Understanding Occupational Therapy in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting children with developmental needs in Singapore. As a parent, understanding the importance of occupational therapy and its significance in your child’s life is crucial.
What is Occupational Therapy?
At Bridging the Gap, Pediatric Occupational Therapy is part of our Early Intervention Programme, focusing on helping children to the best level of functional ability in school, home, and society.
Occupational therapy for children 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.
Understanding Occupational Therapy in Singapore
In Singapore, occupational therapy services are readily available, catering to children with various developmental needs. With a growing awareness of the importance of early intervention, parents can access these services through both public and private early intervention centres or healthcare facilities.
Key Components of Our Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy typically involves three key components: assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. Through comprehensive assessments, therapists identify areas of strengths and challenges in a child’s development, creating individualized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Therapeutic interventions encompass a variety of activities and exercises aimed at achieving therapy goals effectively.
Benefits of Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy offers numerous benefits, including improved motor skills, enhanced cognitive abilities, and better social and emotional development. By addressing specific areas of concern through structured interventions, children can experience significant progress in their overall functioning and independence. Parents should recognize and celebrate these milestones along their child’s therapy journey.
Children with a range of developmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), can benefit significantly from occupational therapy interventions. At Bridging the Gap, our experienced occupational therapists target challenges related to motor skills, sensory processing, and social interaction, and help children maximize their potential and improve their overall quality of life.
Choosing the Right Occupational Therapist
When seeking occupational therapy services for their child, parents should prioritize finding a qualified and experienced therapist who specializes in pediatric care. Considering factors such as qualifications, credentials, and relevant experience ensures that the therapist can effectively address the child’s unique needs and provide quality care.
These professionals possess diverse skills in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, ensuring they meet the requirements for practice.
At Bridging the Gap, 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.
Learn More About Occupational Therapy
What to Expect During Pediatric Occupational Therapy Sessions
Occupational Therapy sessions involve various activities and exercises to improve skills and foster independence in children.
Vestibular Activities
– aim to improve balance, spatial awareness, coordination, and overall sensory processing related to movement and orientation.
Proprioceptive Activities
– involve tasks that stimulate the proprioceptive system, which senses the position and movement of muscles and joints. These activities include heavy work tasks, compression exercises, and resistance training, all aimed at improving body awareness, coordination, and motor control.
Balancing Activities
– that challenge balance, such as standing on one leg, walking on uneven surfaces, or using balance boards. These exercises help improve awareness of body position and strengthen the muscles involved in maintaining stability.
Crossing Midline
– refers to the ability to reach across the imaginary line running down the centre of the body to perform tasks on the opposite side. This skill is important for activities like balancing, writing, reaching for objects, and engaging in bilateral coordination tasks.
Motor Planning
– refers to the ability to conceive, plan, and execute purposeful movements. It involves the brain’s ability to organize and sequence actions to complete tasks effectively and efficiently.
Attention Activities
– aim to improve an individual’s ability to focus, sustain attention, and engage in meaningful activities effectively.
Regulation Activities
– focus on helping individuals develop strategies to regulate their emotions, behaviours, and arousal levels. These activities aim to promote self-awareness, self-regulation, and the ability to cope with stressors effectively.
The Role of Parents in Supporting Occupational Therapy
Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s progress throughout the therapy process. By engaging in exercises and activities recommended by the therapist at home, parents can reinforce therapy goals and promote skill development in a familiar environment.
Consistent communication with the therapy team allows parents to track their child’s progress, address concerns, and collaborate on strategies to support their child’s development effectively.
Navigating the Process of Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Singapore
From the initial consultation to ongoing progress monitoring, parents can expect a structured and supportive journey throughout their child’s therapy experience at Bridging the Gap.
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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.
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Child Assessment
Our occupational therapist will assess your child’s skills through tests and observations to identify strengths and weaknesses. This guides the creation of intervention goals and a customized plan to address needs and achieve results.
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Goal Setting
Therapy goals will be tailored based on assessments, using play-based strategies for young children and targeted exercises for focus at school and home. Parents will receive goal explanations and weekly updates from the therapist.
Success Stories and 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
Challenges and Limitations of Occupational Therapy
Despite its benefits, parents may face challenges and concerns along the way. It is essential to address these issues openly and work collaboratively with therapists to overcome obstacles.
Resources and Support for Parents
Community organizations and support groups provide additional resources and assistance to parents navigating the world of pediatric occupational therapy.
Pediatric occupational therapy holds tremendous potential for children with developmental needs in Singapore. Parents can make a significant difference in their child’s life by understanding the process, accessing quality services, and actively participating in their child’s therapy journey.