Trails - Therapy Services

The Occupational Therapy (OT) program provides evaluation and treatment services using a child-centered and family approach. Treatment focuses on enhancing the development of functional skill areas such as self-care, play and school-based skills, perceptual, gross and fine motor skills, sensory motor and neuromuscular function and cognitive/emotional development.

OT is an approach to facilitate, maintain and enhance a child's occupational performance. Occupational performance areas for a child include:
	Self -care skills which include dressing, bathing, grooming and eating
	Play/Leisure or engaging in intrinsically motivating activities, spontaneous enjoyment or self-expression
	School/Work - children are prepared for the academic demands of school e.g. paying attention, working independently and working with a group, waiting for his turn, etc.

Occupational therapy at Trails Center is done on a one-on-one basis. When the child is deemed ready to join a small group to develop social skills and coping skills, the child is then recommended to attend the Social Skills Program (see Special Programs).
Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.
Our clients are accepted upon the referral of medical doctors, neuropsychologists, educators and allied health professionals. Clients are accepted by appointment. An application is considered complete when the referral letter and the center's case history form have been submitted. These forms should be submitted to the center on the day of the scheduled diagnostic evaluation. Initial evaluation may take 1-2 sessions. Results are discussed with the child's family and a written report is provided. If therapy is indicated, the child's family is advised regarding the schedule and frequency of therapy sessions. The therapy program is also discussed with the child's parents to make sure that they understand the goals set for the child.