Occupational Therapy focuses on mastering activities of daily living which will allow your child to become more independent including play skills and learning strategies. Areas of focus include:
- Self-care
- Fine motor
- Sensory modulation/sensory processing
- Attention to task
- Postural stability
- Handwriting including Handwriting Without Tears
- Therapeutic Listening
- Kinesiotaping
- Reflex integration
- Feeding therapy
The Autism F.I.R.S.T. clinical team works closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Flexibility and customization are important to best meet the needs of your child and family. Therapy is available for ages 2-21 in your home or in our clinics. Your child’s therapists will collaborate with the entire Autism F.I.R.S.T. team each week in order to work towards common goals for your child.
COMMON DIAGNOSES
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays
- Congenital syndromes
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Sensory processing disorders
- Feeding disorders
- Fine and gross motor delays
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EVALUATIONS
A recent evaluation from the past six months is required prior to the initiation of therapy. Evaluations provide baseline data, establish goals and are used to track progress. If you do not have a recent evaluation, your child’s occupational therapist will conduct one at your first visit. During an evaluation the following areas will be assessed:
- Self-care
- Fine motor coordination
- Strength & dexterity
- Sensory modulation/sensory processing
- Attention to task
- Postural stability
- Handwriting
FEEDING THERAPY
Sensory and behaviorally-based feeding disorders are treated by both speech and occupational therapists using a combination of the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S) and food chaining approaches. Our focus is expanding the child’s diet at their own pace and never force a child to eat foods. Food targets are established by both the parent and therapist. For the best results, parents participate in every session and carry-over therapy meals at home each week. Feeding therapy is effective, but it is intensive and a strong parental commitment is required.
To learn more about our occupational therapy, call us today: (703) 496-4371