OT Services
We are excited to offer clinic-based occupational therapy (OT) services at both of our office locations! We also travel to any number of physical locations including a child's home, school, or other community setting within 15 minutes of our Spring Lake or Kentwood offices.
Pediatric occupational therapy services are also available via teletherapy for the states of Michigan and Illinois.
An Occupational Therapist’s role is to assist individuals in performing “occupations” with the greatest level of independence possible. The most important childhood occupations include playing, socializing, and learning. Pediatric occupational therapy promotes the development of skills needed to support a child's participation in functional and meaningful activities.
Common areas of concerns: Motor planning and sequencing, sensory integration and regulation, reflexes, gross and fine motor coordination, handwriting, muscle strength and tone, independence in Activities of Daily Living, auditory and visual processing, trunk control, vestibular processing, and social skills.
Common diagnoses in pediatrics: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Feeding Difficulties, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Fine Motor Delays, Sensory Processing Disorder, Learning Disabilities.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Screening sessions are offered to determine whether a child would benefit from a full OT evaluation. Screening tools/activities used will largely depend on parent concerns and needs of the child. This service includes a short written summary of the information gathered during the screening and OT recommendations. Screenings can be virtual or in-person.
Formal Evaluations
Formal initial evaluations provide important data points and clinical observations that allow the occupational therapist to determine the child's eligibility for services. The evaluation includes a thorough OT report and follow-up meeting with parents to discuss findings and recommendations. The OT and caregivers will collaborate to create a plan of action. Evaluations can be virtual or in-person.
Individualized OT Treatment
Individualized treatments are typically 45-60 minutes in length. Treatments are available in-person or virtually. Sessions are child-led, with a focus on developing skills necessary to promote a child's independence and success during meaningful occupations. A child's primary occupation is play, which is why we use a heavily play-based approach to treatment. At Sensational Steps Therapy, Inc. we are proud to offer:
Caregiver Consultation and Coaching
Parent/caregiver consultations are 1:1, approximately 30 minutes, and can be held via phone or video call. The purpose of these consultations is to discuss questions or concerns related to a child's development, sensory needs, social-emotional regulation, fine motor and handwriting skills, or IEPs. This session will provide parents with strategies to use to support a child's development. In addition, a formal OT evaluation may be recommended as a beneficial next step. Consultations do NOT include a written report and are not a determination of OT eligibility.
Group Therapy are held throughout the year. Topics and themes include Sensory-Motor, Handwriting, Social-Emotional, and Feeding. Learn more about group therapy HERE!
