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Occupational Therapy for Children
When a child grows up, he undergoes a lot of physical, mental, a sociological development that helps him navigate the real world and interact with others. The initial years are the crux of brain development since a lot of growth occurs during this time. Certain kids, unfortunately, do not reach these development stages as needed, and their maturity does not match the level of other kids of their same age. In such a dilemma, occupational therapy comes to their rescue.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy is a set of exercises, techniques and activities that assist children in developing the skills and forms required to start living their lives independently. Many kids need a lot of help with basic daily routines such as brushing teeth, wearing clothes, or schooling related activities such as noting down what’s written on the blackboard or making use of simple tools. Their motor responses and sensory nodes do not respond and process at the level as that of other children. This causes them to be slower, to make more mistakes than others, and can affect the child quite a lot.
With occupational therapy, your child will begin to carry out most of the activities by himself gradually over time.
When Does a Child Need OT?
You might wonder 'Does my child need occupational therapy to live his life?'. Some kids might bloom later than others and they may not require any therapy as such. However, there are certain cases when occupational therapy might be considered for a child:
Suffering from birth-related defects
Problems processing sensory receptions
Have faced injuries immediately after birth
Failing to learn new things easily
Having arthritis, bone-related disorders or so
Developmental disorders such as autism or behavioural issues
Has suffered extreme level burns
Kids suffering from cancer, palsy, or other debilitating illnesses
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Kids
Introducing your kid to occupational therapy can have the following benefits.
1. Handling the Daily Routine of Life
Certain kids face issues in carrying out activities that are essential in the daily routine of life. These include brushing their teeth, going to the toilet, holding a pencil to write or draw something, wearing their own clothes, buttoning a shirt, and so on. These are activities kids should start doing by themselves independently. Occupational therapy helps them achieve that independence.
2. Resolving Issues of Sensory Perception and Processes
When children have issues with their sensory organs, they encounter trouble in seeing things correctly, finding sounds to be too quiet or too loud, not understanding touch, failing to recognize smells, having different taste perceptions and so on. These could result in an extreme behaviour at school or lethargy and apathy too. With occupational therapy, these kids can be taught to bring back control over their senses and assess them accordingly.
3. Bringing Better Movement Possibilities to Kids with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that pretty much restricts any physical movement, depending on the severity of the condition. Most kids also suffer from dystrophy in the muscles, rendering them unable to move and resorting to using a wheelchair. Since their lives revolve around it, occupational therapy helps them cultivate their activities by teaching them to use it properly, and make the necessary adjustments to turn it into an integral part of their life.
4. Helping Kids with Autism Communicate and Interact Better
Although kids suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) might be clubbed with autism, the problems both suffer are different. Autistic kids do show tendencies similar to that of kids with SPD but not vice versa. These kids have trouble conversing with people, do not engage in play, and stay aloof from any activities. Each child’s behaviour needs to be handled separately and occupational therapy for children with autism helps out a lot in that regard. By addressing only those problems that are necessary, it does not become a generalized solution and helps kids overcome their issues sooner.
5. Stabilising the Lives of Kids with Motor Skill Issues
Some children have issues with the muscles in their limbs as well as fingers or so. This can cause trouble while learning to walk, or ride a bicycle and so on. Occupational therapy works on this problems individually and either helps them adapt to it, or even remove the condition altogether.
6. Relearning What They Know Already for Kids with Injuries and Burns
These kids might have led normal lives right from the beginning until an incident rendered them unable to do so. For such kids, the problem is forgetting what they already knew and doing it differently. Occupational therapy helps them get perspective in understanding different ways of carrying out previously known activities and get good at it.
Difference Between Occupational & Physical Therapy
Occupational therapy for children with special needs and physical therapy for children with disabilities might seem like the same thing. However, physical therapy primarily focuses on reducing pain, improving physical movement and strength, and deals with limbs and joints. Occupational therapy includes that along with a focus on cognitive and perception skills, behavioural disorders, and relearning abilities.
Occupational Therapy Activities for Children
Here are some occupational therapy activities that are suggested for kids.
1. Activities that Improve Quality of Sleep
Certain children face trouble sleeping properly through the night. By making use of activities like pre-sleep baths, body massages, therapies involving connecting with sand and water, special objects that reduce the effect of sounds and lights, making use of certain smells to induce sleep, are all used in a combination to tackle the problem.
2. Activities that Help Integrate Various Senses
Children may face problem responding to all the stimulation and triggers of the environment. These can be combated by making use of techniques that create a deep calming pressure in the presence of the child. Even use of a bean bag creates a softness in the environment that immediately calms everything down. Making use of stress balls, chewy toys, soft blankets, is good occupational therapy for ADHD child, too.
3. Activities that Improve Limb Coordination
Some kids might not be able to judge their limb movements with eyes or fail to use a particular side. With hand-eye coordination activities, children are encouraged to use bats and balls to try and hit it successfully, or catch a ball by judging it well. For kids that cannot use either left or right side of the body in a decent manner, bilateral activities like rope pulling, dough kneading, using a rolling pin and so on can be quite helpful.
4. Activities that Help Improve Visual Perception
Many children have trouble perceiving shapes of three-dimensional spaces. This can be handled by making clay shaped objects and letting them examine it. Baking cakes in various alphabet shapes, using moulds to match them, can help further. Jigsaw puzzles of a simpler level can work wonders in that regard.
5. Activities that Build on Motor Skills
If a child has a problem using his hands or feet properly, many exercises are focused on twisting the wrists, bending the fingers, and so on. Special scissors can be used to help him cut paper properly. For movement related problems, undertaking supervised swimming, or balancing while walking on a thin platform, can be useful as well.
6. Activities that Encourage Cognitive Thinking
These kids need encouragement in trying out things in a different way. This could be attained by letting them paint something with a cloth instead of a brush, or flipping coins in a box from a distance, or undertaking craft related activities that help with visual as well as limb improvement skills.
Occupational therapy exercises for children are a dime a dozen. But their application needs a proper understanding of your child and his issues. Moreover, maintaining your kid’s self-esteem as he resolves these issues is extremely important and plays a vital role in turning him into a successful individual ahead. Read more
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Let's Talk? 5 Times you and your Man Must!
Communication is key to any successful relationship. Talking things out instead of waiting till they escalate and turn into an argument is very important. There are times when you need to talk with your husband on priority.
All couples have their own way of communicating with each other. Sometimes you reach a stage in marriage where even if you don’t say a word you still know what’s on the other’s mind. However, talking is still key to a successful marriage. After all, if you don’t let each other know what’s bothering you, you won’t be able to work toward a solution.
When Should you Have the Relationship Talk with your Husband?
1. The Romance is Fading
It’s absolutely necessary to keep the spark alive in any relationship, but you must admit that it gets tough to do so once you’re married and the routine of life sets in. It gets even tougher once you have kids, and this is when you need to talk with your husband. Rekindle the fire and don’t let the romance die. Chances are, hubby feels the same way you do but may not know quite how to express himself.
2. You Feel You’re The Only One Making Compromises
To make any relationship work, both partners need to make compromises and adjustments. Compromise is not a negative word–you make one to keep the other person happy. However, if you start to feel like you’re the only one in your marriage who’s compromising, then it’s time to have a talk with your hubby.
3. He Doesn’t Support You Like He Should, or Did
Do you feel like he doesn’t have your back? Do you do everything yourself? Does he not stand up for you in front of friends and family? Let him know how you feel. He may not even realise he’s doing what he’s doing. Talk to him and tell him that you feel let down and that you need him to be someone who’s with you all the way.
4. You Feel Your Opinions Don’t Matter
Does he make important decisions without asking for your opinion? A successful marriage is based on a 50-50 partnership. Both of you are equals in this relationship, and you need to remember that. It doesn’t matter if you’re younger than him or older. All important decisions should be taken together. Otherwise, you’ll start feeling insignificant and unimportant.
5. You Feel Neglected and Sidelined
If you don’t remember to appreciate each other, you can start to feel ignored and even unloved. Getting caught up in the routine of life is normal, but doing the same thing day in and day out, without a word of love or appreciation, can be disheartening. Set the ball rolling by giving him a long kiss in the morning or a quick massage in the evening. He’ll soon get the hint!
Certain issues cannot be pushed under the carpet as they’re bound to come up sooner or later. If something is bothering you, take time out and go on a walk together. Discuss the issue calmly. This is the time when you need to talk with your husband. It can work wonders! Read more
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Coconut Ice Cream
This ice-cream recipe is a Thai treat made with just three ingredients readily available in our kitchens. Very easy to make, this recipe also packs the goodness of coconut. You can add flavors and toppings of your choice, but the plain ice cream tastes just as great!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
5 People
10-15 Minutes
2 Hours
Ingredients
3 cups unsweetened coconut milk.
1 cup powdered sugar.
1/2 tsp salt.
Method
Step 1
Extract coconut milk.
Step 2
In a heavy bottomed pan mix together the coconut milk, sugar and salt and bring to a boil.
Step 3
Refrigerate the mixture in the freezer for about 2 hours or until solid.
Step 4
Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Calories
425 K cal
Proteins
3.3 g
Fats
34.4 g
Carbohydrates
31.9 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
254 mg
Potassium
379 mg
Read more
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My Myth: Me and Depression- No Way, I Am Such a Positive Person!
We had been planning to start our family for a few months, and after many negatives (urine pregnancy tests) I was overwhelmed to find a positive one. I couldn’t believe my eyes so did another test, and it was positive too. It was the best day for me.
Then came the hard part. Morning sickness, no, it was 24-hour sickness and vomiting. They said it should go away after the first trimester, but it was my companion in all the nine months. In the later months, it was accompanied by a migraine which could only be relieved by vomiting. From being a happy, friendly and fun loving woman, I stopped my job and preferred staying at home all day. Even car rides made me vomit. Not only, did I not like going out but I did not like people coming home to meet
me too. I wanted to stay alone. And everyone said why you are depressed; it was a planned pregnancy. Yes, I wanted it. But my dear family and friends, though it was very much what I wanted and I was happy to conceive I was still under pregnancy depression. It is then I realised that depression is not with what you have and what desires are fulfilled, but it is to do with hormones in the body. The day I delivered my baby, I was back to my old self with a bang. Thankfully postpartum depression did not get to me but trust me that is very common too. I openly discuss with family and friends as when I was in distress and realised that many of my friends were in the same phase but never disclosed to anyone as they knew they would not
be understood. The most common response is that " oh! She has everything in life then why is she depressed. We are struggling but still happy."
We need to understand depression is not about having things in life. It is a medical disorder, and it needs family and friends support and doctors help. I am a doctor, but it took my depression to realise this. Be supportive friends.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
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Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
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A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
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