What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
I, (and almost every pediatric occupational therapist I know) low key dread being asked what it is that we do for a living because of the completely understandable confusion around the name “Occupational Therapy”. OT is possibly the world’s greatest job with some of the world’s worst branding! If I had a nickel for every time I was asked, “So, you help kids find jobs?!” when I identified myself as a pediatric OT, I would have a lot of nickels!
Understanding Occupational Therapy
While most people associate “occupation” with work, it is so much more than that! The broader definition of the word is any activity you do that has meaning or value. That’s what makes occupational therapy so broad (and hard to explain), because meaningful activities can mean ANYTHING! Gardening, making art, playing music, walking outdoors, reading a book, lifting weights, savoring a cup of coffee. Anything. Your days are (I hope) full of occupation!
The Importance of Play in Pediatric OT
A child’s primary occupation is PLAY, and that is why PLAY is central to the therapy we do here at Play/Ground. Play is how kids engage with the world, and it is the most effective way for them to learn! Through play, we address a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges that can impact a child's ability to be their most successful selves.
What Does Therapy Look Like?
Depending on the need of your kid, therapy at Play/Ground might look like:
Navigating an obstacle course to improve strength, coordination, and motor planning.
Playing a board game with a group to practice turn-taking and frustration tolerance.
Swinging in lycra to promote sensory modulation and nervous-system regulation.
And all the crazy, creative, and fun things we can come up with to support your child’s goals!
Is occupational therapy occasionally hard to explain at a dinner party? Yes.
Is it the most rewarding job that creates effective change for kids? Also yes!
Learn More about Occupational Therapy
Want to learn more? Contact us to see if occupational therapy would be helpful for your child!
Come play!
