What is Occupational Therapy?
As part of our Early Intervention Programme, one of the main goals for our children is to develop independence in their daily routine. These daily activities include writing, feeding, wearing shoes, and zipping a bag. Therefore, our Occupational Therapy programme focuses on bringing the child to the best level of functional ability in school, home, and society.
Occupational therapy can help in improving gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, posture, balancing, over-all coordination, visual-motor integration, handwriting, and activities of daily living.
Why Choose Bridging the Gap’s Occupational Therapy Programme?
At Bridging the Gap, our occupational therapy sessions are held in our safe and fully equipped sensory integrated gym. Moreover, we have specially designed sensory wall to make every session more fun and engaging. Our pediatric occupational therapy sessions are conducted one-on-one so we can focus on the child’s area of difficulty and individual challenges.
As part our “all-inclusive” early intervention programme, our occupational therapy sessions are conducted on a weekly basis and strategies used by our therapists are reinforced by the early interventionists daily, in the classroom setting.
Our occupational therapists will create a customized plan featuring exercises and activities tailored to your child’s disorder, age, interests, and developmental needs. Various therapy approaches are implemented to maximize function. Our safe sensory gym is used to accelerate your child’s development.
Who Needs Occupational Therapy?
The activities and exercises for occupational therapy is designed to help children develop the skills they need for daily living and overall well-being. If your child is facing developmental concerns or struggles in daily functioning such as self-care challenges, gross and fine motor skills delay, and behavioural issues etc., consider consulting with healthcare professionals to determine whether pediatric occupational therapy is appropriate.
What is the Occupational Therapy Process? What Steps are Involved?
1. Registration / Parent Interview
Before the assessment, you will be asked to fill out a form to provide information of your child’s developmental history and your concerns about your child. Our occupational therapist will also ask you for further information via dialogue.
2. Child Assessment
Our occupational therapist combines the use of standardised assessment tools with clinical observations to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your child. The assessment is then summarized and is used as a baseline for intervention goals. With solid information at hand, they can then proceed to develop an individually customized intervention plan with concrete goals.
The Occupational Therapist will be assessing these areas:
- Visual Motor Integration and Visual Perception Skills
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills
- Sensory Processing
- Motor Planning and Motor Coordination
- Handwriting Skills
3. Goal Setting
Based on the assessments, the occupational therapist will plan tailor-made goals for your child’s therapy sessions. As mentioned, the strategies used are play-based especially for younger children. However, there will be specific exercises targeted for focus and specific areas in school environments and at home. These targeted goals will be explained to parents and will be followed up by weekly homework and updates from the therapist.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out for in a Child That May Require Occupational Therapy
Children with Developmental Delay
- Poor sensory integration skills – Thinks that sounds are too loud or soft objects feel hard, hyperactive, excessive salivation, uncontrollable fidgeting, etc.
- Poor emotional regulation – Often angry, anxious, or depressed
- Poor visual perception skills – Trouble with hand-eye coordination, skip words when reading or poor spatial awareness
Children with Poor Fine Motor Skills
- Unable to hold utensils, writing materials or usage of scissors
- Unable to manipulate with toys and puzzles (pulling, unscrewing, threading, pressing, kneading, slotting in, etc.)
- Unable to tie shoelaces
- Unable to write or shows poor handwriting
Children with Poor Gross Motor Skills
- Needs assistance and support to walk to a flat ground or moving surface
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Poor balance and spatial awareness
- Does not understand concept of left and right
- Shows fear of heights and swings
Children with Poor Attention & Focus
- Poor memory
- Poor time management
- Restlessness
- Unable to keep up in conversations
How Can Pediatric Occupational Therapy Benefit Your Child?
Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) offers diverse benefits for children facing developmental challenges. Occupational therapists enhance daily functioning and overall well-being through targeted interventions:
Fine Motor Skills: Improves grasping, handwriting, and hand-eye coordination for tasks like writing and using scissors
Gross Motor Skills: Enhances coordination, balance, and strength through activities like climbing and jumping.
Sensory Processing: Helps regulate responses to stimuli, addressing issues with touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound.
Self-Care Skills: Develops independence in dressing, feeding, and grooming.
Social Skills: Addresses deficits with activities promoting interaction, cooperation, and communication, beneficial for conditions like autism.
Cognitive Improvement: Targets problem-solving, memory, attention, and organizational skills.
Behavioral Management: Addresses challenges, improving self-regulation and emotional expression.
Adaptive Equipment: Recommends and teaches the use of tools to overcome physical or cognitive challenges.
School Readiness: Prepares children for academics by enhancing attention, concentration, and classroom participation.
Support for Developmental Delays: Creates individualized plans for children with delays, promoting optimal development.
In essence, occupational therapy empowers children with the skills needed for daily life, promoting independence and confidence.
Our Occupational Therapists’ Qualifications & Certifications
Our occupational therapists hold at least a degree in occupational therapy, are AHPC licensed, and often have additional certifications in specialized areas. They bring hands-on experience gained through clinical fieldwork, and many have extensive professional experience.
These professionals possess diverse skills in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, ensuring they meet requirements for practice.
Parent Testimonials
Passionate, supportive and ever-smiling team
Our daughter has been coming to Bridging the Gap for the past six months. We are so happy to see her looking forward to coming here every single day. We have seen small but steady progress in her motor skills as well.Thanks to the passionate, supportive and ever-smiling team here.
Deepa Venkatesh
I have witnessed improvements barely after one month
I have witnessed improvements in my son’s gross and fine motor skills barely after one month in BTG. Previously he was not able to write simple letters by himself but now he is starting to pick up writing skills. He is also picking up more numeracy skills. Language wise, he has also shown improvements in understanding questions and can communicate better. All thanks to the friendly and capable school staff.Chin Chien Yeo
She made great strides in writing, attention and social communication skills
My child has been with BTG for 6 months and has benefitted from the programme there. She made great strides in writing, attention and social communication skills. The teachers are friendly and my child enjoys her sessions there. Founder of BTG Janice has also always been approachable and helpful when I seek her advice. Thank you BTG n team. 🙂Magdalene Wong