Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy treats people who have physical, sensory, or cognitive problems which tend to limit their ability to be successful and achieve their goals. Occupational therapy at The Morris Center helps remove the barriers to success caused by these limitations.
WHO NEEDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?
Those who have these concerns may benefit from occupational therapy:
- Sensory processing disorders
- Learning problems
- Autism
- ADHD
- Down Syndrome
- Behavioral problems
- Developmental delays
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapy at The Morris Center is conducted by our licensed occupational therapists in our state-of-the-art sensory gym. Our occupational therapy services help clients who struggle with one or more of the following:
- Oral-motor and motor planning difficulty
- Fine and gross motor delays
- Visual perceptual delays
- Somatosensory deficits (lack of body awareness)
- Sensory processing and sensory hypersensitivity
- Movement and coordination
- Thoughts, perception and memory
- Self-regulation and coping skills
Occupational therapy works to improve overall strength, balance, and coordination. The Occupational therapist will also work with the client on handwriting skills, oral control, and ocular motor skills (the ability to control eye movements).
Overcome Sensory Challenges
Occupational therapy can help a child overcome sensory challenges and reach developmental milestones. Here are some examples:
- Better results at school
- Greater independence
- More confidence and better self-esteem
- Improved social skills
Signs Occupational Therapy May Be Needed
A child that exhibits one or more of the following signs may benefit from occupational therapy:
- Struggles with handwriting
- Difficulty holding a pencil/pen
- Frequent tripping and/or falling
- Difficulty getting dressed, brushing teeth, tying shoes, etc.
- Trouble eating with utensils
- Poor coordination that keeps a child from engaging in sports
- Lack of body awareness
- Other fine motor skill problems
What Kids Say After Occupational Therapy at The Morris Center
When asked if they notice a change in themselves since starting OT at The Morris Center, children commonly reply with an emphatic YES! YES! Most children enjoy their occupational therapy sessions in our sensory gym because of the fun, relaxing atmosphere that feels like play.
- I like the obstacle course because it is moving
- I blew a bubble with my bubble gum for the first time!
- I have been brushing my teeth better.
- I like doing origami.
Commonly Seen Improvements from Occupational Therapy
- Improved balance and coordination
- Progress with handwriting, use of utensils, and other fine motor skills
- Better posture and increased stamina
- Less frustration and shutting down
- Enhanced communication and better problem solving
- Increased confidence
Call The Morris Center today at 904-834-3482 to schedule a consultation.
Occupational Therapy Assessment
The first step in the process is an evaluation. During the evaluation, a therapist will use various methods to assess fine motor skills, gross motor skills, balance, coordination, behavior, and more. These assessments will determine what your child can and can’t do, where there are the greatest deficits, and that types of activities will be most effective and therapeutic.
Each child’s occupational therapy needs are different. After your child’s evaluation, your therapist will meet with the rest of the transdisciplinary team to set goals for your child’s therapy and to determine a course of treatment.