OT for Children

 

OT for children? OT for children!

Sometimes people are surprised to hear that occupational therapy is not just for adults; kids, after all, do not have occupations in the everyday sense of the word!

The way we see it, a child’s main occupation is play, and play is the basis for learning, developing movement skills, and relating with others. 

Children learn best when they are having fun. This tenet of learning theory is something we feel intuitively, but it is also supported by extensive research. A brain/body that is both easeful and alert is better able to take in, organize and respond to new information on an ongoing basis.

Play and movement are the driving force of the therapeutic process at Dynamic Balance. Through creating a series of “just right challenges”  that are meaningful to a child in the context of play, an OT can help a child to find their way to being more organized (self-regulated and co-ordinated) and more able to meet the everyday challenges of life.

For children going through difficult transitions, play-based therapy is a powerful way to work with emotions and to create stories that foster resilience and nurture growth.

Individual therapy for your individual child

We serve children and youth who are having difficulties at home or at school. This includes typically developing children as well as children who are diagnosed with or at risk for learning disabilities, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, genetic disorders, or any other physical or psychological conditions.

The first step is a conversation. This usually takes place at the centre, without the child present. We will discuss your child’s strengths and areas of challenge, discuss goals for the future with you, and work together to create a plan that best serves your family.

Therapy takes place in our sensory integration play area, equipped with swings, large balls, and an array of movement-oriented toys and games. Integration of the deeper senses–the proprioceptive and vestibular systems (which modulate position in space and balance)–sets the stage for a focus on activities that are important in your child’s life. The ultimate goal? Harmony at home, success at school, and connection to friends and the community.