The ancient methods of Yoga derived from the Indus Civilization during 5,000 B.C. Yoga has been widely recommended as a tool to help individuals feel a sense of balance both physically & mentally. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root word “yog” which means to join or “unite.” In recent studies, Yoga practices have been showing increasing benefits and …

Most people are not aware what kinds of conditions pediatric Occupational Therapists treat. Pediatric Occupational Therapists work with a variety of patients that require assistance in a variety of areas, such as fine motor, sensory motor, cognitive reinforcement and self-help skills. When these skills are developed, it can enhance a child’s self-confidence and allow them to be successful in school. Occupational …

At Chicago Occupational Therapy, meeting the needs of families is a top priority. The best way to do this is by supplying families with exceptional resources and educational materials. Knowledge is power, but also the best support you can give your child in occupational Therapy. The newest book, What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy? An Illustrated Guide, helps both parents and …

Qualifications An OT must graduate with a Masters’ level degree or higher from an accredited institution and be registered with the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy and be licensed in the state of which they practice Quality of Life A measure of satisfaction with one’s life in the activities in which they do. Quality enrichment methods can include activities …

Midline A median line dividing the two halves of the body. Crossing the midline is the ability to use one side of part of the body (hand, foot, or eye) in the space of the other side or part Modulation The brain’s ability to regulate its own activity which requires the internal ability to modulate a balance between neural inhibition …

Graphomotor Skills Coordination between eyes and hand to perform pencil/paper tasks Gravitational Insecurity Extreme fear and anxiety that one will fall when one’s head position changes Gross Motor Movements of the large muscles of the body Gross Motor Skills Coordinated body movements involving the large muscle groups; for example, running, walking, hopping, climbing, throwing and jumping Habituation The neurological process …

Adaptive Response An appropriate action in which the individual responds successfully to some environmental demand; requires good sensory integration and furthers the sensory integration process ADL/ADLs Activities of Daily Living Apraxia Difficulty coordinating motor planning movements Ataxia Incoordination of voluntary muscle movements Auditory Figure-Ground The ability to discriminate between sounds in the foreground and background, allowing us to focus on …

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a wide variety of behaviors, traits, and challenges. Children with ASD may need support in living life to the fullest, from engaging in play activities, to reaching physical and fine motor milestones. Occupational therapists specialize in providing intervention that supports the needs of children with ASD and other disorders in order to help them engage …

Pediatric occupational therapists, commonly referred to simply as “OTs,” are highly-trained professionals who specialize in identifying delays in fine and gross motor development in children by providing therapy to help catch them up with their peers. These motor development skills may range from throwing a ball, walking up stairs, jumping, and climbing to handwriting, using scissors, and gripping small objects …