to issues which affect attention and school performance.
A comprehensive evaluation is an additional fee and is determined through the use of previous evaluations and/or clinical observations.
Traditional Occupational Therapy Treatment
Treatment is integrated and eclectic. A variety of techniques, approaches, and materials are used. It is provided in individual or small group sessions typically 45 minutes in duration. After careful consultation with other related service providers and classroom teachers, occupational therapy provides intervention unique to the child's strengths and needs. The child is typically working on multiple goals within one treatment session. Goals for therapy sessions incorporate each designated objective determined from the evaluation.
Occupational Therapy Treatment is an additional fee and the frequency is determined through the use of an Occupational Therapy evaluation and clinical observations.
Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome is a computer based rehabilitation program that targets auditory and visual processing for improved motor planning and sequencing. The student attempts to match his/her movements to a computer generated beat and receives feedback regarding performance. Students who participate in the program have shown improvements in motor coordination, language processing and academic performance. You can view more information, including the research conducted on this program at www.interactivemetronome.com
Interactive Metronome is available for an additional fee.
For further information, please contact:
Melissa Gatlin MS, OTR/L
Director of Occupational Therapy
(215) 483-2461
mgatlin@aimpa.org
