Title: What is Adaptive Development and Why is it Important?
Headings: What is Adaptive Development and Why is it Important?
What is Adaptive Development and Why is it Important?
Content: Occupational therapists evaluate fine motor precision, which looks at finger and hand movement; visual-motor integration, which examines the ability to integrate visual stimuli with motor control; balance, and coordination as well as the adequacy of sensory integration. These skills are the foundation for life skills, so by identifying strengths and weaknesses, the therapist can determine the most appropriate treatment plan for a given child. A treatment plan is developed based on the evaluation findings. The occupational therapist will design meaningful and functional activities that will afford the opportunity for a child to learn, practice and strengthen targeted skill areas. Many times when a skill is hard to acquire, a child (or adult!) will avoid that activity, so setting up practice situations is a critical part of treatment. Also breaking the skill into manageable steps is often very helpful. For some children, a therapist may recommend adaptive equipment, such as a pencil grip or slant board.