Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy, which uses purposeful activities including the tasks of daily life, promotes the greatest possible functional independence for persons of any age who are dealing with the effects of disease, injury, birth defects, disability or developmental problems. The goal of Occupational Therapy is to develop a better quality of life through improved sensory motor skills, fine/gross motor skills, perceptual skills, play, social and self-care skills (e.g. dressing, eating, grooming.)
The Occupational Therapy Department at Easter Seals Western and Central Pennsylvania provides outpatient services to infants, children and adults in a variety of settings that include our Sensory Integration Room at Easter Seals Child Development Center and in home services as well as community placement settings (day cares, schools/educational environments). Qualified Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants work with individuals in need of assistance to lead productive and satisfying lives. The Therapists specialize particularly in services to children and have a unique and holistic view of the child, which includes biological and behavioral sciences and the affects of illness or injury on human growth and development.
are provided in the academic environment and are designed to help a child develop the underlying skills that are needed for learning and performance of specific classroom related tasks. The focus is on self-care skills, as well as sensory, motor, postural and emotional development with the goals and objectives of helping the child improve his or her function in the school environment, home and community. Occupational therapists also can evaluate and provide special equipment to help a child's function within the classroom and help that child perform as independently as possible within the educational setting. Occupational therapy may provide direct services, monitoring or consultation with parents and teachers concerning the child's skills and how they affect the child's academic performance.
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Birth defects and genetic disorders (Down Syndrome)
- Neurological damage before, during or after birth. (Cerebral Palsy, stroke etc)
- Delays in sensory motor skills
- Restlessness, irritability and excessive crying as an infant
- Muscular disease
- Family history of developmental delay and substance abuse
- Developmental delay
- Muscular dystrophy
- Developmental disabilities including mental retardation, spina bifida and cerebral palsy
- Sensory integrative dysfunction
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders
- Learning disabilities, including dyslexia
- Delayed or impaired motor development
- Autism and pervasive developmental disorders
- Orthopedic disabilities, traumatic injuries, burns, and amputations
- Emotional disturbances, behavioral problems, phobic behaviors, psychotic illnesses, mood disorders to include bipolar disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and reactive attachment disorders, as well as attention deficits hyperactivity disorders
- Terminal illnesses
