Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Francisca Velasco | Pediatric Occupational Therapist | Dunalastair School

What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

A Career in Pediatric Occupational Therapy is very interesting. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, while one should first understand What is a Career in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. The most authoritative source of information on Pediatric Occupational Therapy is someone with real experience in it.

With 7 years of professional experience, Pediatric Occupational Therapist Francisca Velasco understands Pediatric Occupational Therapy. According to Pediatric Occupational Therapist Francisca Velasco, Pediatric Occupational Therapy is:

Pediatric occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the skills they need to grow into functional, independent adults. Physical impairment, injuries and a host of other issues can hamper a child's ability to perform common tasks or progress normally through the stages of social or cognitive development.

How Pediatric Occupational Therapist Francisca Velasco got into Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

After completing my schooling, I did 5 years graduation in occupational therapy. I chose pediatric occupational therapy as my specialization. After Completing my education, I started working as a Therapist since 2003.

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Francisca Velasco's Talk on Pediatric Occupational Therapy

The Journey and Insights of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist In the intricate world of healthcare, Pediatric Occupational Therapists play a vital role in helping children navigate their unique challenges while fostering growth and independence. These professionals embark on a meaningful career dedicated to improving the lives of children—an often enriching yet demanding path. With a deep understanding of child development and empathetic communication, they assist kids in mastering crucial life skills. This article delves into the educational background, required skills, potential positives and challenges, and a glimpse into a typical day of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, drawing insights from experienced practitioners like Francisca. What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy? Defining Pediatric Occupational Therapy Pediatric Occupational Therapy is a specialized field within occupational therapy that focuses on children from birth to around 13 years of age. The essence of this therapy lies in helping children develop essential life skills through therapeutic activities tailored to their individual needs. By enhancing their sensory integration, children can gain the skills necessary to engage in play, education, and social interaction seamlessly. As Francisca passionately explains, the goal of a pediatric occupational therapist is to enable children to enjoy life as typically developing peers, regardless of any disabilities they may face. The Core of Sensory Integration One of the main areas of focus within Pediatric Occupational Therapy is sensory integration. This concept revolves around how children process and respond to sensory input from their environment, which is crucial for their daily functioning. Understanding sensory integration helps therapists provide effective interventions that promote emotional regulation and improve social interactions. For example, by creating activities that engage multiple senses, therapists like Francisca assist children in better integrating their sensory experiences, leading to enhanced functioning in school and play settings. Education Anatomy: The Foundation of Understanding To be successful in this field, an in-depth knowledge of anatomy is essential. Understanding how the body moves, including the muscles, joints, and bones, equips therapists to identify and address issues effectively. For Francisca, this knowledge serves as the foundation for diagnosing and planning interventions tailored to each child's unique physicality. A skilled therapist can apply this anatomical knowledge to enhance a child’s mobility, thus enriching their everyday life. Physiology: The Key to Physical Health Physiology goes hand-in-hand with anatomy and is critical for comprehending physical health issues that may affect children. Therapists must identify how various bodily systems impact a child's development and function. For instance, if a child struggles with motor skills due to a neurological condition, understanding the underlying physiological factors aids in creating targeted therapeutic approaches. Neurology: Understanding the Brain's Role A firm grasp of neurology is paramount for pediatric occupational therapists, as it relates to how the brain affects behavior and movement. Each part of the brain is responsible for different functions, such as memory and coordination. Therapists like Francisca must understand these neurological functions to accurately assess and support children in overcoming their struggles. Child Development: Growth Across Ages Knowledge of child development is necessary to tailor therapies appropriately to children of varying ages. As Francisca noted, the developmental milestones for a two-year-old significantly differ from those of a seven-year-old. This understanding guides therapists in selecting age-appropriate activities that resonate with each child's developmental stage, fostering their growth effectively. Skills Patience: A Crucial Trait Patience is fundamental in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. Working with children requires a calm demeanor, ensuring that interactions remain supportive and encouraging. Francisca emphasizes that the therapeutic process can be slow, and sometimes children may respond unexpectedly. Remaining patient allows therapists to create an environment where children feel comfortable to explore and learn at their own pace. Creativity in Therapy Creativity is essential for engaging children during therapy sessions. Pediatric Occupational Therapists must continually devise new games and activities to capture the interest of their young clients. As Francisca mentions, improvisation is often necessary, and tapping into one's creative abilities not only keeps sessions fun but also helps address specific goals in innovative ways. Communication Skills: Bridging Gaps Effective communication is key for Pediatric Occupational Therapists, as they must convey complex information in a simple, relatable manner to children and their families. For Francisca, this means breaking down therapeutic processes into understandable terms, which builds trust and ensures that families are active participants in their child's treatment. Positives Exciting Work Environment One of the standout benefits of being a Pediatric Occupational Therapist is the dynamic and exciting work environment. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, as therapists work collaboratively with children. Francisca highlights the joy of working with individuals rather than being confined to a desk, making each day unique and fulfilling. Autonomy in Work In this profession, therapists often have the autonomy to manage their time and workload. This flexibility not only allows them to balance work and personal life but also encourages independence in decision-making regarding therapy plans. For someone like Francisca, the ability to set her schedule aligns perfectly with her passion for travel and adventure, further enriching her experience. Challenges Unrealistic Expectations One of the challenges Pediatric Occupational Therapists often face is managing the expectations of parents. Some parents arrive with preconceived notions about their child's progress, which may not align with the realities of the therapy process. Francisca mentions the importance of setting realistic goals and educating families about the nature of disabilities, fostering a more collaborative and understanding environment. Continuous Upgradation As a field rooted in healthcare and science, Pediatric Occupational Therapy requires ongoing education and adaptation to new research and treatment methods. Francisca acknowledges that staying abreast of the latest developments in the field is both a responsibility and a challenge, as it demands constant learning to provide the best care possible. A Day In The Life of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist The daily routine of a Pediatric Occupational Therapist can be both structured and varied. Francisca starts her day early, waking at 6:30 am, engaging in some physical exercise before heading to the school where she typically works from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. The afternoons are spent at her private clinic, where she sees clients until around 6:00 pm. Each session is tailored to the specific needs of her young clients, making her work both engaging and rewarding. Flexibility in her schedule allows for a balance between professional responsibilities and personal interests, including time for sports and socializing. In conclusion, a career as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist is not only impactful but also filled with joy and challenges. By merging science and compassion, practitioners like Francisca make profound differences in the lives of children and their families. Despite the challenges that may arise, the rewards of this career—such as developing meaningful relationships, fostering growth, and promoting independence—offer endless fulfillment and inspiration.

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How to get into

Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

If you are want to get into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Pediatric Occupational Therapy is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Pediatric Occupational Therapy, what education and skills you need to succeed in Pediatric Occupational Therapy, and what positives and challenges you will face in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Francisca Velasco's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/franciscavelasco

LifePage Career Talk on Pediatric Occupational Therapy

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/pediatric-occupational-therapy

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20200227-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpxRGgam1xA

(Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Francisca Velasco, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Child Care, Child Development, Child Health, Health)

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