“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Francis of Assisi
Pediatric OT
Pediatric Occupational Therapy at Recreate Self and Living (RSAL)
Understanding Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy is a vital branch of healthcare that assists individuals of all ages facing physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges. The term "Occupation" in OT extends beyond vocational activities; it encompasses all daily activities and the difficulties individuals might face while performing them.
Role of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists address barriers affecting a person's emotional, social, and physical needs. They employ a variety of methods, including everyday activities, exercises, and diverse therapeutic strategies. This approach is particularly relevant for children, including those on the autism spectrum, who have their own unique ways of expressing needs, emotions, and interacting socially.
RSAL’s Approach to Pediatric OT
At RSAL, we prioritize establishing a strong rapport from the initial appointment, setting clear and focused directions for the therapy. Our approach involves:
Setting SMART Goals: We work collaboratively with you and your child to establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. These goals are regularly monitored using a Goal Achievement Scale (GAS) and are used as a motivational tool.
Comprehensive Assessments: During the second session, our Occupational Therapist conducts assessments tailored to understand your child’s specific challenges. This includes:
Creating a sensory profile for your child to guide therapy interventions.
Utilizing assessments such as the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale, Pediatric Evaluation of Disabilities Inventory (PEDI), and others relevant to your child’s needs.
Specialized Evaluations and Strategies: These may include Handwriting Skills Evaluation, Home Assessments, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the PEDI-Computer Adaptive Test (CAT).
Our approach is not only about therapy sessions; it's about integrating strategies within the family unit, ensuring that therapy extends into the home environment. We believe in inclusive therapy, involving as much direct family participation as possible to reinforce the strategies learned during sessions.
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At RSAL, our goal is to provide a comprehensive, empathetic, and effective pediatric occupational therapy service, tailored to the unique needs of each child and their family.
Adult Occupational Therapy
Adult Occupational Therapy at Recreate Self and Living (RSAL)
Social Skills and Community Participation
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For many adults with Autism, engaging in group activities can pose challenges, particularly due to the social aspects involved. At RSAL, we specialize in interventions that focus on enhancing community access and participation. Our aim is to develop and strengthen the social skills necessary for such engagements. Additionally, we assist in the referral process to connect individuals with established community groups that are aligned with their functional and cognitive capabilities.
Independence and Autonomy
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A key goal for many adults with Autism is to gain greater independence and autonomy. To support this, RSAL involves family members in the process, providing jargon-free, descriptive, and easy-to-follow plans. This inclusive approach ensures continuity and effectiveness of the strategies implemented.
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Training for Independence
Our approach to training for independence may include various aspects such as:
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Navigating public transportation.
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Utilizing assistive technology.
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Developing routine plans.
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Implementing risk mitigation strategies.
All these are geared towards the ultimate goal of enabling individuals to live independently, with access to ongoing services as needed.
Home Modification Recommendations and Planning
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RSAL offers comprehensive services around home modifications. This includes:
Development of robust modification plans and drawings.
Liaison with quality, NDIS-recommended registered builders.
Comprehensive home and functional assessments to determine the most suitable modifications for your home.
We understand that each individual’s needs are unique, and our recommendations are tailored accordingly. The service includes report writing and the creation of detailed drawings. Post-completion of the building work, we arrange a visit to your home to ensure satisfaction with the results and to experience the modifications firsthand.
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For more information on our home modification services, please contact us. It’s important to note that the wait times for these services are generally longer compared to FCA/FEE/ADL assessment reporting.
At RSAL, we are dedicated to providing tailored and comprehensive occupational therapy services to adults, aiming to enhance their quality of life and independence.
