Pediatric occupational therapy is a broad discipline focused on helping children gain independence while also strengthening development of sensory motor skills, fine motor skills and visual skills needed to help kids function, socialize and participate in daily life.

Most professionals compelled to the field of occupational therapy have big hearts and desire to help people. When it comes to hiring pediatric occupational therapists, our team at Therapy and Wellness Connection prioritizes compassion and dedication to patient care above all else. Simply put: Every therapist MUST care about these kids. We can provide additional training for those newer to this evidence-based field, but genuine care for each and every client is an imperative.

If you’re searching for a pediatric occupational therapist in Cleveland, we know you have your choice of therapy clinics in Northeast Ohio. As you weigh your options, here are some of our thoughts on what we think makes a great OT.

A Great Pediatric Occupational Therapist is: 

Client-centered.

Pediatric occupational therapists should be most interested in what is going to help the child succeed the most in life. It is our job to help them do their job – which includes all the functions and tasks of living as independently as possible and thriving. Developmental delay, cognitive disabilities, injury, illness and other challenges can all stand in the way of independent function. Your OT should be a people person, first and foremost.

Positive. 

As is underscored regularly during AOTA conferences, occupational therapists as a whole tend to be upbeat and positive. We view our students, patients and clients through a strengths-based perspective lens. What that means is we recognize your strengths and goals first, while seeing our role as helping overcome challenges and weaknesses.

Versatile.

The best pediatric occupational therapist is one who thinks outside the box. Obviously, if the solutions were super easy, you’d handle it yourself. We help individuals adapt to the environment, and where that’s not possible, work to adapt the environment to the individual. That’s why our services aren’t just based in our clinic. We work in patients’ homes, school environments and out in the community to help them self-regulate, focus and function.

Research-Driven.

Occupational therapy as a profession is evidence-based. Not that all of us are sitting in a lab, but a good pediatric occupational therapist will aim for the best use of evidence-based practices in their daily work. There is always a reason to our methods, and we’ll continue observations to determine what is working and what isn’t. We’re constantly evaluating and reshaping our plans of care to reflect the abilities and goals of each individual.

Welcoming of Parent Involvement. 

A great pediatric occupational therapist knows that a child’s success truly depends on the village. We empower not only our clients but their families to ensure the best possible outcomes. At Therapy & Wellness Connection, we also pride ourselves on being a multidisciplinary practice, working with physical therapists, speech therapists and ABA therapists to provide comprehensive care to treat the whole person – not just the aspects with which we’re concerned.

Knowledgeable. 

Your child’s OT often has a broad knowledge of sensory processing systems, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system – and how all of that works together to create optimal health and wellness. In school, they study joints and muscles and the interplay of the two in creating movement and stability. We’re trained in feeding and swallowing. We’re knowledgeable about typical child developmental milestones so that we can help each child reach those goals.

It’s a good idea for parents to research pediatric occupational therapists in their region to find the best fit. Our team is happy to answer any questions and provide a tour of our facilities and overview of our therapy philosophy.

Therapy & Wellness Connection – your connection to a life without limitations – provides occupational therapy to children in Cleveland, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Akron and surrounding communities. We also offer summer camp, day programs, education services, vocational counseling and more. Call us at (330) 748-4807 or send us an email. 

Additional Resources:

4 Tips for Families During COVID-19, April 29, 2020, AOTA

More Blog Entries:

Incorporate Occupational Therapy Into Kids’ Chores, May 20, 2020, Cleveland Pediatric Occupational Therapist Blog