Children's Rights in OT! What every child should expect.

So your child is starting OT. 
How do you explain why they are going and what to expect? 

It will depend on your child's age, level of understanding and why they are seeing an occupational therapist. 

Preparing your child (or helping a family to prepare) with information about why they are going can help with anxiety and expectations. A positive and realistic explanation can help to frame occupational therapy, setting up the relationship with trust and respect. 

Some of the ways we might explain OT to kids - 

• Use the "Fun Helper" Approach: Tell them they are going to meet a special teacher or friend who plays games to help them get better at things they want to do.
• Focus on PLAY: Explain that in OT, they will play with toys, use swings, do crafts, and move around, and it will feel like fun, not schoolwork.
• Relate to Daily Goals: Use examples like, "This will help us make writing easier," or "It will help us get dressed by ourselves".
• Analogies: Explain that just as someone needs glasses to see better, they might need an "expert helper" to make tricky tasks feel easier.
• Validate Emotions: Let them know it is okay to feel nervous, but emphasize that the OT  is a safe space to practice new skills and explore feelings.

Regardless of the reasons that your child might see an OT, there are some common expectations that are so important, that I'm calling a child's rights! 
* Automomy - They have control over their own bodies and choices.
* Agency - They can help to make decisions.
* Consent - They can say yes or no and be heard. 
* To be understood - Their communication is respected. 
* Active Participation - They can be engaged and involved in the therapy process.
* Safety- They will be emotionally and physically safe.
* Colloboration - Their goals will be heard. 
* Joy and connection - Therapy can be fun and enjoyable.
* Meaningful occupation - They will play, rest and learn activities of daily living. 
* Individualised support - Their needs will be addressed.
* Regulation - They can take breaks as needed.
* Authenticity - They can be themselves without pretending.
* Strengths - Their interests and strengths matter. 
* Dignity - They will be treated with kindness and empathy.

​A video can also help to explain to your child what they should expect. Some of the following videos are designed to show kids and some are designed for parents to understand how to explain OT.  Watch them all and choose what is appropriate for your child.

• Ready Kids: What is occupational therapy? Explained to kids in 90 seconds.
• Ready Kids: What is occupational therapy? Explanation for adults
• Cstars: What is pediatric occupational therapy?
• Twinkl Teaching Resources: Occupational Therapy for Kids
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation: Children's Occupational Therapy Animation
• Autism Australia: OT for autistic children
• Ontaria society of occupational therapists: See how we help kids learn and be successful in schools 
• Harkla: OT Kids Explained (Executive Function, Sensory Routines, Reflexes)
• Parents Helping Parents: What is OT?
• InfOT: Pediatric OT​
• Westside Children's Therapy: Growing Skills OT for older kids

​We (occupational therapists) are here to help kids to participate fully in their daily life, to develop skills, be motivated, with the right tools within the environments they need to function in! We are holistic and help to address physical and motor skills, internal systems (nervous system, sensory system, cognition), social awareness and participation.  We look at accomodations, advocacy,  equipment needs and environmental changes. 

Children can expect a dynamic therapeutic relationship! 

How do you explain occupational therapy to a child?

Until next time,
Cindy
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Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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