1: Who is Lynda?
Who is Lynda Niles?
My name is Lynda, and I am an Occupational Therapist or an OT, that means I try and help children and young people who have difficulties doing ordinary things in everyday life, using fun activities and games.
When I work with you I may see you at home or at school, or you may come and see me in a hall. I may have lots of equipment and things to try and out and play with.
Sometimes I may ask another OT to come and see you but they will do similar things to me.
2: Why?
Why might an OT be able to help you?
OTs are good at working out puzzles – working out why some children find some tasks at home like dressing and washing, or tasks at school like writing or joining in PE or speaking out in class, really difficult.
OT’s try and help children and young people to do things better and are experts at know how the body and brain work together to get things done. They are also good at working out how to do things differently or how make changes in what you experience.
3: What happens in OT?
What might the OT do?
- The OT may ask you lots of questions
- The OT may get you to move about and to do some exercises
- The OT may get you to write or draw something
- The OT may ask you to show them what you are really good at and feel proud about
- The OT may ask you all about the things you like doing at home or at school or out and about
- The OT may take a picture or video to help remember all that you say and do (but only if you and your parents have said its OK)
- The OT may suggest that there are activities and games that may help you grow and develop more skills and abilities
- The OT may come and see you at school
If you have any questions about this talk with your parents or carers about seeing an OT, they can often find the answer or contact me to find out more.
4: Keeping Safe
All occupational therapists have to keep all the children and young people they work with safe and that includes any information we may collect about you.
It’s not possible to keep information a secret, sometimes it is important that other people know what is happening. As part of the OT assessment we will discuss what you would prefer to keep to yourself and what would be helpful to share with others.
Although there will be lots of things that will be OK to do with the equipment and materials we bring to the OT sessions, there may be times when we can’t let you do something as we want to keep you safe while you are playing.
5: Teen space
Although lots of information about occupational therapy with children show very young children in very playful therapy sessions, OT does also work for older children and teenagers.
When the OT sees an older child or young person the activities and tasks may be different, some young people prefer to talk about the issues they are finding difficult and make a plan that they can carry out themselves.
Sometimes you may prefer to be seen somewhere away from your school or college or your home.
When working with young people occupational therapy is really a partnership.
