Occupational Therapy (OT)

What Does an Occupational Therapist (OT) Do?

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• Occupational Therapists support children and youth by helping them participate in various areas of their l ives. 

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• Areas an  OT may provide support include:

  • Play: learning to play with others, using different types of toys, support with recreational activities,

  • Environment: following routines, staying focused, 

  • Activities of daily living such as eating, getting dressed, toileting, sleeping, bathing,

  • Fine motor skills such as picking up small items, doing buttons and zippers)

  • Responding to information from the senses: sight, touch, smell, sound, and movement. Also referred to as sensory processing.

How Does an Occupational Therapist (OT) Help a Child/Youth and their Family?

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• OTs work with families to decide on goals.

• They provide ideas and strategies to support the family's goals. This may include:

  • Working with child/youth and caregiver to develop skills

  • Recommend changes to an environment or an activity

• Provide families with resources or connect families with additional services

• An OT can assist a child/youth with equipment to move around in their home and in the community. Equipment may include wheelchairs, walkers, beds, and lift systems.

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How to Make a Referral

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Anyone can refer a child or youth to the Terrace Child Development Centre (TCDC) with permission from the parent or guardian. To refer, you can either call the TCDC at 250-635-9388. You can also fill out a referral form.

 

If you are unsure whether your child/youth requires occupational therapy feel free to refer and indicate what your concerns or goals are. Our staff will support and direct you to the appropriate services.