Occupational Therapy

[Uptowngirl12121]

Hi everyone, my 11 year old was diagnosed with ADHD six years ago. I am just wondering for those who are having occupational therapy as part of an accommodation - it what ways has it been helpful or if it has been helpful? Just trying to get a sense of how occupational therapy might fit in.

[crossfitter15]

Hi!

I did OT while I was in elementary school, and I found it helpful. What we did during our sessions was learning how to regulate my emotions, learn new ways to write, practice different sensory sensations, and find ways to accommodate my needs in the classroom. Also, don't be afraid to ask the OT at your school how this could/can benefit your child. As well as what they will be working on during their time together.

[Uptowngirl12121 in reply to crossfitter15]

Thanks. Your answer was solid confiirmation for me.

[Alt49]

we just started with my 6 year old so too soon to tell. Interested to hear others responses

[WoollyMammoth123]

When my daughter was about the same age, she started getting coaching from a school counselor on her organizational skills, which I suspect would be the focus of the occupational therapy. It was very helpful -- making strategies explicit. My daughter continued to try to put those practices in place. It didn't always "work", she still struggled. But to me, if she was continuing to work at putting those into practice, that was a win. When she was in college, during a particular period of time, she was also seeing an occupational therapist, and that was helpful at that stage too, though by then I had less visibility since she was living across the country. I totally recommend this!!

[Mpd7059]

My son has been doing OT since he was 3, he is now 10. I think that it has been helpful with regulation and sensory integration. The protocols evolve as the child grows. We found sports helps whenever he/she is ready. Best of luck!

[NaviG84]

OT made a huge positive impact on my son with ADHD. He eventually improved so much he no longer qualified for services. It completely changed our lives for the better. Use and learn as much from it as you can!

[Shantismurf]

My two sons (8 and 13) started OT about five months ago. They have a one hour session once a week. Unfortunately we pay for it out of pocket since our insurance would only pay for OT for autism, not ADHD. It's very frustrating. We will probably spread out to every two weeks through the summer, or less, idk.

For the younger who has a more hyperactive presentation they work on transitions and mindfulness of energy levels and what's appropriate where. They're working very slowly on writing a book right now about different situations and what would happen depending on how he chooses to respond. It's very cool!

For the older we've focused more on his dysgraphia, awareness of energy levels and ways to manage them. They've done tasks he's really interested in, like making waffles from a mix, and then after they have him write out the steps he took. We also talk about coping mechanisms for anxiety and sleep problems.

In general I think it's super useful for normalizing awareness of their neurodivergencies, how to talk about it and how to manage it in general. The OTs are so incredible. They truly meet the kids where they are, not demanding their eye contact or restricting them overtly, but gently guiding them to where they need to be. It's incredibly positive and supportive for them and for me! I think CBT combined with OT would be an absolutely incredible combination for kids with ADHD...that's effectively what it is, in a lot of ways!