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What is Occupational Therapy (OT): Its purpose is to improve cognitive, motor and physical skills through specially designed activities and play. A Certified Occupational Therapist will conduct an evaluation and prepare individualized goals. Often times, an OT Therapist will incorporate sensory activities in the session.
​What are the benefits?
Independent life skills, hygiene, hand-writing, potty training, meeting sensory needs for regulation, attention span/stamina, fine motor skills, play skills, coordination, spacial awareness, sitting, posture, feeding, swallowing and recognizing color/shape. They also prevent loss of function. They also assist in helping parents understand the needs of their child and acquire the necessary skills to implement in the home environment. OT therapists often have interesting manipulative toys, fun supplies, and lots of "out of the box" ideas to motivate their clients.
What type of goals can I expect?
Independently getting dressed, feeding, grooming, hand-writing, brushing teeth, opening containers, and cutting with scissors are just a few examples of common goals. Ask to be present during the OT therapy so that you can learn techniques that can be practiced at home.
30 Measurable Handwriting IEP Goals, including OT, Fine Motor, and Letter Formation
Fine Motor IEP Goals: 50 Fine Motor Skills Goals for All Ages
75 Personal Hygiene IEP Goal Ideas
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What is the role of OT in education?
"School-based occupational therapy practitioners support academic achievement and social participation by promoting occupation within all school routines, including recess, classroom and cafeteria time They help children fulfill their role as students and prepare them for college, career and community integration. They utilize prevention, promotion and intervention strategies for mental and physical health and well-being." (American OT Association, 2013). **Many school districts in the Lehigh Valley outsource OT services to the IU's. Insist that OT goals be part of the IEP.
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What is Heavy Work?
Proprioceptive input is the performance of tasks that involvs heavy resistance and input to the muscles and joints, and is essential in helping our bodies assimilate and process both movement (vestibular) and touch (tactile) information that makes us aware of "our position in space." If you see a child crash, break things, appear clumsy and uncoordinated, they are looking for a way to calm and organize their nervous system. Some examples of heavy work your child can do is carry groceries, carrying a watering can, wear a weighted vest, weighted lap pad, swimming, laundry basket, pressing putty, pulling wagons filled with objects, riding bicycles, trampoline, bean bag chairs or crash mat, jungle gyms, swings, etc. Ask your therapist for a list of heavy work activities for gross motor and fine motor skills.
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Recommended hours: Typically sessions run 30min-1 hr per session. Frequency is based on need and coverage.
Recommend ages: Toddler-Adult
Recommended books:
The Parent's Guide to Occupational Therapy for Autism and Other Special Needs
Measuring Occupational Performance: Supporting Best Practice in Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Toolkit: Patient Handouts and Treatment Guides
OT Providers:
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Advent Pediatric Therapy Services
Muscle tone, strength, visual motor skills, the child’s sensory system, and the child’s intrinsic motivations are all a part of the assessment and treatment plan. The OT works to help your child fully engage in their life and all of its routines.
Where: 3376 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-392-4339
Website
​Amy Rau-Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Where: 418 Prospect St, Catasauqua, PA 18032
Call: 610-606-8250
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Bethlehem Pediatric Therapy Services
Where: 701 West Union Ave, Unit 10, Bethlehem PA 18018
Call: (610) 625-4404
Website
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Early Intervention Services - Lehigh County Birth to Three (0 - 3)
#: (800) 692-7288
Lehigh County, PA
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Early Intervention Services - Northampton County# Birth to Three (0 - 3): (610) 974-7500
Northampton County, PA
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Easterseals
Outpatient physical and occupational therapy for children and young adults at our center in Reading. Children receive help with coordination, handwriting, social skills, and sensory integration. Others work on walking, flexibility, balance and receive help with wheelchairs and walkers
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Good Shepherd
Where: 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103
Call: 1-888-44-REHAB (73422)
Website
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Lehigh Valley Health Network
Where: Multiple locations
​Call: 610-866-9675
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Nelson Therapeutic Services, LLC
Where: 3124 Cambridge Cir, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Call: (610) 462-4625
Pediatric Therapy Associates Of The Lehigh Valley
Sally Abruzzese, MED, OTR-L
Where: 3440 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103
Call: (610) 821-0123
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St. Lukes Hospital
Where: Multiple Locations
Call: 484-526-5025
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