Consider for a moment the “occupational” part of occupational therapy jobs. Colloquially, the term relates to work. However, in the rehabilitation therapy industry, it more accurately refers to what occupies someone’s time.
As such, these services aren’t limited to career-oriented adults. It’s also a popular option for kids, whose occupations include playing, learning and socializing. Even if you don’t plan on specializing in pediatrics, you may still care for a child patient. Here are some things to keep in mind when working with little ones:
What pediatric conditions typically require occupational therapy?
Children who need OT services typically experience either a mental or physical developmental delay. There are many factors that could hinder the progress of a child’s growth, from birth defects and learning disabilities to illnesses and traumatic accidents. OTs may care for young patients who have autism or are recovering from orthopedic injuries. They may also see individuals who have cerebral palsy, are fighting cancer and are coping with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, among other potentially debilitating conditions.
While all children have unique physical needs based on their mental and physical health, pediatric patients do have one thing in common: They’re just kids. That means they have goofy personalities and can find fun in any situation. As an OT, it’s important to demonstrate patience, humor and a bit of whimsy to make the most out of these appointments and truly connect with patients.
Out-of-the-box thinking is crucial with kids
OTs take a holistic approach with all of their patients, looking at the physical, psychological, social and environmental factors that affect functioning. Sometimes, the underlying causes of mobility issues are the same between kids and adults, especially when it comes to the physical well-being. After all, a broken bone limits both the young and the elderly, though in varying degrees.
The key differences come into play with the psychological, social and environmental considerations. Take walking for example. If a child can’t quite get the hang of putting one foot in front of the other and staying balanced by age 2, a parent may be worried about his or her physical development. However, an OT might spot that there’s actually an environmental issue at play – perhaps the child’s shoes don’t fit well.
Child Mind Institute gave another example of why OTs must use critical thinking skills in identifying the cause of delayed functioning. If a 5-year-old girl can’t tie her shoes, the problem may lie in fine-motor skills, or it could be that the child simply enjoys the attention from mom and dad.
That’s not to say you should dismiss all environmental or social factors. These examples serve to highlight the importance of thinking outside the box and looking at the situation from multiple perspectives.
Parents want to be included
Any concerned parent undoubtedly wants to be involved in his or her child’s rehabilitation process. Remember, they are fighting their own emotional battles seeing their children going through this endeavor. For OTs, including parents in appointments and keeping them updated on the patient’s progress not only appeases moms and dads, but it can help with the treatment plan, too.
Family members provide a unique perspective on how pediatric patients are developing at home. For instance, you may not realize that a patient experiences difficulty going up and down stairs until the child’s mom brings up the fact that she carries him or her to bed each night. Additionally, parents can give more insight on the child’s social and environmental life, which also relates to the patient’s levels of function. So, don’t wait until the parents ask you for an update. Be the one to initiate the conversation, and you’ll give them more confidence in the value of your services.