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Nature-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy in the pediatric setting involves providing therapeutic interventions to children who may face challenges in developing the skills needed for daily activities. We work with children to enhance their physical, cognitive, sensory, and social-emotional abilities. The process involves evaluation, goal setting, intervention, home programs, and parent education. It’s important to note that our services are highly individualized, and the specific focus areas and interventions will vary based on the unique needs of each child.

Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy

Upstate Pediatric Therapy + CO partners with equine facilitators at Wild Hearts Equine Center to assess the client’s needs, set therapeutic goals and ensure safety and effectiveness of therapy. Goals may focus on fine or gross motor skills, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social skills, problem solving, and cognitive skills. Activities involving horses are designed to be purposeful and meaningful to address specific therapeutic objectives. Grooming, feeding, riding, and groundwork exercises are examples of this engagement. Horses are responsive to human emotions, offering a unique opportunity to clients to blend with the horses through emotional awareness and self regulation.

Nature-Based Enrichment Sessions

A sensory enriched environment facilitated by an occupational therapist to encourage child led discovery, socialization, and co-regulation with nature. Clients and groups are free to explore through their main occupation of play through loose parts, messy play, and imaginative play with others. Through this connection with nature, children will experience enhanced sensory connections, fine motor, gross motor, hand eye coordination, increase executive functioning, and socialization with other children. The “Kid’s Corral” will function as a part of individualized occupational therapy session and or separate group enrichment sessions.

GROUP ENRICHMENT SESSION DETAILS:

  • Ages 3 – 7
  • 1-2 hour time slots
  • Drop off class with freedom for parents to stay or return at the end of the session for pick up
  • Must be potty trained 
  • “Mud” gear is appropriate
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Parent Coaching

Ongoing collaboration with the occupational therapist as needed to continue to carryover instruction in the home. Parent coaching is performed through google classroom, in a collaborative approach that recognizes the important role parents will continue to play in their child’s journey. By equipping parents with knowledge, skills, and support, therapists empower them to maximize their child’s potential and improve their overall quality of life.