Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Vancouver
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop their skills needed for daily living and participation in various activities, including basic life skills.
Here at Kids Start Pediatric Therapy, we know the unique journeys and rewards of raising a child with special needs. We understand the complexities and emotional depth of raising a child with developmental delays, behavioral issues, or conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
If you are looking for a trusted pediatric occupational therapist in Burnaby and Coquitlam who is here to help you, Kids Start is a great place to start. Pediatric OT is a cornerstone of our services. We help kids gain more independence and improve their developmental, physical, cognitive, and visual perceptual skills.
The Importance of Empathy and Professional Support
Many parents of our pediatric students have shared that parenting requires flexibility, creativity, and patience, especially when managing their child’s behavior. It’s a challenge for them to communicate, especially when their child has selective mutism or non-verbalism. This creates obstacles in understanding the children’s needs.
Showing empathy and understanding their child’s unique needs can greatly improve the parenting experience.Seeking guidance and support from professionals specializing in child development can also be very helpful.Understanding and reaching developmental milestones is important in promoting independence in everyday, meaningful activities, including play, motor skills, self-care, and academic tasks.Compassionate care from healthcare providers is vital for nurturing the child’s independence and overall development. Moreover, rehabilitation centers, holistic programs, and occupational and other therapies offer personalized, professional treatment to help kids and families address behavioral issues and develop crucial life skills.Occupational Therapy Vs. Pediatric Occupational Therapy
How does occupational therapy differ from pediatric occupational therapy?
Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on meeting the unique needs of kids, from infants to teenagers. It helps develop fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and cognitive skills. This type of therapy plays a big part in helping toddlers tackle challenges in tasks like self-care routines, school readiness, and social interactions. The activities and goals of pediatric occupational therapy are distinctly child-focused, emphasizing the development of skills necessary for a child’s daily life and future success.
Meanwhile, occupational therapy for adults is more geared towards adapting to adult responsibilities and environments, such as the workplace.
Occupational Therapy for Kids
Occupational therapy is a powerful tool in helping children build essential and daily life skills. This includes fine motor coordination, visual perceptual abilities, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and other benefits.
During an occupational therapy session, various activities and assessments are conducted based on the child’s needs. These sessions can vary significantly, incorporating different environments like a gym or therapy room, and include an initial evaluation process to understand the child’s skills and developmental challenges. The ultimate goal of pediatric ots is to help children do things independently, to help them participate more fully in school, at home, and in social environments.
Our occupational therapy programs focus on enhancing your child’s ability to participate in daily tasks, from self-care to school-related tasks. These involve basics, like dressing and feeding, to more complex tasks, like handwriting, social interactions, self-regulation, and even playing.
We also offer specialized occupational therapy for autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Our goal is to address specific sensory and communication challenges these children often face.
How Does Pediatric OT Work?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy, or pediatric OT, is a profession that assists toddlers across their lifespan to do the things they need and want to do to be as functional and independent as possible.
Pediatric occupational therapists strive to help child learn and live their lives to the fullest. They help children become independent in daily living tasks, improve in their school performance, and address sensory processing disorder.
The Role of Pediatric Occupational Therapists
Pediatric occupational therapists specialize in assessing and managing issues related to children’s fine motor skills, sensory processing, motor coordination, visual perception, self-care, and social-emotional skills.
Through pediatric occupational therapy (OT), your child will learn valuable strategies to thrive in their daily activities and social interactions.
The Focus of our Pediatric OT
Fine Motor Skills Development: We engage your child in activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and dexterity, essential for tasks. These involve the small muscles in the hands and fingers, such as those used for writing, drawing, buttoning clothes, writing, drawing, and using utensils.
Sensory Integration Therapy: Our therapists employ techniques that help children process and respond to sensory input more effectively, whether they are over or under-responsive to stimuli. This helps them interpret and respond to sensory information from the environment, including touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste.
Social Skills Training: We provide guidance on how to interact positively with peers and manage social situations, nurturing stronger relationships and better communication skills. These involve interacting with others, managing emotions, and developing self-esteem.
Self-Care Skills: Teaching children how to perform daily routines like dressing, eating, and grooming independently is also a key focus of our occupational therapy services.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Burnaby and Coquitlam?
KidStart Pediatric Therapy is committed to providing personalized and results-driven occupational therapy for children in Burnaby and Coquitlam.
We offer compassionate care, professional support, and a warm-welcoming, fun environment where your child feels valued and understood.
During an occupational therapy session, our therapists conduct various activities and assessments tailored to your child’s needs, which may occur in different environments like a therapy room.
The initial evaluation process helps us identify goals and understand your child’s skills and developmental challenges, ensuring a personalized approach.
Experienced Therapists
Our therapists are pediatric occupational therapy-trained with many years of experience working with children with developmental challenges.
Child-focused
We know every child is different. Our therapy sessions are fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s interests and abilities.
Convenient Location
Our clinic is based in Burnaby and we cater to the Burnaby and Coquitlam area, making it easier than ever to access high-quality occupational therapy for your child.
Our Approach to Occupational Therapy
Our team of experienced and caring occupational therapists develops individualized therapy plans for each child.
We believe in a team approach, working with parents, teachers, and other professionals involved in your child’s life to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan.
We also offer personalized therapy to help them build the skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Get Started for Your Child’s Future
Your child’s progress is our priority, and we’re dedicated to making a positive impact on their life.
Talk to an occupational therapist at Kids Start Pediatric Therapy today and take the first step towards helping your child reach their full potential.
We are proud to be a part of the Burnaby community, offering top-tier occupational therapy programs that bring meaningful results.
Don’t delay addressing your child’s developmental needs. EARLY intervention is key.
If you’re ready to learn more about our services, or if you’re seeking occupational therapy near me, reach out to Kids Start Pediatric Therapy.
We’re here to guide you through the journey and provide the compassionate, professional care your child deserves.
Let’s work together to support your child’s development and build a brighter future!