Does My Child Need Occupational Therapy?

Well Rehab • December 3, 2020

Occupational therapy is often understood as the use of varying treatment to help people of all ages who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems to optimise their independence in doing various daily activities.


If your children have trouble performing activities in the physical, sensory, or cognitive aspect, chances are that they need to undergo occupational therapy. This includes experiencing trouble in developmental skills, fine and gross motor skills, visual processing, sensory processing, social interaction skills, and learning challenges.


You see, the very first occupational therapy service in Malaysia began in 1957, which was available in most general hospitals. The service was then expanded to provide therapies in district hospitals, health clinics, social welfare departments, schools, private agencies and more.


Today, there are more than 1,000 occupational therapists nationwide, to provide treatments to Malaysians in need of any rehabilitation. Here’s what you need to understand about occupational therapy for children. Before that, let’s look at the signs that indicate the need for occupational therapy.



Signs that indicate the need for occupational therapy


1.     Developmental delay

If your child has a developmental delay, it can mean being behind a combination of skills or not meeting growth milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking by a certain age. Other signs include not learning at an age-appropriate level or lacking age-appropriate play and social skills.



2.     Sensory processing

Making sense of information that we receive through our senses is important for us to execute the right action. If your child has problems making sense of information, he/she may have trouble calming themselves when upset. Other symptoms include trouble coping with change or heightened reaction to sound, touch, or movement.



3.     Learning challenges

If your child experiences learning challenges, they may have trouble following instructions and completing work, learning new material, hyperactivity, easily distracted, etc.



4.     Motor skills (fine & gross)

Having the right motor skills help us hold or pick up small items, and move and coordinate our arms, legs, and other body parts when needed. If your child is behind in movement, strength, and/or balance, he/she may have difficulty in activities that require their fine motor skills and appear uncoordinated or clumsy.


For children who are struggling with fine motor skills, they usually require additional attention and need to undergo occupational therapy.



Importance of early intervention for children


Like any other intervention for certain medical problems, early intervention for your children can help minimise the potential for developmental delays and help you and your family to meet the special needs of your children.


Additionally, early intervention can help your child to rebuild his/her self-esteem and confidence, especially when they’re struggling among their peers. Providing support to your children will also help them to be optimistic about getting treatments.


Common occupational therapy intervention

If you suspect your child may have developmental challenges, occupational therapy can help him/her to partake in school and social situations fully.


The services typically include:

-         An individual assessment, whereby you or your family together with the therapist determine your child’s goals.

-         A customised assessment to improve your child’s ability to perform certain daily activities and achieve the goals.

-         An outcome evaluation to ensure that the goals are met and/or adapt the intervention plan.


Depending on your child’s condition, the occupational therapist may tailor the treatment programme to improve his/her condition over time. You may also take part in the treatment programme by building up their motor skills at home. But remember to be patient with your child during the home treatment.


It’s not the end of the world if your child experiences developmental delays or has learning disabilities. They can still improve their condition if given early intervention.


Well Rehab is one of occupational therapy Malaysia that provides several therapies which can be customised based on your child’s needs. For more information about our therapies or services, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

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