Occupational Therapy for School Age Children
Occupational therapy (OT) in a school setting focuses on
increasing functional independence or participation by using work,
self-care, and play activities.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping students with WS to improve fine and gross motor development, visual perceptual skills, participating in daily life tasks, creative solutions to help them accomplish what they want, and enhancing self-esteem. Occupational therapists and the classroom teacher can collaborate to focus on task adaptations and modifications to optimize the student’s performance at school. It is beneficial to have direct intervention to improve, restore, maintain or prevent deterioration in the skills required for functioning in the classroom environment. An example may include a therapy to develop the motor coordination, visual-motor coordination and/or visual perceptual skills supporting school performance. |
THE COMPONENTS FOR OBTAINING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ARE:
1. Problem identification: Areas where students are not able to meet the environmental/curriculum demands are identified
2. Referral: Resources needed are identified to meet the needs which includes related service frequency and duration and location 3. Evaluation/Eligibility/Individual Plan: An evaluation will be completed by the Occupational Therapy and goals are written for specific areas of skill development 4. Services: Services are provided to support the development or achievement of a skill area. There are multiple types of services which may include direct or consultative, frequency, and environment |
There are many different ways that occupational therapy can be incorporated into the classroom as a tool for teachers to engage with students with WS in a meaningful learning environment. The following sections outline two ways that teachers can engage in occupational therapy to assist students with WS.
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1. Using OT to Improve Fine Motor Skills
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Children with WS often have visual-spatial deficits and difficulty with fine muscle control, such as picking up small objects. Occupational therapy addresses fine motor skill development in children with WS. It is also helpful with feeding issues and sensitivity to textures. Occupational therapy can be used in a classroom by focusing on drawing or pencil control.
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DRAWING
Strategies:
Tools:
PENCIL CONTROL Strategies:
Tools:
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2. Using OT to Improve Attention and Focus
Students with WS have a shorter attention span and distractibility. Attention difficulties often lead to associated difficulties such as impulsivity which can result in the child not following directions well, getting out of their seat, etc. Using sensory input every moment can help to regulate one's level of alertness in order to focus on a task. Sensory processing strategies is often recommended by the OTs to help students with WS to improve attention and focus.
IN THE CLASSROOM:
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SENSORY STRATEGIES:
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REFERENCES
PHOTO CREDITS
CONTRIBUTORS Occupational Therapy written by Emily So. Cite as:
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