Occupational Therapy

At Centre Myéline in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, our occupational therapist supports children and teenagers, just a short walk from the Montgomery roundabout.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a paramedical profession that helps children and teenagers develop their independence and take part in everyday activities (washing, getting dressed, playing, learning, interacting with others) despite a disorder, a disability or temporary difficulties.

The occupational therapist considers the whole child: their motor, cognitive, sensory and emotional abilities, as well as their family, school and social environment. They recognise that difficulties in carrying out activities can have a major impact on quality of life, self-esteem and social participation. They work on activities of daily living (washing, getting dressed, eating…), school and leisure. Based on an individual assessment, they set suitable goals and put personalised support in place.

Sessions are built on activities that are meaningful to the child, both as a means and as a therapeutic goal, which encourages engagement, motivation and the development of autonomy and independence, while respecting the child’s pace. The occupational therapist works with the family and other healthcare professionals to support inclusion, social participation and a better quality of life for the child.

Which disorders do we treat?

The occupational therapist supports children and teenagers who have difficulties carrying out their daily activities.

The areas of intervention are: motor (fine and gross motor skills, functional movements, coordination), cognitive (attention, memory, planning, organisation), sensory (sensory integration, sensory hyper- and hyposensitivity), psycho-emotional (self-esteem, confidence), relational and social (social participation), school and education (writing, using school tools), independence (dressing, hygiene, eating, getting around, leisure) and environment (adapting equipment or the home).

The occupational therapist works with children or teenagers who have:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (ASD, ADHD, DCD, “dys” disorders, intellectual developmental disorder and communication disorder), muscle tone disorders (psychomotor instability, psychomotor disharmony)
• Motor and neurological disorders
• Sensory disorders
• Psychological and emotional disorders
• Disabilities or loss of independence

How occupational therapy works

Occupational therapy begins with a case history, an interview with the family to better understand the child or teenager’s story, daily life, habits and needs. This first step is essential to place their difficulties in their wider context.

It continues with assessment sessions (standardised tools) and clinical observation, during which the occupational therapist analyses the child or teenager’s motor, cognitive, sensory and functional abilities, as well as their level of independence in daily life, school and leisure activities.

After this evaluation, an occupational therapy assessment report is produced. It highlights the child or teenager’s strengths, difficulties and priorities. Personalised goals are then set to encourage independence, adapt the environment and support participation in daily life.

During sessions, the occupational therapist uses different approaches: functional activities, games, real-life situations, rehabilitation or compensatory strategies, and adaptations to the school or home environment, all to encourage independence and participation.

Care evolves and is adjusted over time so that each child can progress at their own pace in a reassuring setting.