Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2019 | Page 9

A Pediatric OT can provide focused evaluations on: • • • • • • • • • • Have difficulty feeding themselves? Appear weaker than their peers? Appear awkward or clumsy during play? Have a limited food repertoire or seem to be a picky eater? OT Tip: Coach your child to feed and dress themselves, as this lays the foundation for school skills. Motor skills (fine motor & gross motor) Developmental Skills Visual Processing Sensory Processing Handwriting Skills Executive Functioning Skills Certainly, when any concerns or questions arise about your child’s development, it is best to first seek the advice of your family pediatrician. They can make the recommenda- tion for an Occupational Therapy evaluation or other addi- tional evaluations that will be helpful for your child. Ultimately, we just want our children to be happy. By helping to strengthen or teach them new skills, they build self-confi- dence and resilience. A solid foundation is essential as our kids develop and grow. Jill Davidson, Occupational Therapist, Function Junction www.functionjunction.bm [email protected] **See Fall Bermuda Parent Magazine for article on Functional Skills Link to Handwriting 6 – 9 years old Does your child: • Switch hands when writing, have an immature pencil grasp? • Struggle to maintain focus in the classroom? • Always need to be moving? • Avoid team sports? • Experience trouble with a fork or spoon? • Have difficulty learning to ride a bike or scooter? FUNCTION JUNCTION LO G O U P D AT E S : S E P T 2 0 1 7 OT Tip: Encourage your child to pack/unpack their school bag and lunch box every day. This promotes organization, planning and sequencing skills which are needed throughout their day. 10 – 16 years old Does your child: • Have challenges organizing their belongings and their school work? • Forget to hand in homework assignments? • Have illegible handwriting? • Have difficulty advocating for themselves in the classroom? OT Tip: Create a clear and organized study space equipped with good lighting. Have a second fully stocked pencil case available for home. If any of the above conditions are relevant in your fam- ily, feel free to contact a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. They can further evaluate these benchmark skills, highlight your child’s strengths, and identify the skills they are ready to further develop. Function Junction is a child-centered private practice with the goal of optimizing your child’s abilities and supporting them in reaching their full potential. Here’s what we offer: Developmental Screenings Full Evaluations Written Reports Home Programmes Individual & Group Sessions Classroom & Home Observations Bike Riding Training and Education Holiday Camps …and more! Contact us today for more information or to book an evaluation! 336-5455 • [email protected] www.functionjunction.bm • find us on Facebook mybermudaparent.com FUNCTION JUNCTION 7