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An occupational therapy assistant career (OTA) is directly involved in the therapy of people who need to improve or regain the skills necessary for daily life after illness or injury. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists and assist patients in their treatments, such as stretching and other therapeutic activities.

How to become an occupational therapy assistant

An occupational therapy assistant requires an associate's degree from an accredited therapy assistant program. You can find it on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website. These OTA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

OTA programs typically last 2 years and are offered at technical colleges or community colleges. The coursework includes psychology, life sciences, and pediatric health. In order to gain practical work experience, at least 16 weeks of fieldwork must be completed. Schools usually set it up during a program study.

In addition, you must pass a board certification exam to practice and obtain a license in the state you plan to live or work in. The National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers the certification exam. However, you should check with your state office to determine their licensing requirements. Many schools have this information, but each state varies slightly.

Job title of an occupational therapy assistant

An occupational therapy assistant works with occupational therapists to develop and implement treatments for patients recovering from illness or injury. They help them improve the skills they need for their daily routines, such as B. balancing, standing or sitting, stretching, and other forms of movement.

They teach patients to use specific devices that will improve their mobility or make them easier to use. They record the patient's developments and pass the information on to the occupational therapist. He or she helps children with developmental problems or disabilities to develop coordination and socialization skills through therapeutic play activities.

The occupational therapy assistant trains the patient in safe maneuvering in bed or in a wheelchair. An important part of this work is to motivate and encourage patients to overcome their challenges. Some jobs can also include routine office work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average growth in this occupational field, in part due to the baby boom and an aging population.

Knowing that your child has a language disorder can be overwhelming. These tips on finding the right speech therapist will help you help your child.

Talking to your child's doctor is a good first step. He or she should be able to refer you to one or more speech therapists. A speech therapist should have the initials "SLP" for "Speech Pathologist" after his name.

Children under the age of three can qualify for early intervention through a local government-funded program that provides the services they need, including speech therapy. Children over the age of three can qualify for services through their school district.

You can also find a speech therapist at a nearby private clinic or children's hospital, or search for a speech therapist near you on Healthgrades.com. Before you decide on the best professional for your child, consider the following.

1. Find the right training and experience.
Choose an American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) certified speech therapist. This certification means that the therapist has completed an accredited program. Certified speech therapists have passed a national exam. They also completed a one-year clinical fellowship. ASHA offers an online directory of certified speech therapists.

Speech therapists specialize in certain areas. So, ask candidates if they have the specific experience your child needs. The right therapist for your child will have a thorough understanding of your child's specific language disorder. You should also have completed courses, workshops, and seminars on this condition. This helps ensure that the therapist is aware of the most effective therapies.

It's a good idea to ask speech therapists how much experience they have with children. Ask prospective therapists how much of their case burden includes children similar to yours. This could help you become more comfortable with your decision.

2. Think about your approach to treatment.

There are many different types of language problems. Treatment for one condition may be different than for another. The speech therapist you choose should be able to describe your approach to treating your child's problem and explain how you would like to monitor your child's progress.

It is important to work with your child's speech therapist. Children can benefit from this team approach. Your child's therapist will only have a limited amount of time with your child. Parents and caregivers can help implement treatment strategies throughout the day. A good therapist will involve you in caring for your child.

3. Note the therapist's "bedside posture" with the children.

Speech therapists who work with children should be able to calm them down. Your child should feel comfortable during speech therapy for kids. Children who are not relaxed have difficulty studying. The best way to make sure your child is not stressed is to find a therapist who interacts well with children.

Child-friendly speech therapists:

Ask the children what interests them
Walk on the floor with the children during the sessions.
Help children have fun during treatment

4. Take into account the ease of planning and keeping deadlines.

Once you've narrowed your search, ask a potential speech therapist specific questions that will help determine if they are right for your child. Make sure the therapist is available at times that suit your schedule. It's also a good idea to seek recommendations from potential speech therapists. You should be able to speak to other parents of children who have tried to get their feedback.

There are many therapists to choose from. Before you decide, here are a few tips to walk you through the process:

Ask questions. Before you make an appointment, here is a checklist with questions to ask over the phone:

What is your experience and education in working with children?
How often do you meet your parents?
Will you be in contact with my child's teacher or counselor?
How long do children usually stay in therapy with you?
What do you think of the medication?

Can I speak to a parent whose child has worked with you?

• Prepare for your consultation. Before planning a consultation, make a list of concerns about your child. Take away any educational assessments or class reports. Look at your child's long-term history. Are these the last fights? Have there been major changes or interruptions in your family?

Nobody knows your child better than you. The more information you gather about your child, the better. Partnering with your child's therapist and working together is the expressway to help your child.

Consult three therapists before choosing one. Therapists have different styles and approaches to working with children. For example, some therapists work with parents while others prefer to work alone with children.

Take your time and interview at least three therapists. You wouldn't hire just any babysitter for your son, would you? Many anxious parents hire the first therapist they meet and then regret it. Don't rush it. Be patient. Trust your instincts.

Learn more about the differences in credentials. Social Workers, Psychiatrists, Psychologists: What's the Difference? Good question. Although they are all known and licensed as therapists, they have very different backgrounds and unique specialties. Here's a quick look at their qualifications:

Clinical social workers hold a master's degree in social work and are typically trained in empowerment and advocacy. Social workers often have a hands-on approach to problem-solving and seek conflict resolution through conversation or play therapy, counseling, and group work.

Psychiatrists and psychopharmacologists have medical degrees and mainly prescribe medication. If you are looking for antidepressants or medication for attention problems or anxiety, these doctors are for you.

Psychologists have a doctorate in psychology and, in addition to psychotherapy, also offer psychological and educational tests. Differences in learning and perception such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, or auditory processing difficulties are identified and recommendations are made. Recommendations can include medication, individual or group therapy, a technical school, or additional academic support.

Read More - How To Become A Child Therapist

Types of therapy

There are dozens of different types of therapies for children and adolescents. Here is a list of the most common.

• Play therapy. Play therapists use toys, action figures, games, and art to help young children express themselves and describe their fears and concerns. Play therapy is best for preschool or elementary school children who are struggling with emotional difficulties.
  Group therapy. Group therapy is ideal for children or adolescents who suffer from social problems such as extreme shyness, intimidation, or social isolation. Group therapy helps build social capacity and resilience.
  Cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT is the most popular treatment for children struggling with attention problems, phobias, and obsessions. CBT is limited in time and uses a variety of techniques such as relaxation exercises, personal diaries, and computer programs to specifically target and change certain behaviors and mood problems.
  Family therapy. Families suffer from all kinds of disorders, such as divorce, separation, illness, the death of a loved one, or financial difficulties. Family therapists hold family reunions to help all family members express their concerns and frustrations with the aim of restoring positive communication and mutual respect.
  Individual therapy. Who doesn't feel better after talking about their problems? Almost all therapists are trained in psychotherapy; However, make sure that the therapist you choose has some training and experience in working with parents, children, and adolescents.
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  For nearly 20 years, confused and frustrated parents have been visiting my office for advice and guidance. Parents who actively ensure that their children help always win in the end. Your children get better faster and spend less time in therapy. Why wait longer and worry? There is a lot of help available. Consulting with a child and adolescent therapist can calm you down so you can get back to what parents really mean: enjoying life with your children.