Occupational therapy (OT) provides kids and families with the skills and support necessary to overcome daily challenges. If you know someone, especially a child, who struggles to participate in daily activities to the fullest extent, OT might be an excellent solution.
So, what is occupational therapy, and why is it important? OT is a client-centered profession that seeks to help people achieve their full potential in all aspects of daily life through a holistic approach. By focusing on the individual's needs, occupational therapists support clients in developing the skills and abilities required to participate in daily activities that are meaningful to them, whether they are related to leisure, self-care, or productivity. OT is an all-encompassing approach that addresses any barriers to participation, which enhances both physical and mental well-being.
OT is an all-encompassing approach that addresses any barriers to participation, which enhances both physical and mental well-being.
At Linden Global Learning, occupational therapy sessions are one-on-one and tailored to each student's unique needs and goals. Our skilled occupational therapists specialize in identifying the "just right challenge" for each student, empowering them to achieve their objectives while staying within their comfort zone.
Occupational therapy is a versatile and valuable tool that can address a wide range of concerns, from struggles with organization and focus in the classroom to anxiety and difficulty making friends in everyday life. OT professionals are experts in helping clients and their families navigate daily life, and they offer support in a variety of settings, from schools to homes to workplaces. Some examples of areas that occupational therapy can assist in include, but are not limited to:
At school:
Difficulty starting and/or completing assignments
Struggles with organizing materials
Misses important instructions
Has difficult-to-read handwriting
Writing takes a long time
At home:
Requires frequent reminders to complete routine activities, such as getting ready for school or bed
Has a limited range of preferred foods at meal times
Shows a strong preference for certain clothing items, such as specific shirts, pants or socks
Interrupts conversations frequently
Struggles to locate specific items in cluttered spaces, such as a book on the floor in a messy room
In everyday life:
Dislikes hygiene routines such as haircuts or nail trimming
Has a selective or picky eating habits
Becomes overly anxious in new situations
Struggles to stay focused and always on the go
Lacks meaningful friendships
Becomes upset when routines change.
Collaboration between occupational therapists, schools, and families is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. Linden's occupational therapists work closely with schools and teachers to help them understand and implement accommodations and strategies that support students' academic and social success. Through a collaborative partnership, the occupational therapy team thoughtfully analyzes, modifies, and adapts tasks to ensure that students can fully participate and achieve their goals.
If you're living abroad and struggling to find the right support service for your child, Linden Global Learning's international team of specialists, including occupational therapists, counselors, educational psychologists, tutors, and learning specialists, can help you develop and integrate a personalized support program. If you think that occupational therapy could benefit your child, please reach out to us, and we will explore possible support options together. Our goal is to help your child thrive, no matter where in the world they may be.