Frequently asked questions
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodiversity is a term coined by the sociologist Dr. Judy Singer to refer to how each person’s brain develops differently, and how these differences impact how each of us thinks, feels, behaves, and perceives the world around us.
While each brain is unique and there is no one definition of “normal,” the term neurodivergence was developed to reflect the experience of those whose neurodiversity falls outside of social expectations for “typical.”
Some neurodivergent people are disabled as a result of their neurodivergence, but some neurodivergent people do not consider their neurodivergence to be a disability. Both perspectives are true and valid.
What is neurodiversity affirming care?
Neurodiversity-affirming care is not a specific set of interventions or training. Rather, it is an approach to treatment and overarching philosophy that impacts how the professional views their client and the client’s experience.
When a professional is neurodiversity-affirming, they recognize that neurodivergence by itself is not a flaw or illness that needs to be “fixed” or corrected. At the same time, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist acknowledges and affirms that neurodivergence can also be disabling.
In sum, a neurodiversity-affirming professional is aware that each client is the expert on their own experience and holds space for the good and the bad that come with it. They let neurodivergent communities lead the way in determining the most appropriate language, treatment intervention, and resources rather than telling them what they need based on neurotypical expectations.
In pediatric OT, being neurodiversity affirming means that we do not utilize or believe in behavioral approaches to progress. We do not utilize reward or punishment in order to gain compliance. Rather, we strive for connection and utilize child led therapeutic approaches.
What makes pediatric OT different?
Pediatric occupational therapists enable children with varying needs to live life to its fullest through personalized evaluation and interventions designed to reach goals. Pediatric OTs utilize activities that are motivating to children such as play, art, and games to make progress in their areas of need.
By analyzing and addressing the many different skills required, pediatric occupational therapy makes everyday tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, writing or drawing, self-feeding, and playing appropriately with peers, possible.
What are the benefits of OT?
I keep hearing about “sensory processing”. What does that mean?
Sensory Processing is also known as sensory integration. It is defined as the effective registration and accurate interpretation of sensory input in the environment. It is the way the brain receives, organizes and responds to sensory input in order to behave in a meaningful & consistent manner.
Children who have difficulty processing sensory information have what is known as Sensory Processing Disorder.
Occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodiversity is a term coined by the sociologist Dr. Judy Singer to refer to how each person’s brain develops differently, and how these differences impact how each of us thinks, feels, behaves, and perceives the world around us.
While each brain is unique and there is no one definition of “normal,” the term neurodivergence was developed to reflect the experience of those whose neurodiversity falls outside of social expectations for “typical.”
Some neurodivergent people are disabled as a result of their neurodivergence, but some neurodivergent people do not consider their neurodivergence to be a disability. Both perspectives are true and valid.
What is neurodiversity affirming care?
Neurodiversity-affirming care is not a specific set of interventions or training. Rather, it is an approach to treatment and overarching philosophy that impacts how the professional views their client and the client’s experience.
When a professional is neurodiversity-affirming, they recognize that neurodivergence by itself is not a flaw or illness that needs to be “fixed” or corrected. At the same time, a neurodiversity-affirming therapist acknowledges and affirms that neurodivergence can also be disabling.
In sum, a neurodiversity-affirming professional is aware that each client is the expert on their own experience and holds space for the good and the bad that come with it. They let neurodivergent communities lead the way in determining the most appropriate language, treatment intervention, and resources rather than telling them what they need based on neurotypical expectations.
In pediatric OT, being neurodiversity affirming means that we do not utilize or believe in behavioral approaches to progress. We do not utilize reward or punishment in order to gain compliance. Rather, we strive for connection and utilize child led therapeutic approaches.
What makes pediatric OT different?
Pediatric occupational therapists enable children with varying needs to live life to its fullest through personalized evaluation and interventions designed to reach goals. Pediatric OTs utilize activities that are motivating to children such as play, art, and games to make progress in their areas of need.
By analyzing and addressing the many different skills required, pediatric occupational therapy makes everyday tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, writing or drawing, self-feeding, and playing appropriately with peers, possible.
What are the benefits of OT?
- Development of motor skills
- Improved regulation in response to daily challenges
- Greater independence and participation in daily life activities
- Improved self confidence in strengths and abilities
I keep hearing about “sensory processing”. What does that mean?
Sensory Processing is also known as sensory integration. It is defined as the effective registration and accurate interpretation of sensory input in the environment. It is the way the brain receives, organizes and responds to sensory input in order to behave in a meaningful & consistent manner.
Children who have difficulty processing sensory information have what is known as Sensory Processing Disorder.
And most importantly... Why chose OT & Me for our family?
We live and breathe our mission and values. Occupational therapy is our passion.
Our mission at OT & Me is to utilize a whole child approach in order to empower families to support their children to grow and thrive through each phase of their lives.
All are welcome.
We embrace our differences. Our goal is to honor all who come through our doors. Acceptance and inclusion are our way of life.
We chose hope.
We consciously chose to see a child's potential. We move through therapy with optimism and positivity.
Stay curious.
Curiosity is one of our favorite traits in children. We strive to remain curious as therapists as well. We know that by being willing to learn and grow along side the children we treat, we open doors to progress.
Service is our purpose.
Our paths as therapists are defined by our love of serving our children and families. Our work is our passion to help and empower the ones we serve.
We celebrate the small things.
Each milestone, no matter how big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Hard work happens in occupational therapy, and those efforts will always be recognized. We honor each and every accomplishment.
Our mission at OT & Me is to utilize a whole child approach in order to empower families to support their children to grow and thrive through each phase of their lives.
All are welcome.
We embrace our differences. Our goal is to honor all who come through our doors. Acceptance and inclusion are our way of life.
We chose hope.
We consciously chose to see a child's potential. We move through therapy with optimism and positivity.
Stay curious.
Curiosity is one of our favorite traits in children. We strive to remain curious as therapists as well. We know that by being willing to learn and grow along side the children we treat, we open doors to progress.
Service is our purpose.
Our paths as therapists are defined by our love of serving our children and families. Our work is our passion to help and empower the ones we serve.
We celebrate the small things.
Each milestone, no matter how big or small, deserves to be celebrated. Hard work happens in occupational therapy, and those efforts will always be recognized. We honor each and every accomplishment.
See what our families are saying:
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Phone:
717.364.4360 Fax: 717.974.4545 |
Email:
OTandMePa@gmail.com |
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/otandmepa |
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***Please note that our website does not depict actual clients' photos or names. At OT & Me, LLC, we feel it is our duty to protect the dignity of the children we serve and therefore do not use identifying information even with parent permission.
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