Early Intervention Program: Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Occupational therapists will assess functional areas of a child’s development in areas including: feeding skills, fine motor skills, play skills, and self care skills. They will then identify individualized strategies and environmental supports that will support skill development.

Occupational therapists may work with children in various settings, including the child’s home, daycare/preschool, or other community spaces including our clinic, and often involves collaboration with families, educators, and other healthcare providers to support children in participating as fully as possible in their home, school, and community environments.

Occupational Therapy services provides assessment, treatment and/or consultation, and education for:

• Oral motor skills and safe feeding procedures.
• Self care skills e.g. toileting, dressing.
• Fine motor skill development e.g. printing and cutting.
• Sensory processing e.g. significant challenges with sensory regulation impacting participation in childcare programs.
• Specific musculoskeletal needs and associated equipment to support postural alignment and joint protection (including implementation of hand, wrist or elbow splints).
• Acquiring equipment to support positioning and mobility needs e.g. wheelchairs, bath seats, commodes, specialized beds and mattresses, etc.
• Participation in learning activities through the use of assistive technology (e.g. specialized computers/communication devices) and environmental controls.
• Home and community accessibility.

The Early Intervention Physiotherapy Program provides publicly funded physiotherapy services to infants and young children from birth to school entry who have, or are at risk for, developmental delay and/or disability. Referrals are accepted from families and health-care professionals for children with conditions such as torticollis, plagiocephaly and gross motor delays.

Pediatric physical therapists work with children and their families to support the development of movement, coordination, strength, balance and endurance. Services focus on identifying and promoting optimal motor development so children can participate fully at home, in preschool, child care and other community settings. Care is delivered using a play-based and strengths-based approach, and therapists often work in consultation with the Infant Development Program and the Supported Child Development Program.

Physiotherapy services include assessment, treatment, consultation and education to support:

• Gross motor skill development
• Physical skills for participation at home and in the community
• Environmental adaptations for function and safety
• Access to equipment such as standing frames, walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs and seating
• Range of motion and strength concerns
• Head shape concerns