Persist Therapy

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

Sam Olsen, Persist Therapy

Hello, Cultivate friends and family! Let’ s take some time this month to talk about what an occupational therapist does. This is honestly one of the most difficult questions I get because... the possibilities are endless! Someone once said that occupational therapy (OT) helps me to feel accomplished and confident in the things that I need and want to do. Which is exactly what I hope kids feel when I work with them. Let’ s break it down to the top 5 things that an occupational therapist can work on with children. 1. All things sensory. Our sensory systems are complex, unique and individual to us. When people hear the word sensory, they immediately think, tags on clothing, weighted blankets, and picky eaters. But sensory is SO much more. For some learning to find strategies that help their sensory systems work optimally comes naturally. But for others it does not. They may feel stuck in a world that just doesn ’t seem right. Our goal is never to change the sensory system but rather to help each child (and parent) better understand their individual sensory system—what it needs, what it craves, what it is sensitive to and what it may want to avoid. We give skills, tools and strategies to learn to be kind to the sensory system, adapt the environment and help a child to feel their best within their body. A few sensory flags to consider: Overly sensitive to different sounds and noises, to the point that it impacts where you go and what you can do. Avoids certain activities (brushing teeth, combing hair) or environments (struggles in the community) and it limits what you do and where you go. Needs constant soothing (snuggles, hugs, tight clothing) and can ’t seem to calm on their own (is it colic??) 2. Sensory motor. I like to break apart sensory and sensory motor systems. We all know the basic senses—touch, taste, smell, hearing and seeing. But did you know there are actually 3 more— vestibular, proprioception and interoception. Each of these sensory motor systems contributes to how we move through and feel within our environment. There is not a sensory motor system that is “ right” or “ideal” but if a sensory system interferes with how we go about our day, it is worth getting it checked out. A few sensory motor flags to consider: Always on the move and can ’t seem to sit still. If their need for movement cannot be satiated and impacts what can be done, you most likely have a sensory craver on your hands. Movement is very rigid, hesitant, or unsure and because of this child avoids many activities and prefers to be an on-looker. Doesn ’t seem to know their own body well—constipated often, can ’t detect temperature, pain—what’ s that? This my friends, is interoception.

3. Self-Cares. This is where the independence piece comes into things. If your child is struggling doing what they should be able to do—wash their hands, pull up their pants, sleep well or brush their teeth—an occupational therapist can help. There are so many reasons that may impact why a child is struggling with finding their independence—sensory, motor, coordination, confidence, sequencing. If you have concerns, it is worth reaching out to an occupational therapist. A few self-care flags to consider: They cannot seem to figure out how to get their shirt or pants on and off, no matter how many times they have practiced. Bath time is a scream-fest day and isn ’t getting any better. My child seems to sleep okay but wakes up tired or seems tired throughout the day. 4. Social emotional skills and self-regulation. This is another tough one, because kids have big emotions and can ’t always communicate them. But if your days feel like a rollercoaster of emotions or reactions consistently do not fit the situation, there may be more going on and an OT evaluation is warranted.

A few social emotional flags to consider: Big emotions are often intense and last for a long time. Doesn ’t seem to have interest in engaging in play (either by themselves or with others). You walk on eggshells because we never know the reaction we are going to get. 5. Motor skills. There are a lot of areas of motor skills that occupational therapists can address— coordination, hand dominance and bilateral integration, general weakness, low muscle tone or high muscle tone. If your child is behind on meeting those developmental motor milestones (crawling, rolling, jumping, skipping) or appears clumsy or rigid—reach out to an occupational therapist! A few motor flags to consider: Struggles with using utensils when eating so they just finger feed. Butt scoots or army crawls but is not crawling. Won ’t let those feet leave the ground. Is constipated (wait what, this can be a motor issues?? Sure can!). I could go on for HOURS about all of the different things that an occupational therapist can do. But when it comes down to it, YOU—know best. If there is a feeling in your gut that something just isn ’t right or seems “ off” or behind—reach out. Don ’t take the “ wait and see what happens ” approach, please seek out OT. The sooner we can work with your child, the quicker we can give them tools, teach them good patterns and train their brain to form the right pathways! Have further questions or concerns? Please feel free to reach out or grab me if you see me walking around Cultivate.

Dr. Sam Olsen OTD, OTR/L info@persisttherapy.com | 507-338-6446