Guy and Tina Occupational therapist

Working wonders

Published on: 10/02/23

General

We marked Occupational Therapy Week in November by recognising the crucial role our specialist team of occupational therapists play in giving children greater independence in their lives.

People may associate occupational therapy with doing exercises after breaking a bone or recovering after an operation. Here at The Children’s Trust, occupational therapy is about helping children to improve their ability to do everyday tasks, which may be difficult due to their brain injury or neurodisability.

Building skills

For example, a child may have difficulties with their morning routine, like dressing themselves. They may struggle with the ‘sequencing’ of a task – doing practical, everyday things in the right order.

We help a child to break down the process into detailed steps. We work with them on sensory skills needed to pick out clothes, and on the movements and organisational skills to get the clothes in the right order. Members of our team use fun activities to improve a child’s coordination and balance, which are also involved in getting dressed.

Frankie rolling ball down a slide

What's the best thing about occupational therapy?

"Working directly with young people and enabling them to access activities they enjoy. You feel like you have made a difference" says Mandie Geddes, Specialist Occupational Therapist.

Using equipment

The team assesses what equipment could help a child’s independence. This can include things like a wheelchair or alternative seating system, which we tailor to each child’s individual needs. It’s so rewarding to see a child confidently whizzing down the corridors in their new wheelchair! 

New technology plays a big role too. Access methods include devices that can be used to operate electronic equipment like a computer.

For example, a sensor-controlled eye blink switch helps children to operate their computer with the blink of an eye. 

There are all kinds of devices for all kinds of needs. Our team helps children use a variety of head, hand and eye-operated switches, so they can participate in whole class activities.

Working as a team

Our occupational therapists work closely with our wider specialist team – including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, music therapists – to make sure therapies work together, to help children meet their personal rehabilitation goals.

Being independent

Occupational therapy is about giving children greater independence in their lives and feel part of the world around them. What we do in our lives defines who we are and that is important to children’s health and their wellbeing too.

You can see why to our occupational therapy team it’s much more than a job, and they are working wonders for the children.