What is Occupational Therapy (OT) All About? - A Mother's Road

June 05, 2014

What is Occupational Therapy (OT) All About?

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps someone, mostly kids with disabilities, to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). 

How does it help kids with special needs?

It enables kids with special needs to live independently, if possible, or to live a better life even with disability.

Some of the common occupational therapy interventions for kids with disabilities include helping them participate fully in school and teaching them proper behavior on social situations. 

Source: www.aota.org



Zac is now attending an occupational therapy session twice a week at Starflight Development Center for Special Children in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto. It's just like attending a regular school, with tons of books and educational toys. He's attending a one-on-one session and the lessons are individualized. 

He was assessed by the teacher prior to his OT session so that they can create an individualized program depending on his needs. After every session, the teacher would discuss how it went such as Zac's behavior during the class, the activities they had and so on. The lessons are all written in a journal for the parent's reference.

Definitely, I can say that Zac has improved somehow — from his behavior to his daily routine — and his communication and speech is even better. I was also informed that I need to do some follow-up routine at home and need to focus more on the following aspects:
  • Potty training (no more diapers)
  • Table manners (using spoon and fork - not hands!)
  • Drinking using cups or bottles (no more feeding bottles)
  • Dressing up alone
Technically, Zac lacks in motor skills and he can't get a hold of anything in his hands. He'll drop it off in seconds because he has no grip. But the only way I can help him to be independent (even at home) is to teach him these basic things. It may take time but we can do this!

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