Occupational
Therapy For Kids
What Does Pediatric Occupational Therapy Look Like at Roots & Wings?
At Roots & Wings, we work directly with parents and other caretakers and incorporate the family's priorities into their child's treatment plan. We integrate clinical expertise with our clients’ and their families' goals.
In our work, we draw on critically appraised clinical research, including that of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Ph.D., OTR/L, founder of the STAR Institute of Sensory Processing Disorder and the therapy principles of the STAR PROCESS, and Dr. Jane Ayres, Ph.D., OTR, originator of the theory, assessment, and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Our approach to occupational therapy intervention and treatment is centered on the STAR PROCESS as well as many evidence-based developmental frames of reference, which together include the following guiding principles:
▪ There are many moving parts in developing skills. We believe interconnectedness and relationships, regulation, the environment, and sensory information shape development.
▪ Learning is dependent on the ability to take in and process sensations from both the internal and external environment. A child uses this information to plan and organize behavior.
▪ To explore and discover, all children need an inviting and safe environment. However, every child has individual differences and needs tailored interventions to treat sensory processing and developmental challenges.
▪ Positive, successful outcomes require tuning into each child’s unique interests, becoming a play partner rather than a teacher or educator, and gently building rapport.
▪ We support each child as a unique individual and always adhere to and respect their limits during play.
▪ Therapy must be fun and engage the child in play activities that help develop their underlying abilities and improve their brain maturity. The emphasis is on developing automatic and appropriate responses to sensations so that activities can be accomplished and enjoyed.
▪ Motivation is created by providing rich opportunities for sensory, motor, and symbolic play.
▪ We believe in parent empowerment and education. The clinical reasoning process serves to guide parents in problem-solving and setting up a sensory lifestyle.
▪ We believe in success, as success forms the basis for self-esteem and self-confidence. We provide scaffolding for the child and use motivating themes and toys. We meet the child in their "zone of proximal development."