FAQs
What is occupational therapy?
In occupational therapy, we focus on improving a child’s independence in the everyday activities they are expected to participate in for their age. We target occupations known as activities of daily living (ADLs), which include dressing, grooming/hygiene, and feeding, as well as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as meal preparation or household activities. In therapy, we address the skill sets required for a child to be successful in participating in these ADL and IADL tasks. This includes addressing motor coordination skills (gross/fine/bilateral/visual motor), sensory processing and regulation skills, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills. Our goal is to use a holistic approach to support your child in learning life skills!
What is my role as the parent/guardian in the therapy process?
Parent participation and collaboration is a critical component of our therapeutic process. As occupational therapists, we spend a limited amount of time with your child each week. We greatly value the learning that occurs at home when parents make home practice a priority. After each session, your child’s occupational therapist will take a few minutes to explain the activities they used during the session and discuss your child’s progress so you can practice these newly learned skills at home in between sessions. Teamwork with the parents and caregivers is our goal! Together we can help ensure progress is consistent and carries over into the home environment.
My child gets occupational therapy in the public schools. Can I receive services at your office in addition to what my child receives in the school?
Yes! School based services and services at Speech Tree Therapy Center are similar, but can both be valuable to your child. School based services focus more on the educational impact of your child’s motor and/or sensory deficits. Our therapy will also focus on the home and other community environments your child participates in. In addition, school based services are often provided in a group setting.
How long will my child need to be in occupational therapy?
The length of time a child will need to be in occupational therapy depends greatly on the type of impairment and its severity. Speech Tree strives to use the most effective evidence based practice to maximize the effectiveness of therapy.
Does Speech Tree Therapy Center accept insurance?
Yes! We accept the following insurances: Blue Shield, Kaiser, United Health Care, Tricare, San Diego Regional Center, and Cigna. Each insurance plan is different. We encourage each family to call their individual health care plan to ask what your specific coverage is for occupational therapy.
What should I do if I think my child has delays in the following areas: fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, and/or feeding?
If you have questions regarding your child’s development, you can contact us here with any questions. You should also see your child’s pediatrician to ask any questions and seek a referral for an occupational therapy evaluation.
For typical fine motor and feeding developmental milestones, click here.
What can I expect during my first appointment at Speech Tree Therapy Center?
Prior to your first appointment you should have received paperwork to fill out so your child’s therapist can learn a little about your child. During your first session, the therapist will review the paperwork and discuss any concerns you might have regarding your child’s fine and/or gross motor, sensory processing, self-care, and/or feeding. An evaluation will be completed with your child to assess the areas of concern and the therapist will provide you with a brief overview of the findings. After the evaluation is complete, the occupational therapist will make recommendations. If occupational therapy is recommended therapy will begin as soon as possible.