What is Occupational Therapist?

Answer

An occupational therapist, who completed occupational therapy education (Neuroscience, Anatomy, Kinesiology, Physical Function and Psychology) and passed a national certification exam, assists individuals in needs to achieve their maximum level in areas of self-care, play, school and work, employing a evidence-based and client-centered approach.

Please refer to Examples of Challenges/Concerns

How does occupational therapy help a child?

Answer

Practicing a difficult task does not help. A child is provided activities/plays to gains under developing skills, so he/she becomes able to do the task. For example, a child came for occupational therapy because of difficulty to hold a pencil properly. An initial assessment found that some of skills which are necessary for a pencil grasp were underdeveloped. At a session, she carried out meaningful activities which helped develop the skills for pencil grip.

What is like a session of occupational therapy at Root?

Answer

Occupational therapy of Root is playful because a child gains skill through play. A child’s active participation is encouraged. Activities are set up “just right challenge” for each child. A child accumulates successful experiences to achieve his/her goals. A therapy session is planned for each child, employing up-to-date evidence-based practice, to help him/her achieve the goals.

What is frequency?

Answer

Once-a-week session is highly recommended. Progress for a therapy is like a building blocks one by one. Continuation is critical. So I try to do a make-up session when you cancel it. 

What is sensory processing difficulties?

Answer

Please refer to “About Sensory Processing/Integration”

How do sensory processing/integration difficulties affect a child?

Answer

When sensory information is not appropriately perceived and organized in the brain, it affects our motor and behavioral responses.

Please refer to “Sings of SPD” for more information.

My child cannot sit still. Does he have problem with sensory processing?

Answer

He may have sensory processing difficulty. Or/and there may be other problems. Observing a child in a natural setting and sensory processing-based assessment are required to reveal if a child has sensory processing difficulties or not. Please contact Root for further information.

I believe that my child has sensory processing difficulty.

Does she need therapy?

Answer

We all have some sensory imbalance. However, I recommend sensory processing therapy to a child when the difficulties affect his/her life. Please contact Root for further information.

My child does regular sports.

Can be it substituted for sensory processing therapy?

Answer

Therapy is medical treatment. Sensory processing therapy requires careful evaluation and observation. Based on the results, a child actively participates in planned plays/activities so he/she can feel sensations that he/she needs for appropriate sensory processing.