Pediatric Occupational Therapy
in Fayetteville, AR
Why Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a very diverse field, involving physical, emotional, visual, social, and sensory aspects of a child’s ability. Without the capacity to utilize and integrate all of these abilities, life for a child can be an overwhelming struggle. We understand how difficult this can be for both the child and the family and we are dedicated to helping. At Kindred, we put families first. We have assembled a caring team of experts that will help your child achieve their very best life.
Signs Your Child May Need Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is involved with helping a child care for themselves while controlling and interacting appropriately with their environment. There are many difficulties children demonstrate that could indicate they need occupational therapy.
They include:
- Difficulty staying in their seat
- Trouble holding a pencil or other utensils
- Demonstrating overly messy or clean eating
- Trouble getting self-dressed
- Difficulty tracking moving objects with their eyes
- Trouble engaging or interaction with others
- Difficulty adapting to new places or people
- Surgeries
- Down syndrome
- Learning or intellectual delays
- Muscular dystrophy
These difficulties include:
- Difficulty staying in their seat
- Trouble holding a pencil or other utensils
- Demonstrating overly messy or clean eating
- Trouble getting self-dressed
- Difficulty tracking moving objects with their eyes
- Trouble engaging or interacting with others
- Difficulty adapting to new places or people
- Inability to cope with emotions and calm oneself
- Short attention span
- Difficulty playing with others
- Trouble focusing or easily distracted
- Frequent and unpredictable meltdowns
- Trouble with change
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapy can address many aspects of a child’s life. The exact approach used for each child depends on the results of our initial assessment and the caregiver’s concerns. Each child’s needs will be different.
We design each plan to address one or more of these aspects of occupational therapy:
Activities of daily living
Keeping oneself clean, dressing, cooking, feeding oneself, walking, and using the toilet.
Emotional regulation
Managing stress and changes, using strategies to relax, understanding feelings, and what causes them.
Sensory processing
Becoming more capable of tolerating textures, noises, lights, movements, and tastes.
Social skills
Interacting with children, teachers, family, and within the community comfortably without undue stress.
Fine motor skills
Controlling the small movements of the hands while playing with toys, writing, or working on a computer.
Visual motor skills
Improving coordination between vision and movements of the hands and body.
A Typical Occupational Therapy Session Includes:
After qualifying for therapy in the initial occupational therapy evaluation, your child can begin therapy with us! The first session will begin with you receiving a copy of your child’s therapy evaluation report and going over the report with the therapist. Afterward, your child will accompany their therapist into the treatment area, usually from the entrance waiting room. Our therapy sessions are designed to be fun and motivating for the children. To someone who isn’t a therapist it often just looks like play! But shhh… don’t tell the kiddos, they are actually working.
The session will last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the appointment time and the toleration of the child. The therapist and your child will meet you in the exit waiting room 5-7 minutes before the end time to discuss the session, goals, progress, and homework.
Contact Us to Schedule Pediatric Occupational Therapy
At Kindred Pediatric Therapy, a dedicated, caring team has been assembled to give your child the support they need. Find out how we can help by asking for a free screening with one of our therapists. Bring your concerns and questions and get the answers you need. To schedule this screening, call us at (479) 435-6636 or fill out the form below and we’ll contact you.
