What is OT?
Many children with Down syndrome present difficulties with fine motor, gross motor skills and sensory issues which affect their ability to engage in daily activities. An Occupational Therapist works with children to help them gain the functional skills they require to achieve their maximum potential at school, home and in play/social activities. OT sessions are fun, creative and stimulating for a child’s development, which not only develops skill, but also boosts self-esteem.
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Occupational Therapy sessions are fun, creative and stimulating for a child’s development and self esteem and take place in a combination of settings – in our OT Gym, OT Therapy Room and Multisensory Room.
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Currently these take place weekly on a Wednesday morning between 10am and 1pm, and once a month an additional afternoon session for virtual sessions/appointments and home and school programmes.
Benefits of OT
An Occupational Therapist works closely with parents, teachers and other healthcare professionals to assess and determine the underlying components which are impacting on the child’s functioning and identify appropriate strategies to help them.
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Occupational Therapy intervention can address a range of developmental difficulties such as:
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Motor Development: gross motor (balance, ball skills), fine motor (finger strength, grip, manual dexterity)
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Visual-Motor Integration Skills: eye-hand coordination, which affects functional skills such as drawing, cutting, dressing and catching a ball
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Visual Perceptual Skills: the ability to interpret, analyse, and give meaning to what we see, which is essential for learning to read, write and perform activities of daily living
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Sensory Integration: effecting attention and concentration skills, regulation, impulsivity
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Social Skills: developing appropriate play skills, improve eye contact, turn taking and awareness of body language
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Handwriting Development: pencil grip, letter formations, letter reversals, spacing
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Practical Living Skills: dressing, toileting, self-care, organisation
FEES
As a charity we charge a nominal fee of €25 for most of our services to support running costs, and we subsidise the rest.