| FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS |
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What
happens when I am referred to an Occupational Therapist?
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Parent
or teacher raises concerns about some aspect of the child's
development. |
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Phone
OTHC to discuss case and arrange an Assessment appointment. |
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OTHC
send a letter confirming appointment, map of clinic location
and a background questionnaire on the child. |
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Assessment
is carried out using the appropriate standardised tests. They
take about 1½ hours. The tests and preliminary findings
are discussed with parents at the end of the assessment. |
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Within
a week, a detailed typed report is furnished to parents and
if necessary other allied professionals, eg teacher, school
health nurse or speech pathologist. |
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If
required an appropriate course of treatment is formulated and
recommended to parents. This includes key goals of therapy and
progress reporting. |
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What
happens at an Assessment?
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The
child is tested using a series of standardised tests such
as copying designs, threading beads, spot the difference
in patterns, etc. Depending on the attributes being tested.
Children find these assessments fun as a wide variety of
activities are covered during the assessment. Results are
statistically compared with a large test base of similarly
aged children. Preliminary results and observations are
explained to parents during and following the assessment.
A typed report is then forwarded to parents and any other
professionals working with the child, if required.
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When
should I refer a child to Occupational Therapy?
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When
you are concerned that development of age appropriate skills
are not being met. The most prudent course of action is
to seek the expert advice of an Occupational Therapist -
remember early intervention is the key.
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How
will I know if my child requires further treatment?
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Following
the assessment the Occupational Therapist will make a recommendation
based on the results of the assessment. Treatment can take
a variety of forms:
· Individual Occupational Therapy sessions
· Group Occupational Therapy sessions
· A detailed programme for parents to administer
at home
· A school programme
· Pre-school/school consultations
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How
long will treatment last?
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Treatment
sessions are typically 45 minutes or 1 hour. The therapist
will set therapy goals at the outset of treatment. Progress
towards these goals will be monitored and treatment will
be concluded when age appropriate skills have been developed.
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How
much will it cost?
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This
depends on the course of treatment required but will be
discussed fully with you before commencing treatment. If
you would like more details contact us directly.
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