Paediatrics
Occupational therapy in paediatrics is aimed at children from infancy to adolescence if their development is delayed, their independence and ability to act are limited or threatened or affected by disability. The causes for this are, for example, congenital or previously acquired disorders of the motion sequence as a result of brain damage or developmental disorders, sensory disabilities, disorders of perception processing, disorders in social development and communication skills as well as mental illness and mental disabilities.
The overriding goal is always the greatest possible competence to act and, in connection with this, the greatest possible independence of the child. This includes, for example
- Improvement of movement sequences, tonus regulation and coordination
- Implementation and integration of sensory perceptions / sensory integration and improvement of body perception and body schema
- Development and improvement of cognitive abilities such as concentration and endurance
- Development and improvement of socio-emotional competencies, e.g. in the areas of emotional control, affects, motivation or communication
- Integration of the child in family and environment
- Compensation for permanent deficits, e.g. also by means of aids
Treatment is based on the treatment concepts of Ayres (sensory integration therapy), Affolter, Bobath, Castillo Morales, Frostig.
Basically, all activities offered in the treatment should be in a meaningful context for the child. The actual stage of development of the child / adolescent is the basis of all measures. For this, the child's mental, emotional and physical abilities and deficits must be recorded. Counselling and intensive cooperation with parents as well as the exchange with other persons caring for the child are an indispensable part of the treatment.