Observation Part 2

My first OT observation was in a client's home.  The session was very interesting.  The first thing we did was roll around on the floor and bear walk through an obstacle course.  After that we tried some foods with "weird" textures, according to the client.  I was surprised at the amount of fun I had and the client had.

I later learned that this "play" was what sensory integration for a young child can look like.  The therapist created a safe environment for the child to try new foods.  The strategy was to work the body and the different senses in a fun and adventurous way.  Foods were a real issue for this child and so for each new food she had to touch it, feel it, smell it, describe it, and finally taste it.  She did not have to swallow anything just try out each new item.  We tried yogurt, tortillas, and carrot sticks.  I enjoyed every minute of it.

This session opened my eyes to just how interesting pediatric therapy is.  It awakened a desire to learn more about Sensory Processing Disorder and a passion for all things OT.  I have observed in other settings and enjoyed it all but I will always look back on that first observation with fondness.

After the session the therapist and I discussed what we had just done and talked about why I wanted to be an OT.  We discussed my background and set up another session a few weeks in the future.  All in all this observation sparked an interest in all things OT and a passion for treating the whole person.

Reflecting on this observation, there are a few questions that someone could ask.  The first question that comes to mind is what a typical day is like.  It is important to get a feel for what the day entails for, in this case, a pediatric occupational therapist working in clients homes.  You could also ask how the OT deals with challenging behaviors.  Challenging behaviors are a part of any therapist's life, children throw fits, teens are moody, and make excuses.  How to deal with the challenges is an important skill that you will need to acquire.  There are many more but these should get you started.

P.S. since April is OT month I will also be posting a blog on what it means to me to increase awareness for OT in 2015.  Next month I will feature a guest blogger to tell her thoughts on her own personal brand of therapy.  Stay tuned.