​Play: Strive to become a play partner in a child-led vs. therapist-led occupational therapy session.

 

Rich opportunities for sensory, motor and symbolic play help to create intrinsic motivation. Sensory subtypes (according to STAR nosology) are always called upon to guide play. Pretend play increases the developmental level of function and can be a strong foundation for social development.

Relationship: Build rapport, establish a safe place to experiment with risks in emotional or motor behavior, create a session based on mutual respect and active participation on both sides. Eventually, the goal being moving from co- regulation to self-regulation. ”Connect before you correct.” (Siegel, 2011)

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Organization/Regulation: Help child attain and maintain a regulated state and promotes optimal level of arousal or engagement to facilitate learning. Use visual schedules, modified environments, behavioral strategies and predictability to support self-regulation. Use strategies to help child identify own arousal level through use of various curriculum such as The Zones of Regulation or How Does Your Engine Run.

What does regulation look like?

• Able to share attention

• Calm and alert

• Able to access higher levels of play

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Collaboration: Engage in play as a partner vs. a therapist, educator or teacher. Activities are shared and the child is empowered to explore and develop play themes. 

Principals of collaboration include going slow, using rhythm, wondering and allowing for silence (W.A.I.T. Why Am I Talking?) As a play partner, share in the problem solving, help to frame what is happening in the play, use affect and ask questions about how things might work.

Emotional Regulation: Create the “Just Right Challenge” in session and work towards solidifying the skills at that level and then scaffold for a slightly higher level of skill.

Sensory Integration: Provide sensory experiences that elicit an adaptive response from the child. Sensory inputs are designed to enhance arousal levels, support the natural intrinsic motivation to play, develop motor, emotional,

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Success: Treatment designed to build self-esteem and confidence. Focus on meeting the child where they are and support each child as a unique individual.