How Therapies Work Together
Recently, a client mentioned that she couldn’t believe she actually felt grateful for the difficulty she had experienced with her child’s toileting issues because it led them to occupational therapy (OT). She was grateful because, through the therapy process, OT was able to address a multitude of additional developmental concerns the family had. Along with this, came the surprise that OT can address so many areas. It comes as no surprise to OTs that this is a common view of most. It always reminds us how helpful it is to provide a quick review of the comprehensive treatment offered at MOSAIC. And, to learn how our therapies work together for the best outcomes.
All therapists have extensive training in development. All development has correlation and causation, or in other words, the bodily system works together. Every therapist has training in the bodily systems before branching into their fields. The Pyramid of Learning, by Occupational Therapists Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, provides a visual to support developmental areas addressed in therapies.
If someone recommends OT for handwriting, this is at the top of the pyramid. The therapist (OTR) is trained to address the bottom levels so that ultimately the handwriting will improve. If a child is referred to speech therapy because language is delayed, then the therapist (SLP) will work the developmental system to promote language. They may coordinate with OT/PT to ensure support of the motor and regulation skills to develop language. Often, a physical therapist (PT) meets a child struggling with movement. They will use a variety of skills to improve the movement. Sometimes this also means seeking OT to improve a child’s sensory motor and nervous system to help meet goals. This can also mean needing an SLP to improve how a child speaks so the PT can understand them.
The examples of these connections can go on and on. If you find yourself having a concern about your child’s development, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out. We acknowledge that recognizing a concern is difficult. Our team is always ready to put our knowledge to work and have our therapies work together to ensure that we address the overall developmental outcome.