Emergency

Early Intervention Program: Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Nurse with child

The Early Intervention Program - Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy provides services and supports to children aged 0 to five who have, or are at risk for, a developmental delay and/or disability, and their families and communities.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists will assess functional areas of a child’s development in areas including: feeding skills, fine motor skills, play skills, and self care skills. They will then identify individualized strategies and environmental supports that will support skill development.

Occupational therapists may work with children in various settings, including the child’s home, daycare/preschool, or other community spaces including our clinic, and often involves collaboration with families, educators, and other healthcare providers to support children in participating as fully as possible in their home, school, and community environments.

Occupational Therapy services provides assessment, treatment and/or consultation, and education for:

  • Oral motor skills and safe feeding procedures.
  • Self care skills e.g. toileting, dressing.
  • Fine motor skill development e.g. printing and cutting.
  • Sensory processing e.g. significant challenges with sensory regulation impacting participation in childcare programs.
  • Specific musculoskeletal needs and associated equipment to support postural alignment and joint protection (including implementation of hand, wrist or elbow splints).
  • Acquiring equipment to support positioning and mobility needs e.g. wheelchairs, bath seats, commodes, specialized beds and mattresses, etc.
  • Participation in learning activities through the use of assistive technology (e.g. specialized computers/communication devices) and environmental controls.
  • Home and community accessibility.

Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapists work with infants, children and their families to facilitate development of the child’s underlying motor skill sets. This can include movement patterns, coordination, strength, balance and endurance. Physical therapists provide assessment, consultation, and intervention using a play based and strength-based approach to help the child and family achieve functional goals.

Physical Therapy services provides assessment, treatment and/or consultation, and education for:

  • Supporting the development of gross motor milestones
  • Developing physical skills to participate at home and in the community
  • Adapting the environment (home, daycare, or preschool) for function and safety ​
  • Accessing equipment such as standing frames, walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs, and seats

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