Best Occupational Therapy in Kochi | Enhancing Daily Life Skills

Provides therapeutic intervention for any skills that aids an individual to complete his activities of daily living. For an infant it may be simple activities like crawling to his toys or sucking and tasting food, for a toddler the primary occupation that concerns the child is play, further preschoolers engage activities that involve further fine motor skills like feeding himself, scribbling. So even though the name suggests ‘occupational’ , occupational therapy services go further and beyond.

Occupational Therapist

We have the best team of Occupational Therapy service providers who can help you find goals to improve any skills i.e, physical, mental or emotional, that intervenes with your healthy daily living. Heath is a word that is often people associate to physical alone, but if an individual is finding it difficult to complete a task to meet his needs it interrupts his emotional wellbeing and as this continues it starts to intervene with his mental equilibrium as well. Our team of occupational therapists focuses on balancing his triad of health using sensory integrated and client centered therapeutic activities.

Who can avail these Services

The need for occupational therapy in a child may be manifested in many ways. If you are a parent, look out for sudden behavioral changes, difficulties to cope with daily living activities and always demanding assistance, increased stimming behaviors, hyper or hypo sensitivity to textures or taste while feeding, limited eye contact when addressed, inattentiveness. Young adults look out for sudden behavioral changes, difficulty with problem solving, socializing difficulty or aloof personality. If you are a caregiver to an adult patient or an aged patient you can reach out to our occupational therapist if they show signs of memory loss, lack of judgment, visual-spatial oriental issues, balance and coordination issues. You are never too late for occupational therapy.

Common problems addressed by Occupational Therapist

Behavioral changes
Hyperactivity
Elevated self harming, abusive or unacceptable Stimming Behaviors eg: headbanging, hair pulling, etc.
Fine motor skills
Memory issues

Attention Difficulty
Handwriting skills
Socio-emotional skills
Visuospatial Orientation skills
Pre-linguistic skills(eye contact, sitting tolerance, etc)

Why choose Us?

Individualism and independence

Our primary goal is to make your child aware of himself. When a child is oriented to his wants and needs, strengths and weaknesses he will be able to modify and adapt his environment for his needs. Individualism is the child being aware of his condition and hence being alert to environmental factors that may disrupt his equilibrium. Independence is a child taking the lead to achieve equilibrium. For example: A child will be able to ask for breaks during school hours as he has limited sitting tolerance rather than making loud noises or other attention seeking behaviors which may be difficult for the tutor or his classmates to comprehend.

Sensory-Friendly Environmental Modification

Our services go beyond our premises. The best Occupational therapy services are those that can ensure the child or adult goes through transition of progress gradually and comfortably. To ensure the same we assist in modifying your home, school or work environment to make it a more sensory friendly environment.

Evidence Based Practice

We have the team of the best Occupational therapists in the city. They are involved in continued research practices to ensure the latest and most advanced strategies and techniques are used based on evidence relevant for each condition.

Parent Training and Counseling

We provide support to parents/caregivers in the form of training and counseling to prepare themselves to help their child or loved ones achieve their goals sooner

When is the right time to avail the service

You are never too late to avail occupational therapy services. Any individual who is disturbed or lacks the skills to reach his health equilibrium can consult an occupational therapist. Occupational therapy services can be availed as a stand alone service or as a supportive therapy intervention along with others such as physiotherapy or Speech therapy. Some skills are very crucial for speech development in a child like eye contact, attention span, intent to communicate and sitting tolerance. Similarly some precision to movements such as grasping balance and coordination when walking need to be developed after achieving motor skills milestones. In both the former discussed cases occupational therapy becomes a stand alone therapy service. On the other hand for a child in the autism spectrum disorder occupational therapy becomes a part of the team to manage the disorder. Therefore depending on the individual needs occupational therapy services are availed.

How can an occupational therapist help

We have the best team of Occupational Therapists in the city who are dedicated to ethical and consistent practice to avail the best results for your loved one. Your journey with the expert will start with an evaluation that is very interactive both adults and children in the form of play and
sensory integration challenges. The Occupation therapy service providers in our center believe in quality over quantity. Hence the evaluation is a comprehensive procedure that concludes with a precisive diagnosis.

Further service includes therapy catering to the needs of your loved one where they start their journey to find the balance in their Physical, Mental and Emotional Health. Occupational therapy is not based on what an individual does not have, rather it focuses on the residual strengths of
the individual that can be modified to meet the individual’s needs. Occupational therapy does not eliminate behavioral problems; rather it channels or modifies the behavior to something that will help the individual become more functional in the society. As a parent or caregiver you play an equal role in this service as you follow up on activities and exercises prescribed by the therapist.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the Occupational Therapy Interventions for Autistic Children at Home?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental disorder/ condition that can considerably impact a child's daily life. Occupational therapy (OT) is an important therapy in supporting children in the autism spectrum, helping them develop essential skills and participate more fully in their environment.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy emphases on helping children engage in meaningful activities, or occupations. For autistic children, this might include self-care skills like eating, dressing, and bathing, as well as social skills, sensory processing, and fine and gross motor skills.

How Can Occupational Therapy Support Autistic Children at Home?

Occupational therapists can provide strategies and techniques to help parents and caregivers support their autistic child at home. Here are some common interventions:

Sensory Integration Therapy:Sensory Integration Therapy helps children regulate their sensory experiences, such as touch, sound, and movement. Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care can provide sensory activities and environments to improve sensory processing.
Social Skills Training: Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care can teach children social skills like eye contact, turn-taking, and initiating conversations. Role-playing, social stories, and group activities can be used to practice these skills.
Fine Motor Skills Development: Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care can work on activities to improve fine motor skills, such as cutting, writing, and using utensils.
Gross Motor Skills Development:Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care help children in the autism spectrum perform activities like climbing, jumping, and balancing can help improve gross motor skills.
Adaptive Equipment: Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care can recommend adaptive equipment to help children with daily tasks, such as weighted vests, sensory tools, or specialized utensils.
Behaviour Management Strategies: Occupational Therapists at Lorem Wellness Care can teach behaviour management techniques to help children manage challenging behaviours and promote positive behaviours.

Lorem Wellness Care: Your Partner in Child Development

At Lorem Wellness Care, our experienced occupational therapists are dedicated to providing personalized support for autistic children and their families. We offer a range of services, including:

In-home therapy sessions: Our therapists can come to your home to provide tailored interventions.
Teletherapy: We offer virtual therapy sessions for added flexibility.
Parent training and education: We provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers.
Community integration support: We help children participate in community activities and develop social skills.

By working closely with families and caregivers, our occupational therapists can help autistic children reach their full potential.
Contact Lorem Wellness Care today to learn more about how occupational therapy can benefit your child.

2. What are the Occupational Therapy Interventions for Autistic Children in School?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a valuable therapy for supporting autistic children in school settings. By addressing sensory processing challenges, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional development, Occupational Therapy can significantly improve a child’s ability to engage in learning activities, participate in social interactions, and develop self-care skills.
Lorem Wellness Careat Panampilly Nagar, Kochi offers specialized occupational therapy services designed to meet the unique needs of children in the autism spectrum. Our experienced therapists collaborate closely with teachers and parents to develop individualized therapy plans that lead them to be independent and succeed in life.

Key Occupational Therapy Interventions for Autistic Children:

1. Sensory Integration Therapy:

Sensory Processing Activities: Engaging in activities that help regulate sensory input.
Sensory Diet Development: Creating personalized sensory.

2. Motor Skills Development:

Fine Motor Skills: Practicing activities to improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Gross Motor Skills: Engaging in activities to enhance balance, coordination, and strength.

3. Social Skills Training:

Social Interaction Skills: Role-playing social situations, practicing eye contact, and teaching appropriate social behaviours.
Emotional Regulation Skills: Learning strategies to manage emotions, identify feelings, and respond to social cues.

4. Self-Care Skills:

Daily Living Skills: Practicing activities of daily living like dressing, grooming, and eating independently.
Adaptive Skills: Learning strategies to adapt to different environments and situations.

5. Play Skills Development:

Imaginative Play: Encouraging creative and imaginative play to foster social interaction and problem-solving skills.
Functional Play: Engaging in play activities that promote motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive development.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy at Lorem Wellness Care for Autistic Children:

Improved sensory processing and regulation
Enhanced motor skills and coordination
Increased social interaction and communication skills
Improved attention span and focus
Greater independence and self-confidence

Lorem Wellness Care is multi-disciplinary child development centre providing high-quality occupational therapy services to help children reach their full potential.
Contact us today to learn more about how our specialized interventions can support your child's success.

3. What’s the difference between Occupational therapy and Behaviour therapy or ABA? What is more superior?

Occupational therapy (OT) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) are both therapeutic approaches that can be beneficial for children with developmental disabilities, but they differ in their focus and techniques.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Focus: Occupational Therapy aims to help individuals develop the skills needed to participate in daily activities, such as self-care, work, and play. It addresses physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges that may hinder a person's ability to function independently.
Techniques:Occupational therapy uses a variety of techniques, including sensory integration, motor skill development, and adaptive equipment. Occupational Therapists work with individuals to adapt tasks and environments to promote independence and participation.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Focus: ABA is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behaviour. It focuses on identifying the function of a behaviour and developing interventions to increase positive behaviours and decrease negative ones.
Techniques: ABA uses principles of learning and motivation, such as positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and extinction. Therapists break down skills into smaller steps and provide structured learning opportunities to promote skill acquisition and generalization.

Which is Superior?
The question of which therapy is "superior" is not straightforward, as the most effective approach depends on the individual's specific needs and goals. In many cases, a combination of OT and ABA can be beneficial. For example, OT may help a child develop fine motor skills needed for handwriting, while ABA may help them learn to initiate and maintain social interactions.
Consult with a qualified professional at Lorem Wellness Care to determine the most appropriate therapy or combination of therapies for an individual's specific needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive autism support services.

4. How long will my child require occupational therapy?

The time period of occupational therapy interventions and services for children can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:

The specific needs and challenges of the child
The severity of the underlying condition or developmental delay
The child's age and overall development
The frequency and intensity of therapy sessions
The home and school environment.
Support from caregivers and parents
Knowledge and experience of the therapist.

Some children may only need a few months of therapy to address specific issues, while others may require longer-term support.
Here's a general breakdown of how long occupational therapy might take:

Short-term therapy (a few months to a year): For children with mild-developmental delays or specific skill deficits short term therapy seems to be effective. For example, a child with minor fine motor skill delays might only need a short period of therapy to catch up to developmental milestones.
Medium-term therapy (several months to a couple of years): This is typical for children who need support in multiple areas or those with moderate developmental or sensory challenges. The therapy in such cases is more comprehensive, aiming to address various skills and behaviours.
Long-term therapy (several years or ongoing): Some children with complex needs, such as those with autism spectrum disorder or cerebral palsy, may require long-term or ongoing occupational therapy. The goal of therapy in these cases is to support the child's development and independence throughout their life.

It's important to note that these are just general estimates, and the actual duration of therapy for your child will depend on their individual circumstances. Consult an occupational therapist at Lorem Wellness Care to have a better understanding about the occupational therapy requirements of your child. Occupational therapist and the multi-disciplinary team at Lorem Wellness Care are highly compassionate and motivated to help parents and children who need their services.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive autism support services.

5. How can Occupational Therapy Improve the sitting tolerance in children?

Occupational therapy (OT) is very important in improving sitting tolerance in children. Here are some strategies that Occupational Therapists often employ:

Sensory Integration:

Sensory Diet: Occupational Therapists can create personalized sensory diets that include activities to calm or energize the child, depending on their needs.
Sensory Tools:Using therapy equipment like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or therapy balls can provide sensory input that helps children regulate their bodies and focus.

Postural Development:

Core Strengthening: Occupational Therapists design exercises to strengthen the core muscles, which are essential for maintaining good posture and sitting stability.
Postural Awareness: Occupational Therapists teach children about proper posture and body alignment, helping them develop a sense of where their body is in space.

Activity Modification:

Engaging Activities: Occupational Therapists can select activities that are both engaging and require sitting, such as puzzles, board games, or art projects.
Task Analysis: Occupational Therapists can break down tasks into smaller steps, making them less overwhelming and more manageable for children with shorter attention spans.

Environmental Modifications:

Seating Options: Occupational Therapists can recommend appropriate seating options, such as chairs with good back support or therapy balls, to improve comfort and stability.
Workspace Organization: A well-organized workspace can reduce distractions and help children focus on tasks.

Behavioural Strategies:

Positive Reinforcement: Occupational Therapists can use positive reinforcement to reward children for sitting appropriately, encouraging them to repeat the behaviour.
Visual Schedules: Visual schedules can help children understand expectations and transitions, reducing anxiety and improving focus.

Gradual Exposure:

Short Sessions: Occupational Therapists start with short sitting sessions and gradually increase the duration as the child's tolerance improves.
Frequent Breaks: Taking short breaks for movement can help children stay focused and refreshed.

It's important to note that each child is unique, and an Occupational Therapist will tailor their approach to the specific needs and challenges of the individual child. By addressing underlying sensory, motor, and behavioural issues, Occupational Therapist at Lorem Wellness Care can significantly improve a child's sitting tolerance and overall participation in daily activities.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive autism support services.

6. At many a times, my child does hand flapping and spinning on one leg. Should I be worried about this?

Frequent and multiple hand flapping, spinning on one leg, head banging, making noises, shivering the legs etc. are termed as Stimming. Stimming, is the short form for self-stimulatory behaviour. It is a common characteristic in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It involves repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that help regulate emotions, sensory input, and focus.

Why Do People with Autism Stim?
Stimming serves various purposes for autistic individuals:

Sensory Regulation: It helps manage overwhelming sensory experiences, whether it's calming overstimulation or providing stimulation when under-stimulated.
Emotional Regulation: Stimming can be a way to express emotions, especially when verbal communication is challenging.
Focus and Attention: Repetitive actions can help autistic individuals concentrate and block out distractions.

Common Stimming Behaviours
Stimming manifests in diverse ways, including:

Motor Movements: Hand-flapping, rocking, pacing, spinning, finger-flicking, and body rocking.
Vocalizations: Repeating sounds, humming, or making noises.
Object Manipulation: Twirling objects, lining them up, or repeatedly touching textures.

Supporting Individuals with Stimming
If you're supporting someone with autism who stims, consider the following:

Understanding: Recognize that stimming is a coping mechanism, not a behaviour to be stopped.
Acceptance: Create a non-judgmental environment where stimming is accepted as a natural part of their behaviour.
Environmental Adjustments: Minimize sensory overload and provide calming spaces to reduce the need for excessive stimming.
Therapeutic Interventions: Occupational therapy or behavioural therapy can help manage stimming and develop alternative coping strategies.

Lorem Wellness Care: Your Partner in Autism Support
Lorem Wellness Care is a multi-disciplinary child development centre having a team of speech therapist, behaviour therapist, psychologist, special educators and occupational therapists. Here we understand the complexities of autism and the importance of supporting individuals with stimming behaviours. Our team of experienced therapists offers tailored interventions to help individuals with autism develop effective coping mechanisms and live fulfilling lives.
Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive autism support services.

Occupational Therapy Center in Kochi