The role of an occupational therapist is to help a child with DYS (dyspraxia, dyslexia…) develop and regain a degree of independence in daily and school life. While the quality of the relationship between the two of them is a prerequisite for this collaboration to succeed, the quality of the relationship between the occupational therapist and the parents is far too often underestimated. Yet parents play a major role in therapy… Here’s how.

Occupational therapy and learning disorders

Frequently called on for learning disorders, occupational therapists study the assessment(s) carried out in order to analyse a child’s main difficulties and understand their causes. Based on this valuable information, they focus their support around 4 areas:

  • Daily life, helping the child with DYS gain greater autonomy and independence;
  • Schooling, adapting their working time with suitable tools;
  • Leisure activities, putting in place the adjustments needed to support their choices;
  • Wellbeing and personal growth, building their self-confidence and self-esteem.

The relationship between the professional and the child with DYS

Depending on the nature of their disorder (dyslexia, attention difficulties, dyscalculia…), the occupational therapist can offer a child with DYS tailored follow-up care.

To do so, they carry out an occupational therapy assessment, which must be done on medical referral. This takes the form of an in-person or phone appointment to understand the child’s environment and daily life, as well as observe their behaviour and abilities and learn their history. After running a number of tests designed to assess their cognitive and motor abilities, the professional draws up a list of possible solutions and then puts together a precise therapy plan.

Set out in a calendar, activities take the form of fun games and exercises designed to motivate the child and encourage them to push themselves further.

The relationship between the occupational therapist and the parents

The success of occupational therapy obviously depends on the involvement of the child with DYS, but also that of their parents: throughout the rehabilitation process, the professional works closely with them to understand their wishes and needs.

As sources of support and encouragement for the child with DYS, parents play a major role that no good practitioner can afford to ignore. Indeed, the activities suggested by the professional are inevitably shaped by the child’s mood, which doesn’t always align neatly with session times.

That’s why the occupational therapist works to guide parents and give them the tools to stimulate their child with DYS at home when they’re receptive: activities involving gross or fine motor skills, upper-limb movement, and sensory stimulation suited to their age.

 

Don’t hesitate to consult one of the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform, an occupational therapist specialised in helping children with DYS: available online, they can answer your questions and clearly explain how they can concretely help your child.