Zaitun Rassool, Registered Occupational Therapist. I attained my Human Movement Sciences and Occupational Therapy degrees from the University of the Western Cape. I have been fortunate to assess and provide intervention for children with varying diagnoses & disabilities over the past 20 years. This opportunity and exposure has enabled me with valuable knowledge and skillset in Occupational Therapy intervention with learners with Special Needs.
Occupational Therapy involves using science-based techniques to help patients have more success doing things they want to do and need to do on a daily basis. The Occupational Therapist refers to these activities as “occupations”, hence the name of the therapy. These could be activities that are a normal part of the school day. Occupational Therapists focus on giving students the tools to work through physical, emotional and environmental factors. Finding activities the student can participate in to improve both physical well-being and mental health will be important to the Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapists working with Special Needs children do not work in isolation, but rather as a valuable member of a LSEN team. Together with teachers, parents, paediatricians and other therapists (speech & language, physiotherapists, psychologists), an individualised education programme/approach/ plan is required for the special needs child/ student (IEP team).
Special needs children who have the assistance of Occupational Therapy intervention often see improved physical and mental development. These developments are primarily the result of Occupational Therapists helping children develop and enhance communication, motor and sensory processing skills.
With the help of Occupational Therapy, children can learn how to manage difficult emotions, such as frustration and anger. At the same time, they learn how to maintain positive behaviours in a wide range of environments, including school and at home. Working with an Occupational Therapist can help children with special needs develop the skills and tools they need to succeed in both education and later in life.